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The Short Score: Ace Ashford and Steer 27
Bobby Joe Hill and Troy Ashford tell the story of Steer 27, the last rodeo steer Troy's son Ace roped before his death in August of 2024.
Ace Ashford
Ace Ashford with his Riata Buckle Champion mount, Smokin Big Valley, in November 2023. | TRJ File Photo

Ace Ashford’s death in August of 2024 shook the team roping and rodeo communities to their cores. The 18-year-old young gun, and younger brother to NFR heeler Ross, was known by everyone as a kind, humble and overall good person.

But even in death God’s hand is present. In this episode of The Short Score, Hill Rodeo Cattle’s Bobby Joe Hill—a longtime friend of the Ashford family and the team roping steer contractor for the NFR—and Ace’s dad Troy tell the story of Steer 27, the last rodeo steer Ace ever roped. Steer 27 is making its way to the Ashford home, but there’s more to the story between Steer 27 and Ace.

Steer 27
Hill Rodeo Cattle’s Steer 27—the last steer Ace ran in rodeo competition. | Hill Rodeo Cattle Photo

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Episode presented by Purina

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Remembering Ace

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