After a Wednesday night concert by Tracy Byrd and a Thursday parade through town, followed by a party at the Governor’s Palace, it was time for the reason we are all here in Mexico. Friday night was the first round of the Chihuahua Challenge, stop number 23 on the Built Ford Tough Series tour. The bulls definitely dominated the night, as only 11 of the 45 bull riders were able to ride their bulls. The first cowboy to try was J.W. Hart, who did stay on the always-tough Chumley/Katich/R&L bull Dr. Proctor, but unfortunately for Hart, he slapped the bull in the process, giving him a no score.
It was Dustin Hall who was on top of the leader board when the evening was over. He covered Border Patrol, owned by Tina Martinez, for an 87.25. Austin Meier was just behind Hall after he was awarded an 86.75 for his ride on Rafter 7R Bucking Bulls’ Blaze. New Zealand’s Brendon Clark was third when he rode Hillstreet to an 85.50. Boyd/Floyd/Paradise Farms owns Hillstreet. Fourth was Guilherme Marchi. He conquered the Sid Evans bull Fear Factor for an 84.50. Fifth was Greg Potter. He was given a re-ride when Lane Foltyn’s Pimp Daddy did not perform up to standards. He made the most of his second bull, Stray Cat, owned by Diamond S Bucking Bulls. For his efforts he was given an 84.25.
Adriano Moraes rode his fifth bull in a row (he covered all four in the last event held in Tulsa, Oklahoma) to finish sixth with an 83.50. By riding the Davis/Wilson bull SAYiWON’T!, Moraes won the $5000 Ride With the Best bonus, that comes when the winner of the previous event rides his bull the next time out.
The men who are first and second in the BFTS standings, Justin McBride and J.B. Mauney, had a rough night. McBride, who many think will easily run away with his second World title, suffered a dislocation of his shoulder on his free arm and is doubtful for Saturday’s performance. Mauney who has been plagued with a badly damaged knee, now has a sore left groin to worry about as well. He is probable for Saturday, however.
But do those injuries open the door for those next in line – Sean Willingham or Marchi? What about Robson Palermo, Brian Canter, Paulo Crimber, and yes, even Moraes? Stay tuned, folks.
Be safe and God Bless,
Barb.
