It was a $329,000 day for the cousins from Wyoming.
Wyoming cousins Dylan and Clay Martin claimed the win at the Ariat World Series of Team Roping #8.5 Morton Buildings Finale, roping four steers in 35.10 seconds to take home $329,000.
"I didn't ever think it would be in the cards for me to rope for this much money," Dylan said. "To be able to have a shot at this, it's kind of surreal; kind of sets you back a little."
"We're really blessed beyond measure," Clay added. "Just have to have a chance to come to Vegas in general, to be able to rope for that amount of money and then to be able to take it back to Wyoming is just a blessing."
Their first three runs of 8.20, 9.39 and 8.24 seconds put them second high call heading into the short round. The second steer proved the toughest.
"I wanted to get a start on 'em," Dylan said. "We were lucky to be able to get him gathered up and get him caught and lined out so my partner could have a good crack at him."
Their 9.27-second short round was smart and steady.
"I kicked up over him again because things didn't feel quite right," Clay said. "I'm glad that I waited. I knew if we catch clean, we're going to have a good chance."
"My horse is good and he runs right to his spot," Dylan said. "I just making sure we covered the basics."
When it came time to rope for that last steer, the cousins leaned into focus r
"I don't get terribly nervous," Clay said. "That intro coming out almost felt like a boxing match. Now let's go to battle and go get one more down."
"I get super pumped," Dylan said. "I just have to remember to take it one day at a time."
Dylan rode Jack, his 8-year-old head horse.
"He's probably one of the few horses I've rode that really likes doing his job," he said.
Clay heeled on Litso, an 11-year-old palomino with a special story.
"We were close to putting him down because of lameness issues," Clay said. "That made it even more special."
For the Martins, winning as family runs deep.
"It's been kind of in the family," Dylan said. "Winning as a family is kind of something that we've been able to do."
"It's cool to be able to do it with someone you love," Clay said.
The cousins also made sure to give credit where it was due.
"I'll probably wear out the saddle and wear out the buckle, but my wife is one of those things that is a real treasure in my life," Dylan said.
"My wife has been my biggest supporter alongside my mom," Clay added.
