Hutto challenges Brazile’s triple crown quest

LAS VEGAS – Houston Hutto took first in tie-down roping during the sixth round of the National Finals Rodeo on Tuesday, challenging Trevor Brazile’s quest for a triple crown.

Hutto, of Del Rio, Texas, and Josh Peek of Pueblo, Colo., tied for first with times of 7.4 seconds. With the victory, Hutto moved into the top spot in the world standings with $147,830.

Brazile, of Decatur, Texas, who was the event’s leader, placed sixth and is in second with $146,289. He has earned $13,750 at the NFR compared to Hutto with $37,415.

Brazile, however, did increase his first-place, record-setting total in all-around to $344,906 for 2007 and is $159,104 ahead of runner-up Peek with four rounds left. Brazile has already won steer roping and is trying to complete the triple crown by gaining tie-down and team roping titles.

In bareback riding, Tom McFarland of Wickenburg, Ariz., won his first NFR round with an 88.5-point ride on Scarlet’s Web. World standings leader Bobby Mote of Culver, Ore., placed fifth with an 84 on Bitter Sweet and increased his earnings to $172,808.

In saddle bronc riding, Rusty Allen of Lehi, Utah, notched his first 2007 NFR win with an 86.5-point ride on Round Robin. World standings leader Cody Wright of Milford, Utah, was second with an 83.5. Tying for third at 83 with Justin Arnold of Santa Margarita, Calif., on John Wayne was Cody DeMoss of Heflin, La., on Sun Down.