The third performance of the American Royal Rodeo was a pretty fair showcase of world champions.

– Saddle bronc riders Taos Muncy and Billy Etbauer
– Tie-down roper Monty Lewis
– Steer wrestlers Dean Gorsuch, Jason Miller and Luke Branquinho.

All faired very well Saturday night. Gorsuch led the parade of champions with a 4.0-second steer wrestling run, followed by Miller’s 4.2. Branquinho stole the show with his 3.4; combined with his 3.5 in the first round, he leads the aggregate competition.

Muncy posted a quality bronc ride, matching moves with Betty Bucks for 85 points. The final ride of the night, Billy Etbauer on Let R Rip, capped the buckin’ horse business with an 88. That’s pretty salty for any cowboy, much less a 47-year-old bronc buster with five world championships in his hip pocket.

Lewis roped and tied his calf in 11.6 seconds, good enough for fifth place on Saturday night in Kemper Arena. 

The American Royal is boasting the best of the best. On Saturday night, the gold buckles were shining brightly.