Bailey Bates rose to the occasion at the Governor’s Cup in Sioux Falls, seizing her last chance of the ProRodeo regular season to earn $34,978 and climb from No. 19 to No. 12 in the WPRA World Standings—securing her first career NFBR qualification.
On the latest episode of The Breakdown, listeners hear directly from Bates and Australian roper Arianna Varischetti about the partnership with borrowed gelding Reno that made the difference. Bates entered Sioux Falls outside the Top 15 and opened with a no-time that nearly ended her season. Instead of folding, she regrouped for a 2.7-second run, added a 2.6 in the semifinals, and capped the weekend with a blistering 2.1 in the finals. The comeback vaulted her into Vegas for the first time.
Bailey Bates on The Breakdown Podcast
Varischetti shares how Reno ended up in Bates’ hands after an injury sidelined her main mount. What started as a long-shot partnership quickly became one of the year’s most heartwarming storylines, with the duo even breaking an arena record in Kennewick, Washington.
“That horse is a champion—he craves it,” Varischetti explains. “Bailey uses her rope as good as anyone and is ruthless. It just clicked.”
Bates, meanwhile, reflects on a season spent juggling eight different horses, leaning on her family, and keeping her faith at the center of it all. From the highs of San Angelo to the near misses in mid-summer, she describes Sioux Falls as a divine culmination.
This episode goes beyond the box score—it’s a story of resilience, teamwork, and the belief that even when the odds are stacked against you, the right horse and the right moment can change everything.
🎧 Tune in to hear Bates and Varischetti relive the run that punched a last-minute ticket to Las Vegas.
Episode supported by Kimes Million Dollar Breakaway
The Kimes Ranch Million Dollar Breakaway, presented by Boot Barn, is the premier event in women’s rodeo, featuring a record-breaking million-dollar purse, inspiring competition, live concerts, shopping, and family fun at WestWorld of Scottsdale, November 24–30.
