Bull Rider Competing At NFR Hospitalized After Being “Slammed” By Bull

PRCA PHOTO BY CLAY GUARDIPEE

Amid the peak of his career, bull rider Ky Hamilton is now facing a significant setback during Round 5 of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

After learning that Ky would be sidelined, many fans were curious about the circumstances that led to the bull rider’s absence. Until this setback, he had been enjoying the most successful finals of his profession.

Though there remains a possibility for Ky to stage a comeback, the fact that he cannot compete is unquestionably disheartening. This casts doubt on his performance in round 6 and raises uncertainty about his participation in all upcoming rounds.

What happened to Ky Hamilton?

The Australian cowboy was knocked off during his attempt on Honeycutt Rodeo’s Bales Hay’s MAGA Tuesday night (Dec. 12) at the Thomas & Mack Center.

Following the injury, Dr. Tandy Freeman, the Medical Director of the Justin Sportsmedicine team, explained what had happened.

“Ky and the bull smacked heads against one another,” said Dr. Tandy Freeman. “He lost consciousness and has a concussion. He was sent to University Medical Center Trauma Center (in Las Vegas) for evaluation and observation.”

Freeman said Hamilton will miss Round 6, which is at 10 a.m. Wednesday, and will be re-evaluated for Round 7, which is at 5:45 p.m.

“He’s doubtful for competition (Wednesday) evening,” Freeman said.

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Ky was having a great tournament prior to the injury.

Before getting concussed, he was among the most successful National Finals of his career. Notably, he secured victories in two rounds of the NFR, achieving an impressive 89-point ride on Bridwell Pro Rodeos’ Fred. His earnings for this year’s NFR stand at $147,849, and he currently holds the top position in the PRCA | RAM World Standings with a total of $402,013. Additionally, Ky is leading the NFR average with 312 points in four head.

 

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Ky comes from a lineage of bull and horse riders.

According to his Pro Rodeo biography, the bull riding tradition was prominent on his father’s side of the family, with cousins actively participating in bull riding and bareback horse riding back in Australia. Ky initiated his own journey in the rodeo world by starting to ride steers at the age of 12. His American rodeo debut took place at the age of 15 when he competed for the first time at the Junior High School Finals in Des Moines, Iowa.

In an interview with The Cowboy Channel this summer, Ky talked about finding his way to the National Finals Rodeo with his family’s support.

“My family, they’ve always been behind me and always done whatever they could to help me out,” Hamilton said. “My mother’s parents, they’re great influences too. They’ve helped me out a bunch in getting set up over here and that kind of thing. I’m pretty lucky when it comes to family.”

We hope Ky makes a swift recovery and are eagerly anticipating his return to the competition!