Thursday, June 14, 2001 | 10:56 a.m.
It all comes down to dollars.
For the first time, the prize money won at the Copenhagen Cup Finale of the Wrangler ProRodeo Tour that starts tonight at 8 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena will count toward the Jack Daniels World Standings.
A total purse of $470,000 will be given out and each contestant can pocket as much as $27,000.
"The tour has changed a lot," four-time team roping world champion Speed Williams said. "You've got to thank Copenhagen, Wrangler for getting that done and giving us a lot more money to run at.
"If people do well here, they have a chance to go to the national finals."
A total of 94 contestants in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, calf roping, barrel racing and bull riding qualified for this event by placing in the top 12 of the Copenhagen Cup Series Standings.
Williams, of Jacksonville, Fla., is partners with Rich Skelton, of Llano, Texas.
The duo teamed up five years ago and will try to make it to the semifinal round, something they failed to do last year.
As Williams already knows, the competition will be tough.
"It's a great deal because we get to come to Vegas and compete for a lot of money," Williams said. "It's a lot better show to watch than when there are 70-80 in the rodeo. Most of them have 100 contestants per event. Only the the best 12 are here."
Ten-time world champion barrel racer Charmayne James is the only one back to defend her title.
James won her titles with Scamper, a horse she retired two years ago. She will be riding Cruiser, a horse she said is very comfortable in the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
"I'm really excited," James said. "The horse has been running well lately.
"Cruiser likes the arena and seems to do well."
Barrel-racer Katti Cash qualified for the Copenhagen Cup Finale for the first time in her three-year professional career.
Cash, who rides C.C. (Crimson Chick), has been traveling with James and trying to learn as much as possible.
"She helps me a bunch," Cash said. "She helps me keep the horse sound and my mind together.
"You have to stay focused whether you're winning or losing."
The top 15 in each event in the world standings after the first Sunday in November qualify for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo Dec. 7-16 at the Thomas & Mack Center.
"I'm nervous, but excited too," Cash said. "This gives you an opportunity to win a lot of money to maybe qualify for the finals."
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