Gray gaining in NFR average

LAS VEGAS – It may be too little too late, but Ryan Gray is picking up a little momentum at the National Finals Rodeo.

The Cheney bareback rider scored an 80 on Real Time to place third in the seventh go-round Wednesday night. That was worth $11,117.79 and gave him a check on consecutive days for the first time, even though he has had a successful ride every round. The top six finish in the money.

Gray moved up to seventh in the average with three rounds to go.

The Minor brothers from Ellensburg continue to have success in team roping. Riley and Brady stretched their steer in 3.6 seconds to place third, each matching Gray’s big check. They also moved up to second in the average.

It wasn’t a good night for Washington’s other two cowboys. Tyson Durfey of Colbert went 10.6 in tie down roping to finish out of the money and Grand Coulee bull rider Shane Proctor was bucked off by Never Been Kissed.

Saddle bronc rider Jake Wright took over the season standings lead from his brother, Cody.

Jake Wright of Milford, Utah, won the round with an 84.5 on Special Time.

Wright’s brother and previous standings leader, Cody Wright, tied for fourth with a 79.5 on Get Smart.