World Champions reunite to win the 9th Annual Hork Dog Classic in Las Vegas, Nevada

LAS VEGAS – Every spring, for the last nine years, Charlie Horky has held one of the favorite and most anticipated ropings of the year at his ranch in Las Vegas. What makes this roping such a favorite? Could be the $128,000 purse with no stock charge, the outstanding barbeque or the “laid back” atmosphere.

On Monday, April 6th, Clay Tryan and Patrick Smith came from fifth high call to best 160 teams and win the roping with a four-head average time of 25.71 and earn the $48,000 first place prize money.

“We needed to be 6.1 to take over the lead and there were still four teams behind us,” said Clay Tryan, “We needed to make a fast run for a chance at placing. We got a pretty good start and were 5.7.”

In fact, Patrick had just made a similar run in eighth call back position with regular PRCA rodeo partner, Trevor Brazile, turning in a time of 5.8 for a total on four of 26.14 – fast enough for second place and to pocket Smith a whopping $38,000, his share of first and second place prize money. When the dust settled only one second separated first through fourth place average times.

Trevor Brazile also double dipped in the average roping with partner, Kory Koontz, and turning in a time of 26.27 on four to win third. Coming from seventh call back position to win fourth with a 26.44 on four, were Mikey Fletcher and Randon Adams.

When asked how The Hork Dog Classic got started, Charlie chuckled, “Nine years ago I’d only been roping for a couple of years and became friends with Britt Bockius. There were some dates between the rodeos in Laughlin and Logandale where nothing was going on and we just decided to have it. At the time I didn’t know anything about the business of putting on a roping.”

Over the years the roping has grown and Charlie has kept the quality in tact by hiring the best help possible and bringing them back every year. Each year beautiful CLS Gist buckles, (donated by CLS Transportation), are awarded to the average winners. This year cattle were provided by the Twisselman family. Horky is proud of the fact that this event ranks in the top favorites of the pro’s, along with the Bob Feist Invitational and the George Strait Team Roping Classic.

“This year the 9th Annual Hork Dog Classic cost approximately $27,000 to produce. I can see the possibility of a minimal cattle charge in the future to help offset expenses, but it won’t be much,” adds Charlie.

In a job where every day is a brand new battle, professional ropers know a good thing when they see it. “I would like to thank Charlie Horky for having this roping, I look forward to it all year. It’s amazing to me that he’s able to have an event this prestigious in his backyard and make it fun and relaxing. I know I’m proud to have this title under my belt,” explains Patrick Smith

“We don’t get to rope for this kind of money very often and especially not in such a fun atmosphere. Thanks to Charlie for such a great opportunity,” says Clay Tryan.