NFR Watch

Posted by Quentin Jodie | Aug 23, 2015 | Rodeo |

Seba Dalkai, Ariz., cowboy Derrick Begay is on the verge of qualifying for his seventh Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. Begay pocketed $7,728 last week and pushed his year-end total to $70,505, which placed him fourth overall in the latest PRCA standings. (File photo)

Begay moves up to No. 4 in the world

WINDOW ROCK

Derrick Begay isn’t making any promises but he would like to compete at this year’s Navajo Nation Fair.

Of course for that to happen, Begay needs to make sure he gets qualified for the 2015 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. The top 15 cowboys in each event makes the final, which is set for Dec., 3-12 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nev.

“I haven’t gone to that rodeo in nine years,” Begay said of the Navajo Nation Fair. “Growing up it was one of my favorite rodeos. Hopefully I have enough money won so I can come back.”

His recent surge last week put him in good company as he placed at three different rodeos and pocketed $7,728. At press time he moved up one spot to No. 4 in the world with $70,505.

The Seba Dalkai, Ariz., cowboy placed second at the Missoula Stampede in Montana with a time of 4.4 seconds with heeling partner Clay O’Brien Cooper, which paid the pair $2,741.

The pair added another $1,447 at the Farm City Pro Rodeo in Hermiston, Ore., with an eight place showing in the average race, which included a fourth place finish in the second round.

On Sunday, Begay capped his efficient weekend with a third place finish at the Cody Stampede Wrangler Champions Challenge on Sunday.