Christhild blog

J.W. Harris wins world bull riding title

LAS VEGAS – Texas bull rider J.W. Harris wrapped up his third straight world title Friday night with a second-place finish in the ninth round of the National Finals Rodeo.

Harris, from Mullin, had an 89.5-point ride on Insaniac, his seventh successful ride — two more than any other cowboy — in the first nine rounds. He has earned $194,287 this season and has clinched the NFR aggregate championship — worth another $44,910 on Saturday night.

The first bull rider to win three straight world championships since Don Gay in 1979-81, Harris broke B.J. Schumacher's NFR earnings record of $142,644 set in 2006. Harris has earned $106,484, and will add at least the $44,910 for the aggregate title Saturday.

Wesley Silcox of Santaquin, Utah, won the round with a 90 on Playmate. He's second in the world standings with $182,020.