On July 28, World Champion barrel racer Jordon Briggs confirmed to the world that Famous Lil Jet, “Rollo,” is back on top following his 2024 injury when she clinched the 2024 Cheyenne Frontier Days barrel racing title.
“It’s definitely a bucket list rodeo to win,” Briggs said. “I’m just so grateful to be here, and to win it this year especially, because we really needed it right now.”
Although Briggs started her CFD outside of placing in the qualifying round, she steadily improved with each run in Cheyenne’s iconic, unique setup. She drew second-place checks in her Quarterfinals and Semifinals sets, plus won the Championship Round in 17.06 seconds for a total earnings of $17,054.
“This is a tough rodeo to win, and you don’t just do it by accident.”
Jordon Briggs
The final round kicked off with a stellar 17.09-second run from LaTricia Duke and DM High Roller, and Briggs followed just a few runners after.
“I was glad I was in the first drag,” Briggs said. “I like to be able to just go out and make my run and let the cards fall. I just had to control my nerves going to the first barrel and nail that one.”
Entering the summer without a dollar won, Briggs and Rollo been clawing their way back to the winner’s circle since June.
“It was a little rocky at first,” Briggs said. “I had to learn to control my emotions. I was so emotional, I was pumped up and ready to get out here and set the world on fire. I was trying way too hard, and Rollo was so excited to be back that he was trying so hard, too.”
Once they found their groove, Briggs and Rollo racked up nearly $50,000 and rocketed up the WPRA World Standings with every update to the list in a hurry. But Cheyenne’s payout will give Briggs the extra boost she’s been looking for to make up ground.
“I told myself that I would stick it out through Cheyenne and see what happens,” Briggs said. “I didn’t want to ruin my horse just to prove a point. But then again, I wanted to at least crack the top 30 so that I don’t start from behind last year. So it’s been hard to make decisions, but I think Rollo’s making them a little easier with this.”
For now, Briggs is back on the trail and looking to keep the streak alive in hopes of securing a place in the 2024 Playoff Standings, plus tickets to the Playoff Finals in Puyallup, Sioux Falls Governor’s Cup and a slot into the new Mandan, North Dakota’s RoughRiders Cup in September.
Click here for full Cheyenne Frontier Days 2024 results.
See the list of pedigrees of the 12 horses in Cheyenne’s short round
