NFR: Lockhart wins third go-round

LAS VEGAS - The third time was the charm for Lisa Lockhart.

But then again, she’s been here and done that before.

Lockhart and her famed horse “Louie” won the third go-round in the barrel racing Saturday night as the $10 million Wrangler National Finals Rodeo continued here at the sold-out Thomas and Mack Center.

Lockhart, who was born in Wolf Point and grew up in Circle, is making her 10th consecutive trip to the NFR. She lives now in South Dakota.

On Friday night, Lockhart tied for second place with a 13.8-second run in the cozy confines of the Thomas and Mack. On Saturday she toured the barrels in a swift 13.72 seconds to earn $26,230.

Meanwhile, it was not a profitable night for many members of the Montana contingent at the NFR.

Cut Bank roper Dustin Bird, who is in the hunt for world championship saddles in both the all-around and team roping, failed to improve his lot. Bird and his partner, Russell Cardoza, did not earn a time in the team roping.

Helena steer wrestler Ty Erickson turned in a solid 4.4-second run, but it wasn’t good enough to place this night. Erickson, who entered the NFR leading the world standings in the bulldogging, has fallen off the pace following three straight unproductive runs.

In the bareback, Power’s Jessy Davis did not finish in the money for the third night in a row. But JR Vezain, the Wyoming cowboy with vast roots in Great Falls and central Montana, managed to earn his first check of the week with an 81-point ride that was good for a tie for sixth place.

Among the winners Saturday was Ryder Wright, who won the bronc riding for the third night in a row. Other winners included Tanner Aus and Clayton Biglow (tied in bareback), Tyler Waguespack and JD Struxness (tied in steer wrestling), the duos of Matt Sherwood-Quinn Kesler and Riley Minor-Brady Minor (tied in team roping), Hunter Perrin and Cade Swor (tied in tie-down roping), and Shane Proctor (bull riding).

Proctor posted a 91-point ride and was one of just two bull riders to make it to the eight-second whistle. Sage Kimzey, who leads the world standings, had an 87-point ride.

The NFR continues Sunday night at 8 (CBS Sports Network TV).