June 10, 2009

Reigning Toughest Cowboy Champion, Bandy Murphy, grabs another bull riding title

By Ann Bleiker
Two-time Toughest Cowboy Champion, Bandy Murphy, bested the field at the Cowboy Capital of the World Pro Rodeo in Stephenville, Texas taking the bull riding championship. Murphy rode Carr Pro Rodeo’s Wolf Brand for 86 points to win the bull riding title and a check worth $997.

“The guys told me he was a good one if you could get out on him,” Murphy said. “He gave me some trouble in the chute but I was able to get out and he turned out to be what everyone had said.”

Murphy was well warmed up by the time the bull riding rolled around after having competed in the bareback and saddle bronc riding.

“I didn’t have much luck in the first two events, so it was sure nice to come out with a win in the bull riding,” said Murphy, who turned in qualified rides in the other two events but scored to low to place in the money. “I was glad to finish on a positive note.”

Since winning his second Toughest Cowboy title in February, Murphy has won the bull riding title at the Jasper (Texas) Lions Benefit Rodeo, the Arcadia All-Fla Championship Rodeo and the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show PRCA Xtreme Bulls Division II event in Mercedes, Texas.

Murphy is currently ranked 30th in the ProRodeo World Standings.