Zack Brown was the only man to ride all of his bulls during this past weekend in Albuquerque, New Mexico on his was to his third event win. In fact, he was also the only one to cover his bull in the Championship Round after sticking it on Chicken on a Chain, owned by Robinson/Tedesco/Larry the Cable Guy/Broken N-N, for 92.5 points. “Being one of the world’s best bull riders means you’re supposed to ride the best,” Brown later said. “That is why I went with World Champion bull Chicken on a Chain in the Championship Round.”
I will get to the other results, but there was so much else that went on that I want to change things up and mention those things first.
The Sandia Resort and Casino presented this event, which is probably better known as the Ty Murray Invitational. Held at the University of New Mexico’s “The Pit”, this is by far the smallest venue on the tour. In fact, the CEO of the PBR, Randy Bernard, said that they almost did not hold the event there, but he was talked into it. There were only four chutes and they had to lay them on their sides to get them into the building. The dirt had to be brought in by Bobcats and wheelbarrows rather than trucks – quite a lot of work for the production crew.
But to say it wasn’t worth it to the fans would be a huge falsehood. They were really up close and personal, and LOUD! Talk about great energy! Though small compared to larger venues, it was mentioned that this was probably the most attended event. It was sold out every night, and they even offered 1000 standing room only tickets, selling all of those as well.
Another thing that had the crowd fired up were the five Native Americans that were invited as alternates to compete in New Mexico. Ryan Bitsui, J.R. Billy, and Spud Jones are from the Navajo Nation, (as is Ryan Dirteater) Cody Four Colors is from the Chippewa Cree, and 20-year veteran Greg Louis is from Cree. Jones is the first Navajo to ever go to the National Finals Rodeo, qualifying last year. These men gave it their all, with Jones riding his first two bulls.
While this was also known as the Ty Murray Invitational, Murray was not there. As most of you know by now, he is competing on Dancing With the Stars with partner Chelsie Hightower. They have stayed on for another week, and will be doing the Paso Doble next time. The judges say that he is the most improved, and that is an understatement! I hope all you fans are voting for Ty!
While it started out with a lot of hype, and a $20,000 check dangling in front of them, the battle between the Best of the West, Kody Lostroh, and the Beast from the East, J.B. Mauney, fizzled in more ways than one. It was held after the first round on Friday night. Kody had Chicken on a Chain, but bucked off in 6.6 seconds. Mauney had a much shorter trip on Voodoo Child, lasting only 2.8. The interest really seemed to have dropped off, as had the publicity before hand. I don’t think the fans are into that many challenges, and I hope that they become fewer and farther between.
I am sure most of you were surprised, as was I, to learn that the Director of Medical Services, Dr. Tandy Freeman, did not have the final say as to whether or not an injured cowboy should compete. Cody Ford sustained a concussion and possible neck injury and was advised not to ride the following night. He arrived ready to get on his bull however, so Freeman went to PBR Livestock Director and co-founder of the PBR Cody Lambert and voiced his concern. In turn, Lambert spoke with Bernard, and a collective decision was made to not allow Ford to ride.
Freeman said that, “Riders are not employed by the PBR,” but then added that it was very seldom that a rider went against his advice. It was agreed that a new rule needs to be in writing so that regardless of the circumstances there will be no question as to how the PBR will handle things. Expect to see that new rule in place giving Dr. Freeman that authority by the next event.
Now for a quick rundown on the rounds themselves. Round one was won by the little man who has been on a roll of late, Brian Canter. He scored a 90.75 on the aptly named Carolina Cat, owned by Walton & Wagoner Bucking Bulls. Second went to Wiley Petersen on D&H Cattle Company’s Stubby. He scored an 89.25. Third with 89 points was Dustin Elliot. He rode the Lufkin Ranch & Rodeo/K&K Cattle’s Derringer.
The second round found the 2008 World Champion Guilherme Marchi on top. He rode D&H Cattle Company’s Super Duty to 90 points. Round one winner Canter was just behind him with an 89.75. He rode the Circle T Ranch & Rodeo’s Ft. Worth. Chris Shivers was third, when he covered Big Coyote for 89.5. Jeff Robinson Bucking Bulls owns Big Coyote.
Brazil’s Valdiron de Oliveira was first in the third round. He scored 89.5 points on Black Gold, owned by Silverado Rodeo Company. Second was Travis Briscoe. He rode the Robinson/Tedesco/Larry the Cable Guy/Broken N-N bull Booger Butt to an 89.25. Brown came in third after riding Kabookie to an 89. Boyd/Floyd Bull Company own Kabookie.
Short-go time, and Brown was the only man to ride his bull. That’s right, 14 others were bested by their bovine partners. But Zack and Chicken on a Chain earned that huge 92.5 to take home the top honors.
The event standings had Brown in the top spot, with Briscoe second, Kody Lostroh third, Sean Willingham fourth, and Josh Koschel fifth.
The bull who was the Salem NationaLease Bull of the Event this week was Apollo, who is owned by Jones Rodeo Genetics. He was given a 46.625 score. But let me elaborate on the bulls for a moment. PBR Livestock Director Cody Lambert outdid himself with the stock he had in Albuquerque. There was an unbelievable 31 bulls that had bull scores over 45! This event was a who’s who of bull talent, and my hat is off to Lambert.
As far as injuries go, the aforementioned Ford is questionable for Nampa next week. So is Mike White, after suffering a sprained right shoulder. Mike Lee suffered a bruised thigh and Lostroh bruised an ankle and will be having some X-rays taken. Neither of these men will compete in Nampa. Finally, Brendon Clark suffered a concussion but is probable for Nampa.
The Built Ford Tough World Standings still has Lostroh in the lead. Marchi is in the second spot, J.B. Mauney is third, Petersen fourth, Brown jumped into fifth, Robson Palermo is sixth, Renato Nunes seventh, Ryan McConnel eighth, Austin Meier ninth, and Dirteater rounds out the top ten.
Zack Brown on Chicken on a Chain.
Andy Watson/Bull Stock Media photo
Be safe and God Bless,
Viva La Raza,
Barb.
