With only one stop left on the 2007 PBR tour after this past weekend, some things are starting to take shape a bit. This was an exciting event, due partly to the great crowd that filled the E Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. These knowledgeable fans kept the heat up inside the arena and the cowboys rose to the occasion. I will give the results first, and then follow up with some fun stuff.
Adriano Moraes climbed out of his slump to win round one, with a score of 87.25 on the Tino Martinez’ bull, Border Patrol. Clayton Williams rode Werewolf Snuff for an 86.25 to tie for second. Flying U/Moreno Bucking Bulls owns Werewolf Snuff. Splitting second and third in this first round was Valdiron de Oliveira. He covered the Red Knection K bull Kill Bill. Fourth was Robson Palermo. He was given an 86 when he rode Re-Vamp, owned by Corey and Horst Rodeo Company, Inc.
Justin McBride could not command the top spot on his own in round two, he had to share it. McBride rode Hornet for an 88.75. Boyd/Floyd/Paradise Farms hauls Hornet. Splitting first and second with Justin was Chris Shivers. He rode that consistent Border Patrol. Martinez certainly has a good one here, and it was fun to see Shivers ride like we all know he can. Cord McCoy was right behind in third with a score of 88.50. He covered the Diamond G Rodeo Inc.’s T-Box. Coming in fourth with 87.50 was Mike Lee. He rode Missfire, owned by Boyd/Floyd/Paradise Farms.
The short-go was loaded to the brim with bull talent – for a bull riding fan it doesn’t get better. Five men were able to ride their bulls, and this was no small feat. When the dust settled, it was Brendon Clark who stood the tallest. He was able to put the only 90+ score on the board for the weekend when he was awarded a 91 for riding Big Mike. This was a great ride on a super bull. Big Mike is owned by Flying U/Moreno Bucking Bulls.
Lee is trying to peak at the right time, and his ride on Shanghai was good enough for second in the Championship Round. He scored an 88.75 on Shanghai, owned by Diamond S Bucking Bulls.
And speaking of peaking and much to the delight of the Utah fans, Tony Mendes, after tying for fifth in the second round, was able to ride Hombre for an 87.75 to give him third. Hombre, owned by Flying U/Moreno Bucking Bulls, did his part and Mendes more than did his. Tony has been off and on the tour all year, and with this great placing he is assured of going to the Finals, something that looked doubtful a short time ago. His biggest fan, Janine Sorenson, will be there to cheer him on, and I could not be happier for Tony. He is just a super person.
Renato Nunes was fourth after covering the Boyd/Floyd/Paradise Farms’ Lost in Paradise. He was given 86.50 points. The last man to ride in the Championship Round was de Oliveira. He was scored an 83. This might not sound impressive, but this was the first time in 20 outs that his bull, Jim Dippin, has been ridden. Diamond S Bucking Bulls owns this good bull.
Must say here that Moraes drew Reindeer Dippin for the short go. He rode this white-faced psycho, but as the score of 87.75 was shown the judges decided on a replay challenge. It was determined that just before the whistle Adriano did hook his arm around the bulls’ neck. It was unfortunate that his score came down (but in the replay you could clearly see what happened), but the fact that he did conquer this bull has to be a shot in the arm for him. With a fourth World Championship out of reach, I still would not be surprised if he came to play at the Finals.
For the overall event, we saw Clark on top, followed by Nunes, de Oliveira, Lee, and Mendes. This marked the first event win for Brendon since 2004, and it comes at the right time for this Australian. He should go into Vegas with a positive feeling.
Brian Canter was back on the roster, and that was great to see. It had first been thought that he had broken his hand a few events back. Reports were that it was a bad break, one that might even be career-ending. But amazingly, there was no break at all, it was a bad sprain. So while Canter is also out of the running for this years’ Championship, the young man from North Carolina will be at the Finals to try and take money away from his competitors.
Paulo Crimber, after chipping several teeth, splitting both lips, and suffering a concussion three short weeks ago hit the board in both rounds here, and even though he bucked off his short go bull, he did show that he is back and ready. Crimber missed only one event after this wreck. He came back a bit tentative some may say, but hey, he just got his new teeth! Seriously, he has already proven that he can be dangerous, and I think he is ready to take Vegas by storm.
Unfortunately, someone who might not take Vegas by storm, or even compete at all, is J.W. Hart. After bucking off both of his bulls this weekend, the prospect of competing in his 14th Finals is growing dimmer by the minute. He has only one more chance to qualify, and needs a win in Columbus, Ohio. If his track record of late is any indication, that looks to be a huge order. But this IS The Ironman after all. Never count him out.
The high score bull of the event is the always tough White Magic, with a 46.25. Diamond G Rodeos, Inc. are the lucky owners of this wonderful bull. White Magic has been awarded scores of 46 or more points an amazing nine times out of 19 outs. Included in that number is a 48 score out of 50 – wow!
The BFTS World Standings are as follows: McBride still has a commanding lead, followed by J.B. Mauney, Guilherme Marchi, Sean Willingham, Palermo, Wiley Petersen, Crimber, Matt Bohon, Moraes, and Canter.
One more stop and then the Finals. Linda Peterson and I are getting exciting about going and covering this event for you.
Photo by Andy Watson
Be safe and God Bless,
Viva La Raza,
Barb.
