Buechner collects second win at NFR with a 90 on Painted Smile

LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Rowdy Buechner of Sandpoint rode Kesler Rodeo’s Painted Smile for a score of 90 Saturday to win the ninth round of bareback riding at the National Finals Rodeo, his second win of the event.

Painted Smile used to buck in the saddle bronc event, three times being selected Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Saddle Bronc of the Year. Since the Keslers moved the horse to the bareback competition they’ve seen the same bucking ability.

“I have wanted to get on that horse all year, and it is a phenomenal horse to draw in this eliminator pen,” said Buechner, who turned in the top scoring ride of these finals. “It’s real strong and bucks real hard.

“Ever since I saw him in the saddle bronc riding, I have wanted a shot at him, but they were hogging him. Now, we (bareback riders) get our shot at him. I was just grateful to have him.”

Ryan Gray of Cheney tied for eighth with a 78-point ride.

With one round remaining, Kelly Timberman of Mills, Wyo., leads Cimmaron Gerke of Fort Worth, Texas, in the aggregate standings, 754-753.5.

Will Lowe of Canyon, Texas, second to Buechner on Saturday, is first in the world standings with $161,254, followed by Gray with $140,606.

Clay Tryan of Billings, Mont., and Patrick Smith of Midland, Texas, tied the world team roping record and set a Thomas & Mack Center mark with a 3.5-second run.

Tryan and Smith, the season leaders in the event, tied the PRCA record set by Blaine Linaweaver and Jory Levy in 2001.

In saddle bronc, Billy Etbauer of Edmond, Okla., and Cody DeMoss of Crowville, La., tied for first with 87.5-point rides. World standings leader Jeffery Willert of Belvidere, S.D., was third with an 83 and added to his NFR record for most earnings in the event he set during round seven. He’s made $90,360 at the NFR and leads the world standings with $249,899. DeMoss is second with $211,734.

In steer wrestling, Jason Lahr of Emporia, Kan., won in 3.8 seconds and moved up in the world standings with $165,295. Lee Graves of Canada is the leader with $166,283, and also leads the aggregate.

Other winners Saturday: Tie-down roping, Matt Shiozawa of Chubbuck, Idaho, Justin Maas, Giddings, Texas, and Monty Lewis, Hereford, Texas, tie, 7.6 seconds; barrel racing, Kelly Kaminski, Bellville, Texas, 13.98 seconds; and bull riding, Bryan Richardson, Dallas, 93.5.