Letcher native Jill Moody sits in first after seven go-rounds in barrel racing competition at National Finals Rodeo

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LAS VEGAS — Letcher native Jill Moody still sits in first place of the average standing after Wednesday’s seventh go-round in the barrel racing competition at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

Moody finished her seventh run in a time of 14.19 seconds, which did not earn her a top 6 finish on the day. But it was good enough for her to hold onto her overall lead.

Moody has an average score of 97.04, which is .08 seconds ahead of Lisa Lockhart with three go-rounds remaining. Lockhart is an Oelrichs native. Lockhart took third in the seventh go-round in a time of 13.93 seconds to close the gap.

Saturday evening is the final run for the competition as Moody attempts to win her second NFR. She was the champion in 2008.

Other South Dakota natives competing at the NFR this week include Agar native Joe Gunderson, who is currently ninth in the bareback riding standings. Gunderson has an average score of 561.5 after seven runs.

Todd Suhn, a Hermosa native, is in seventh place in the steer wrestling standings after seven go-rounds. He has an average score of 58.6.

Belvidere’s Jeff Willert and Quinn’s J.J. Elshere are each competing in the saddle bronc riding competition and the tie-down roping competition.

Elshere is in fourth place in the saddle bronc riding average standings with a 555.5. Willert is in 10th with a 474.5 after seven runs.

Timber Lake native Ardie Maier competed in one go-round of the bull riding competition and scored an 80.

Tags: jill moody, national finals rodeo, sports, rodeo