The 2026 Resistol Rookie race has officially kicked off, and the first-ever Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo (FWSSR) Rookie Rally has already made a significant impact. Newcomers have arrived with an eagerness to prove themselves, showcasing their skills in front of a captivated audience at Dickies Arena.

As each competitor introduced themselves before performing, a common thread began to emerge: several athletes had already accumulated enough earnings on their permits to qualify for the 2025 National Finals Rodeo (NFR). However, this year, they’ve decided to take the next step and officially pursue their dreams of winning a gold buckle.

Winning in the event not only brought a generous prize of $88,000 but also earned participants a spot in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) PRORODEO Tournament, which started on Thursday, January 23.

Rookie Rally Results

Daxtyn Field, who comes from a family deeply rooted in rodeo, is making a name for himself through his own hard work and dedication. His performance with The Patch from Penthouse Pro Rodeo, where he scored 86.5 points, was a standout moment. This victory also marked a milestone for the stock contracting firm, which has gained recognition in the Bullfighters Only (BFO) as the owner of Hugh, the World Champion fighting bull. Now, their name is becoming more prominent in the PRCA, thanks to their string of high-quality bucking horses.

In the first timed event of the day, Colin Fox of Manvel, Texas, delivered an impressive run. As a steer wrestler, he posted a four-second run that placed him at the top of the leaderboard. While this was a new experience for the rookie, Fox is no stranger to success. He has previously been a Texas High School Rodeo Association state champion and has competed at the Lazy E Arena for the Jr. Ironman.

Jet Toberer and Cody Egusquiza put on a thrilling performance with a clean 4.8-second run. However, it wasn’t without its challenges. As Toberer nodded his head, the duo exited the chute, but Egusquiza’s horse veered left while still in the box. Despite this setback, they quickly regrouped and successfully roped both legs.

Thayne Elshere made a lasting impression as an all-around rough stock athlete. He won the saddle bronc riding with 87.5 points on Penthouse Pro Rodeo’s Painted Habitat and secured the all-around title after placing second in the bull riding with 80 points.

Ace Reese and his horse Colonel Peeka Pep (Peeka Pep x Friscos Colonel Tari) made history by earning the first-ever Rookie Rally Tie-Down Roping Champion title with an 8.7-second run.

Laylan Neatherlin set the pace in the barrel racing, stopping the clock at 16.65 seconds to claim $4,000.

Every 2026 rookie is determined to make their mark, and these athletes have already done so in Fort Worth.

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