LAS VEGAS – Tanner Aus has had an amazing salary in just nine December nights.
He won Friday’s ninth go-round, marking the third time he’s earned at least a share of the top score in bareback riding. He also has placed three other nights. So far, he has earned $100,468 in a week and a half, pushing his season total to $213,152.
“I knew I had an opportunity to win the round,” said Aus of Granite Falls, Minn. “I had a little bit of those first-night jitters again.”
He pocketed $26,231 after an 88.5-point ride on Pete Carr Pro Rodeo’s Good Time Charlie, a veteran sorrel gelding that is bucking at the NFR for the ninth time.
“I’ve seen him a lot, and he’s taken a lot of my buddies to the pay window,” said Aus, who shared the first-round win and also earned the victory on the third night. “My traveling partner, Ty Breuer, won Guymon on him a couple of years ago.
“That’s another horse I’ve been craving, and I got on for the first time here at the National Finals; that means the world to me.”
The Minnesota cowboy has done very well in Sin City. Through 19 go-rounds inside the Thomas & Mack Center, he has pocketed $184,224. He’s also have a great time.
“After nine rounds, it’s incredible here,” Aus said. “There are guys that come out of the sports medicine rom, and they’re all taped up and full of ice, and they’re still happy to be here. That really fuels the fire and makes it fun.”
All the fun ends Saturday in Round 10. Aus still has another night to add to his earnings.
“Tonight’s round win was awesome,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to (Saturday) night. Every horse out is a chance to win. It’s going to be electric. We’re all ready, and everyone is ready and craving those TV-pen horses. It’s going to be so much fun.”
It’s been fun already, so there’s no reason to stop the ride.