Graves extends steer wrestling lead

LAS VEGAS – Lee Graves earned his second consecutive victory during the fifth round at the National Finals Rodeo that allowed him to take over first place in every key steer wrestling category on Monday.

Graves of Calgary, Alberta, extended his Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association World Standings lead, finishing in 3.5 seconds.

In bareback riding, Jared Smith of Cross Plains, Texas, and Bobby Mote of Culver, Ore., tied for first place and posted the highest scores at this year’s NFR, 88.5s. Ryan Gray of Cheney scored 81 to place 11th.

In team roping, header Riley Minor and heeler Brady Minor, brothers from Ellensburg, Wash., placed first during round five.

In tie-down roping, six-time world champion Cody Ohl of Hico, Texas, placed first for his second straight round. He recorded a time of 7.1 and tied for first place with all-around leader Trevor Brazile of Decatur, Texas. Tyson Durfey of Colbert timed 18.5 for 14th place.

In saddle bronc riding, J.J. Elshere of Quinn, S.D., won the fifth round and registered his second NFR win with an 88 on Kool Toddy.

In bull riding, the 15 competitors, including Zack Oakes of Elk, were unable to cover during round five, which is the first time this has happened at the NFR since 1997.