Rattler Roundup: Austin 2024
Rattler Roundup – Austin, TX
The odds were certainly in our favor at Gambler Days last weekend. Your Ariat Texas Rattlers closed their triple-header in Austin with a weekend record of 2-1, and a tally for the Texas Cup added to our side of the scoreboard. A lot happened, so we hope you didn’t miss it – but if you did, we’ve got you covered. Here’s your look at What Went Down in ATX, as well as What’s Next for the Rattlers in the days to come.
What Went Down
Gambler Days Recap
Game 1: Kansas City Outlaws
A win against Kansas City wasn’t in the cards for us this time around, but it wasn’t a total bust – that $800 for 8 total goes up every time we make the whistle, win or lose. Two Rattlers showed out against KC to score another $1600 for Permian Basin youth organizations. It was an awesome night for the Aussies. Brady Fielder added another ride to his impressive season record with a high-rollin’ score of 89.25 points aboard Mike’s Motive. Qynn Anderson also came to play, finding the whistle for 85.25 points against Lightning Show’s best efforts. Unfortunately, the Outlaws also logged two qualified rides – the total of which was just enough for them to take the win. (Final 174.5 : 198.5)
Game 2: Austin Gamblers
The Rattlers went all in against the Gamblers on Saturday night. We had a score to settle with Austin after their win a couple weeks back, and they were hungry for a home-dirt victory after losing to New York in an opening night upset. To say tensions were high inside the Moody Center would be an understatement… We played absolutely no part in alleviating that pressure. A clean sweep victory over our in-state rivals upped the ante and officially put us back in the running for the 2024 Texas Cup.
Brady Fielder set the tone right out of the gate with a characteristic 88-point-ride aboard Miller Time. The next three rides were no-scores, and then it was Claudio Montanha Jr.’s turn to tango. In his debut ride of the season, Montanha Jr. matched Off The Tracks’ every twist; 86.25-point-performance ended up being the only other qualified ride of the night, making it a shutout victory for the Texas Rattlers over the Austin Gamblers. (Final 174.25 : 0)
The Rattlers and Gamblers will face off for the final time in less than 30 days! The ultimate battle for the Texas Cup is going down on our home dirt during Rattler Days, so seriously, you’ve got to be there. Tickets are available on our website.
Game 3: Oklahoma Wildcatters
Last but not least, we avenged our season-opening loss (we told you not to get comfortable, JB!) against the Oklahoma Wildcatters to round out the weekend. Texas logged three qualified rides to Oklahoma’s two, adding $2400 to the Chevron $800 for 8 pot and a win to our record.
Oklahoma was the first to make the whistle, but Daniel Keeping was quick to strike back with his ride against Stryker, logging a cool 86 points to get Texas back in the running. Newly-minted Rattler Mason Taylor followed up with an 88.5-point-effort aboard Smooth Criminal – his first qualified ride with Texas since the trade. Claudio Montanha Jr. then clinched a perfect debut weekend for himself, nabbing another solid 84.25 points during his matchup with Lap Dancer. (Final 258.75 : 177.25)
Brady Oleson Update
On Friday evening, Brady Oleson took a hard fall from Fast Flow that unfortunately resulted in significant injury. Sports medicine was quick to tend to him on scene, and he was later assessed by a doctor. We want to confirm that Brady is alright – however, his career has sadly come to an end. He confirmed the news via Instagram on Monday night:
Last weekend in Austin, Texas I had a little accident and ended up tearing some ligaments in my neck along my C3 C4. Thank you all for the messages and prayers! I undergo surgery this week to have my neck fused. Unfortunately, they've informed me that my bull riding career has come to an end. It's a very tough moment in my life, but I am very grateful that it wasn't any worse and I am still able to walk! Thank God for the blessings and the amazing life l've been lucky enough to experience!
Once a Rattler, always a Rattler. General manager Chad Blankenship said it best:
“Brady retires a Champion. A member of our squad since its inception, his rides helped make us the only undefeated team on home dirt and the 2023 PBR Team Series Championship. But it's the sparkle in his eyes, his work ethic, and the love he brings to our locker room that makes him a lifelong Texas Rattler."
Rattler Nation stands with Brady during this difficult time. We are grateful for his years of loyalty and ever-present positive attitude and wish him a speedy recovery.
What’s Next?
This weekend, we’re off to Missouri for Thunder Days. Your Ariat Texas Rattlers will be bringing some serious lightning to Springfield in our matchups against Florida and Arizona, looking to climb a couple more notches as we continue our race to the top. After that, there’s only two more weekends until Rattler Days!
You really, really don’t want to miss this one… Tickets are still available on our website. You’re already at your computer, so what are you waiting for!?