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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Bull rider is champion without finishing ride

From Wire Reports

LAS VEGAS – J.W. Harris of May, Texas, wrapped up his second straight world bull riding title Friday night despite failing to earn any money during the first nine rounds of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

Harris broke his right (riding) hand in the second round, and hasn’t completed a qualified ride. After missing four rounds, Harris was bucked off Hawaiian Ivory in the ninth round.

“It’s all the hard work throughout the year,” Harris said. “It just proves that rodeo is 365 days a year. You have to go all year.”

Zack Oakes of Elk, Wash., had no score.

In bareback riding, Bobby Mote of Culver, Ore., won with an 86.5 on Coconut Roll. Ryan Gray of Cheney tied for fourth with an 84 to win $4,792 and remain fourth in the world standings with $159,692.

In tie-down roping, Clint Robinson of Spanish Fork, Utah, and Justin Maass of Giddings, Texas, tied for first with times of 7.3. Tyson Durfey of Colbert tied for fourth at 7.8 and won $5,805 and moved into fourth in the world standings with $128,253.