Ace Ashford’sdeath 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 ofThe Short Score,Hill Rodeo Cattle’sBobby 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 ofSteer 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.

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Episode presented by Purina

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Remembering Ace Ashford

• Steer 27, Ace Ashford and God’s Hand in Everything
• Ace Ashford, 18, Dies in Horse Accident Aug. 12, 2024
• New Money: Ace Ashford and Jade Philipp Win Riata Buckle Jr #10.5 and $20,920

More from The Score

• The Short Score: 2024 NFR Champions Clint Summers and Jake Long
• The Short Score: 2024 World Champions Tyler Wade and Wesley Thorp
• The Short Score: 2024 NFR Round 9 Winners Proctor and Medlin
• The Short Score: 2024 NFR Round 8 Winners Driggers and Nogueira
• The Short Score: Proctor and Medlin Win Round 7 of the 2024 NFR