While Ellis was making headlines in the barrel race, WPRA rookie Jaci Hammons was making her own on the breakaway end in San Antonio. Qualifying out of Super Series three as the second highest money earner with $4,404 second to NFBR qualifier Aspen Miller she rolled into the semifinals where she took second on a night that ProRodeo Hall of Famer Cody Ohl commented was four of the best breakaway roping runs he had seen. Jordi Edens-Mitchell got the semifinal win with a 1.9 and Hammons stopped the clock in 2.0 seconds.
In the finals, Hammons and Edens-Mitchell would battle it out once again with Hammons getting the victory in a time of 2.0 seconds. Edens-Mitchell had a 2.1, with Josie Conner and Ft. Worth champ Jill Tanner tying for third in a time of 2.2 seconds.
“Still not sure it’s sunk in yet,” noted Hammons about the win in San Antonio, where she picked up over $25,000. “I still can’t believe I got to take that last victory lap. I just keep thanking God for letting me live this life and the opportunities he’s already given me this year. Now we’re off to Houston on Thursday!”
Hammons is searching for that 2026 Resistol Rookie of the Year title and currently leads all rookies with an astonishing $40,796 at just eight rodeos. Kirby Rawlinson, who is currently competing in the first set at RodeoHouston, is second in the rookie standings with $14,882. With Hammons win in San Antonio she took over the top spot in the WPRA breakaway roping world standings surpassing Jill Tanner.
