NFR NEWS

Reigning World Champion Mowry Take First Round Victory at 2025 Wrangler NFR

By Ann Bleiker

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – The 2025 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Teton Ridge in Las Vegas got underway by celebrating the 1985 World Champions, the first year the NFR moved to Las Vegas. Representing the barrel racing was none other than the legend Charmayne James who won 10 consecutive world titles aboard the legendary Scamper and another title aboard Cruiser.

            Another world champion, the reigning world champ, Kassie Mowry was the first gunner out on Thursday night and she wasted no time aboard CP He Will Be Epic simply known as Will. The 10-year-old grey gelding stopped the clock in a time of 13.66 seconds to take the first-round victory.

            “I am so proud of Will,” stated Mowry. “I feel he gets overshadowed a lot and he is considered a back-up horse but in a lot of people’s barn, he would be first string but when you have a horse like Jarvis, it is really hard. Will can get it done too.”

            One year ago, she had a magical run at the Thomas and Mack winning five rounds in  a row and placed second in three others to leave town with her first world title. Although she isn’t aboard Jarvis that carried her to those wins last year, Will isn’t too shabby either.

            “Will is Mr. Dependable and I just really know what to expect when I get on him,” noted Mowry. “I tried to use that to my advantage tonight as I had the best draw, first out and he is always strong first run out of the gate. I can count on him now.”

            Being the reigning champ this year, she got to do a photoshoot with the legend James to celebrate the 40 years in Las Vegas and she said there are not too many people that make her star struck but James is one of those.

            “It was fun to be around her and rub shoulders with her,” Mowry said of James. “What an honor it was. I have no words to truly describe it. She is amazing.”

            Hailey Kinsel and Sister finished second in the round with a time of 13.70 seconds to move to second in the world behind Mowry. A year ago these two battled it out and looks like we might be in for another friendly battle between the two.

            Making her first appearance at the Thomas and Mack is Megan McLeod-Sprague, who earlier today was honored alongside her mother, Teri with WPRA’s Lifetime Family Heritage Award, was dressed to impress. Once again, all the top 15 are not only competing for cash in the arena but a chance to be named the 2025 Jerry Ann Taylor Best Dressed Award winner presented by The Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame. Fans can vote nightly on who they thought dressed the best. The winner will be announced prior to the 10^th round. All voting can be done at www.wpra.com.

            Second round action gets underway, Friday, December 5 at 5:45 p.m. PT LIVE on the Cowboy Channel.