It's a Friday night in the city of lights and the bullriders were set to payback for some of the buck offs last night. The PBR's openings are always so cool and tonight was no different...except that it was different. For the first time in history the PBR's opening had a group of 4 freestyle motorcyclists flying through the air at the Thomas and Mack Center. With the top 45 set to go after their intro's it was time to ride some bulls and get revenge on last night's 6 for 45. As they cracked the gate on the first bull, it was Mark Lopes of Pioneer, California, to get it all started. His 87.25 was setting the stage for what was to begin the final showdown and for many the last 3 rounds. The leaderboard was spearheaded by Cory Rasch's 90.50 on Chief, which consequently was the high money bull of the year. PBR cowboys have filled their Wrangler jeans with the most money won on any bull this year. With his 90.50 the fans only saw the confetti fly once tonight on his ride. From there it was stacked with a bunch of high 80's. Following Cory tonight it was Brendon Clark the Australian who fought his way back on to the tour earlier this year and hadn't really been riding like he has in the past. But tonight, his match up seemed to fit his style of riding and he hung in there for the 89.75 on Red Alert owned by Kaycee Simpson. Tonight it was also time for the Brazilian sensation to get his last punch in on the leaders. Guillhermi Marchi's 89.25 was third and finally broke the ice for him on the bull Squirt Gun owned by the Page & Teague group. After watching Adriano Moraes take control of the average last night due to LJ Jenkins bucking off his bull, LJ had $225,000 reasons to ride tonight and take the lead back. He did just that as he gathered 88.75 on Ty Rinaldo's bull Freak and got him another check for 4th in the round. His total take in dollar through this round is $40,000, what a feeling for a healthy 19 year old kid.
Now, for the most interesting tale of the night happens to come out of the Adriano camp. Tonight, his first bull netted him a grand total of 59.25 which would have made him the only bullrider to cover all his bulls. As he weighed heavily on that decision, his heart told him to take the chance as the reride bull Holy Moly had been ridden before in BFTS competition. He made that quick decision and within minutes of his first bull, he climbed back in the bucking chutes to conquer the beast. The gate cracked and one jumped him and sent him to the arena dirt. The problem, the bull smacked him right in the lower back and he came up slowly. As he went to stand completely up and head for safety, he stood still and Tandy Freeman’s crew came to the rescue. The word on his injury was muscle spasms and is probable for tomorrow's round.
Also tonight, the PBR always recognizes a bullrider who has made an impact in the arena and outside as well. A very prestigious group has been inducted into the PBR's Ring of Honor and this evening they inducted Cody Snyder from the maple leaf country of Canada. The Canadian was a 2 time champ of the world in 1984 and Canadian champ in 1986. He's been retired for quite some time; however, he has been instrumental in the development of PBR Canada with his knowledge and love of the sport. He mentioned early on in his life that he was destined to be a cowboy and cowboy was exactly what he exemplifies. Another honor tonight was the recognition of the best PBR challenger series and once again it was JW Hart's group that accepted that plaque. We congratulate both JW and Cody tonight for their achievements in this bullriding industry.
The after party starts at 10 PM tonight as we head for the Mandalay Bay to listen to one of the best older bands ever.....The Bellamy Brothers. Saturday will bring us all a new day and Jason and I have a full slate of interviews and press conferences. The PBR will have their big announcement Saturday at 11 AM and Jason amd I will bring you the big news. The PBR's Fan Zone and Marketplace will open at 10 AM and has plenty of opportunity to meet and greet PBR's stars.
EVENT STANDINGS THROUGH FIFTH ROUND-1) L.J. Jenkins (Texico, NM) 356.75; 2) Kody Lostroh (Longmont, CO) 349.25; T3) Adriano Moraes (Cachoeira Paulista, SP, Brazil) 348.25; T3) Cory Rasch (Clarksville, TN) 348.25; 5) Rocky McDonald (Col. Juarez, Mexico) 345.25; 6) Paulo Crimber (Olimpia, SP, Brazil 339.75; 7) Mike Lee (Decatur, TX) 265.75; 8) Sean Willingham (Summerville, GA) 263.5; 9) Wiley Petersen (Fort Hall, ID) 262.25; T10) Brian Canter (Randleman, NC) 258; Mark Lopes (Pioneer, CA) 258
More information:
PBR Press Release:Round Five: http://www.pbrnow.com/media/press/release.cfm?ID=3085
Round Five Results: http://pbrworldfinals.com/FinalsDrawResults.cfm?RoundID=5
PBR World Finals Web Site: http://www.pbrworldfinals.com/
