An Altamont cowboy arrived at his second National Finals Rodeo hoping for some bigger paydays and that hope has become reality. Dean Thompson got one after posting an 86.5-point ride. It moved him into a tie for second place in Sunday’s fourth round and paid the cowboy $23,364. Thompson has placed in four straight rounds and has earned $57,633. He has a cumulative score of 338.5 points and is tied for second in the aggregate race. He’s also fourth in the world standings with $229,829. Thompson earned the right to compete at this NFR with a spectacular regular season, and he’s continued a hot streak in Las Vegas. This is his chance to cash in more money over 10 days than he earned throughout the year on the road. “You want to make great rides on the animals, on the cards you’re dealt, and you can go in knowing you want to ride well,” Thompson said. “You’re expecting yourself to ride well, but you can’t have any expectations about the results because anything can happen here…I had no expectations other than go out there and ride my best. If I was 86.5, perfect. If I wasn’t, make my adjustment if I need to or draw better and just move on.”
