Shane Hanchey walked away from Globe Life Field $100,000 richer after a lightning-fast 6.73-second run aboard 2023 AQHA Horse of the Year, Stylish Bugsy, to win the 2025 American Rodeo tie-down roping title.
As one of five invitees to The American, Hanchey needed just two runs to clinch his second American Rodeo championship. He posted a 7.58-second run to split the Semifinal Round with million dollar Contender Kincade Henry, then came back in the final four shootout with the fastest run of the night.
“This is a huge confidence boost,” Hanchey said. “Knowing that you won a rodeo of this magnitude before the summer run kicks off is cool. I’m excited about the momentum and hoping we can keep it going.”
Bugsy’s Comeback Story
Key to Hanchey’s win was Stylish Bugsy, aka “Bugsy,” who returned to competition this winter after a lengthy layoff. The standout horse suffered a significant injury — a torn left hind suspensory ligament — during the 2023 National Finals Rodeo and was sidelined for most of 2024.
“I started riding him again at Houston, so just a month ago,” Hanchey said. “It’s been great to have him back.”
Bugsy’s return wasn’t rushed. The injury proved worse than initially expected, requiring extended recovery. Hanchey was patient, ensuring Bugsy was feeling his best before returning to the arena.
The American Rodeo Preparation
Hanchey’s win at The American caps off a strong winter run. He placed fourth at RodeoHouston and third at Rodeo Austin, gaining momentum as summer approaches.
“The American setup is a lot like the National Finals,” Hanchey said. “The faster you can go, the better you’re off. At Houston, you’re roping on a football field, so it’s a really big arena. Coming off Houston, I just ran a few smaller calves in the practice pen on a quicker start. The plan was to try and keep doing what we’ve been doing.”
In the Semifinal Round, Hanchey was third out, following 2023 and 2024 World Champion Riley Webb, who set the bar high with a 6.9-second run.
“Riley made an amazing run,” Hanchey said. “The kid is just phenomenal. He might go down as the greatest of all time when it’s all said and done. I knew I drew the calf I wanted, and if it happened fast, I could be right there with him.”
No rest is in sight for Hanchey. He’s up again April 13 in Logandale, Nevada, and will then head back to Texas for the San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo.
The American Rodeo coverage is sponsored by Equinety.
