Riley Webb claimed another victory lap at the Thomas & Mack in Round 4 of the 2024 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, boosting his total NFR earnings to $127,685 and positioning himself as the leader in the tie-down world standings.
With $354,592 in the world standings—$41,402 ahead of second-ranked Shad Mayfield—Webb’s dominance in the Thomas & Mack is clear. His consistency has carried him to three round wins and a second-place finish across the first four rounds.
“This feels great,” Webb said. “Couldn’t be any better. I’m very blessed to be in this spot and try to do my job every night and let the rest take care of itself.”
Webb’s Run Breakdown
Webb clocked a 7.5-second run on calf 72, the same calf Haven Meged roped in Round 1.
“I fought the chute, tried to get him right and finally got him looking,” Webb said. “I tried to rope the neck sharp. I think I got him in the third swing. I had him ready to flank and just tried to make no mistakes and that’s what happened.”
The calf’s hard run out of the chute worked in Webb’s favor.
“I kind of like him out in front of me,” Webb said. “It all happens a lot faster. When you rope, I like when it hits their neck, it comes tight and you don’t have a lot of extra slack. Rudy is great. He gives me just enough, half a step more when I throw it to let me get beside him, and it’s just all working right now.”
Navigating the NFR Calves
Webb’s success has been consistent across all three pens of calves brought in by Jeff Yates and Lanham Mangold, who provide 60 calves for the Finals. Each pen of 20 calves is rotated across the 10 rounds, giving each roper a mix of opportunities.
“All of the calves are pretty good,” Webb said. “I would say the first round and the third rounds are my favorite, but if you do your job, they’re all going to give you a chance to win. They’re a great set of calves that Jeff and Lanham put together, so I’m very happy with them.”
Webb’s Mindset of Steel
At just 21 years old and in his third NFR, Webb demonstrates a level-headedness well beyond his years.
“I just stick to the basics,” Webb said. “You can’t overthink it just because it’s the NFR. It’s just like any other rodeo you go to. I mean, it isn’t, but it is at the same time, so you just have to back in there and do your job, and don’t overthink anything.”
South Point Celebrations
After his first two round wins, Webb has celebrated with Steak ‘n Shake at the South Point Hotel and Casino. But after two visits, he’s considering a change.
“I don’t know if I’ll go again,” Webb laughed. “I’m kind of burned out on it.”
With six rounds remaining at the 2024 NFR, Webb’s focus and momentum show no signs of slowing down as he chases a second world title.
