This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/1/2011.
Basketball has Michael Jordan. Hockey’s got Wayne Gretzky. On that same rarified plateau, Ty Murray stands among these peers as the most accomplished rodeo athlete in the century-long history of the sport. A record-setting seven All-Around World Championship titles under his belt, Murray has truly earned his nickname as “King of the Cowboys.” In 1990 Sports Illustrated proclaimed, “At age 21, Ty Murray is the best danged rodeo cowboy of ‘em all.” Since then, his single-minded dedication to solidifying that status has led to shattered records, not only riding to the top of his field, but helping steadily build the mainstream popularity of rodeo. Murray’s superior athletic ability, dedication and total concentration have given him the edge to compete in not just one, but three of the most risky rodeo events; bareback, saddle bronc, and bull riding, dominating all three “rough-stock” disciplines with the singular heart of a champion. At 20 he became the youngest rider ever to win the PRCA All-Around World Championship, also the first to win both the PRCA All-Around and NIRA Men’s titles the same year. Ty Murray realized his lifelong ambition on December 13, 1998 when he earned a record-breaking seventh All-Around World Championship title. A month later at the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame, Murray was given an engraved trophy buckle by his hero Larry Mahan, the very legend whose record he had first set out to beat. Murray would be inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in 2000. Ty was unable to compete at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo during 1996 and 1997 due to injuries but made a triumphant return by winning the All-Around Championship at the 1998 rodeo. This was the saddle trophy presented to Murray for that winning that very Championship in 1998, tantamount to a Championship Ring. This magnificent saddle is made by “Double J Saddlery” from “Yoakum, Texas” and is constructed of heavy duty leather. On each side is “Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo” along with “All Around Champion 1998”. The cost to produce this saddle is approximately $7,500. Its provenance is unmistakable. This true piece of history is accompanied by a hand-signed LOA from Ty Murray himself along with video of Ty signing it. Further accompanied by video footage of Ty and his wife, Jewel consigning it to Grey Flannel Auctions at their ranch in Texas. All of their proceeds will benefit the world's mentoring leader, Big Brothers Big Sisters, which Ty and Jewel actively promote. Rich Russek of Grey Flannel Auctions had the honor and privilege of meeting Ty and Jewel at their ranch and feel that they are two of the nicest, most down to earth people that you’d would ever meet. Additionally, Mr. Russek will make every effort that the winning bidder of this saddle receive a meet and greet with Ty and Jewel. Incredible to say the least!