Because the ground rules states: if there is a tie - the one with the fastest run in the qualifier will get the championship title.
So Nellie had the faster time.
It was discovered that they had no ground rules for a tie in the barrel race. Shali was announced as the co champion and they are ordering awards for her too.
I saw it posted on Facebook somewhere that they are now considered Co-Champions. The announcement at the rodeo did not follow the written rodeo requirements or something like that. I hope so.