Otero's barrel racing sets the tone
Carlee Otero came out swinging in the 2026 Utah Days of '47 Rodeo, securing the fastest time in the barrel racing event on opening night with a 17.43-second run. Her performance edged out Megan McLeod-Sprague, who clocked 17.58 seconds. Both will now face off in the Gold Medal round Saturday as Otero looks to defend her title.
Saddle bronc and bull riding see top contenders
In the saddle bronc riding, Sage Newman scored 88 points to qualify for Saturday’s Gold Medal round. Newman is returning to defend the 2025 gold medal. Coleman Shallbetter, ranked No. 19 nationally, followed with 87 points and earned his spot in the final. For bull riding, only two riders—Dalton Allred and Koby Jacobson—covered their bulls and will advance to the final.
Roping and steer wrestling set up tight finals
In the timed events, J.D. Struxness dominated steer wrestling with a 8.8-second two-head aggregate, while Mason Couch followed with 9.6 seconds. In team roping, Cody Snow and Lane Mitchell secured the fastest two-run time of 10.4 seconds. Meanwhile, in tie-down roping, Joel Harris set the pace with 14.9 seconds overall, with brother Ty Harris at 15.9 seconds. Ty, a 2019 gold medalist, will look to help Joel claim his first title in 2026.