Day Two of The American Rodeo 2026 delivered everything fans hoped for—record‑setting runs, emotional victories, and the kind of high‑pressure drama only Globe Life Field can produce. With a $2 million contender bonus on the line, athletes came in swinging, and several left with life‑changing paydays.
Bareback Riding: Rocker Steiner Dominates Again
Reigning PRCA World Champion Rocker Steiner proved once more why he’s the man to beat. Matching up with Secrets Out, Steiner delivered a 90.5‑point ride, securing his second consecutive American Rodeo title and a $100,000 check. His back‑to‑back wins at both RODEOHOUSTON and The American continue a career streak that’s quickly becoming legendary.
Breakaway Roping: Rickie Fanning Sparks the Arena
Breakaway roping stole the show on Day Two. South Dakota cowgirl Rickie Fanning came out first and threw down a blazing 1.71‑second run—the fastest of the entire weekend.
That run didn’t just win the round—it earned her a share of the $2 million bonus, totaling $766,666. Madison Outhier followed with a strong 1.94, but Fanning’s run was simply untouchable.
Team Roping: Summers & Corkill Seal the Deal
Veteran ropers Clint Summers and Jade Corkill kept their cool under pressure, clocking a clean 4.83 seconds to claim the championship and $100,000.
Corkill’s emotional post‑run interview—where he honored Oaklynn Rae and credited faith and family—left the arena misty‑eyed.
Saddle Bronc Riding: Sage Newman Strikes Gold
With two no‑scores before him, Sage Newman knew the door was open—and he kicked it down. His 89.25‑point ride on Larry Culpepper earned him not only the event title but also a share of the $2 million bonus.
Steer Wrestling: Gavin Soileau’s Perfect Run
In one of the most electric moments of the night, Gavin Soileau stopped the clock at 3.79 seconds, topping the leaderboard and becoming the third contender to claim a portion of the $2 million bonus.
His celebration—and the reaction from fellow competitors was pure rodeo magic.
Barrel Racing: Hayle Stillwell Shines in the Showdown
Day Two barrel racing brought tight times and big drama. In the final four shootout, Hayle Stillwell and her horse Buncha Dinero laid down a 15.428‑second run, earning the $100,000 championship check.
Heidi Gunderson, Blake Molle, and Dusky Lynn Hall rounded out the top four with strong performances, but Stillwell’s precision and speed sealed the win.
Final Thoughts
In the end, Day Two of The American Rodeo 2026 wasn’t just a showcase of world‑class talent, it was a reminder of why this sport captures hearts year after year. It was the grit in Rocker Steiner’s ride, the fire in Rickie Fanning’s record‑breaking run, the emotion in Jade Corkill’s voice, and the sheer determination of every contender who stepped into the arena chasing a dream. These athletes didn’t just compete for checks or titles; they competed for legacy. And as the dust settled over Globe Life Field, one thing was unmistakably clear: The American Rodeo isn’t just an event, it’s a proving ground where ordinary moments become history, and where the next great rodeo story is always one run away.
Check out photos from day two below.
