TULSA, Okla. (July 17, 2010) - Professional bull riding can be unkind and unforgiving, especially on the Built Ford Tough Series.
Friday night at the opening round of the Express Classic, there were only nine qualified rides, and only one of those successful riders – Valdiron de Oliveira – is currently ranked in the Top 10 of the world standings. Jody Newberry was the only other rider from the Top 15 to make the whistle.
As if the buckoffs weren’t unkind enough, a series of injuries proved to be unforgiving.
Ryan McConnel and Guilherme Marchi, both of whom were in the draw, were late scratches that were not announced until the intermission.
Marchi, who has ridden with an injured right wrist since a chute mishap in Anaheim, Calif., had planned to test his wrist for the first time after having it surgically repaired seven weeks ago. However, after having it taped and beginning his pre-ride stretches, he said it began swelling, turned blue and was sore.
“I feel no confidence and am scared it’s hurt again,” said Marchi, who added that earlier this week he was told he needed another week or two of rehab.
“I’m going to take care of it now so I don’t lose my year. It feels good, but it’s not ready yet.”
The 2008 World Champion, who is currently ranked fourth in the world and is among the favorites to contend for this year’s title, said he plans to return to Brazil today or tomorrow to continue physical therapy, and hopes to be ready in two weeks for the U.S. Air Force Invitational in San Antonio.
An outwardly disappointed McConnel is unsure of what will come of his career-best season.
The 23-year-old, who is ranked sixth in the world standings, was roughed up in a wreck nearly a month ago in a practice pen. At the time, he dislocated the middle finger on his riding hand and scuffed up his face.
But after complaining of stiffness on Friday, he was examined by Dr. Tandy Freeman, and according to McConnel, was told, “I might have fractured something up in my neck just below the skull of my head.”
McConnel was advised to go to a local hospital for a CT Scan.
Robson Palermo is already out until August, and now neither Marchi nor McConnel will be competing. Travis Briscoe, who is ranked third and said both of his knees feel good after eight weeks of rest, is questionable as well.
Mad Max slammed the 23-year-old from New Mexico onto his head. He was diagnosed with a sprained neck and is questionable for the second round.
Renato Nunes, 1, Austin Meier, 2, J.B. Mauney, 7, Mike Lee, 9, and McKennon Wimberly, 10, were all bucked off their respective bulls. Of those five, Mauney will have the best pick in the bull draft for Round 2.
“I made a mistake; a lot of guys did tonight,” said Mauney, who added that he let himself get “bowed out over” the front of his bull, which caused his feet to pop out from under him, “but you have to forget about it and think about [Saturday night] now.”
Said Meier: “This ain’t a sport for wimps.”
