Lostroh makes it two in a row

By Barbara Pinnella
Posted Saturday, November 7, 2009

Just in case anyone missed Kody Lostroh’s trip to the winners’ press conference Thursday night, he repeated it for you on Friday. In a slow and steady fashion, Lostroh quietly keeps riding bull after bull in quest of his first World Title. In the draft situation, Lostroh had first pick and grabbed he bull that he earlier indicated he would take – Julio Moreno’s Troubadour. This made the fourth time Kody has had this bull, and the fourth time he has ridden him. And ride him he did, for a big 91.25 points!

The bull did not make things easy for him, however. “The previous three times he spun to the right, but tonight he spun left. It was just a little different. That bull kind of backs up while he spins and can throw you over his head. When he spun the other direction it had a different feel to it, but it all worked out good.”

After the remark about Troubadour changing directions on him this time, someone wondered what he thought about when the bull changed up on him, and his remark was simple; that his job wasn’t to think, it was just to ride his bulls.

As great a bull rider as Kody is, he doesn’t want this to be about him. “This has nothing to do with me winning the World Title, it has everything to do with why God put me here. Through riding bulls I get to meet a lot of people and pour God’s love into these guys’ hearts…I guess what I’m trying to say is that it’s greater because of Him and I want it to about Him and not about me, and that He’s glorified and not me.”

When asked what he was going to do about the draft tomorrow, Lostroh showed some of his humor when he said, “I need to look at the list, but I imagine I’ll be picking one!”

Second to Lostroh was a man who might have been a surprise to some, Caleb Sanderson. He too broke the 90’s with a 90.75 ride on the bull Chicken on a Chain, owned by Jeff Robinson/Mike Tedesco/Larry the Cable Guy/Bar None.

Third was Austin Meier. He stuck it on Far West for 90 points. Martinez Bucking Bulls, LLC owns Far West. McKennon Wimberly was fourth. He rode Yellow Jacket Jr., and was given an 89.75 for his trouble. That bull is owned by Dakota Rodeo/Clay Struve/Julie Rosen.

Rounding out the top five was Renato Nunes. The fans had been waiting to see that now-famous celebratory back flip, and they finally got to see it tonight. Nunes rode Tahonta’s Shadow, owned by 4C’s/Sills/Vaughn, to a score of 89.50.

If you are wondering where J.B. Mauney was, well, he finished sixth. He picked Ricky Bobby in the draft, and earned 89.25 points on the H.D. Page/Bill and Betty Morrison bull. He is still easily within striking distance of Lostroh, behind by 732.50 points. This is certainly a gap that can be made up, with the cooperation of Kody, of course. And that remains to be seen.

So the battle for the top spot still rages on between Lostroh and Mauney. Last years’ Champion Guilherme Marchi has yet to ride a bull, coming down off of Stinger in round five. No one quite knows what is going on with Marchi. He came into the Finals on a roll, but that momentum has been completely silenced. Unfortunately a different kind of record has been started by Guilherme; instead of being the first man to win back-to-back titles, he has bucked off five bulls in a row.

As far as injuries go, Billy Robinson and Reese Cates rode for the injured Zack Brown and Cody Ford. Brian Herman tried riding with a broken bone in his riding hand, but bucked off very quickly.

Mike Lee sustained a concussion when thrown from Unabomber. He was making a super ride until he got caught – what a shame for Lee. But he is probable for tomorrow.

Ryan McConnel was stepped on and received a contusion to his chest, but while it appeared to be quite painful, he is also probable for tomorrow.

It was announced tonight that the good bull Black Pearl won the ABBI World Champion Classic Bull for his owners Ravenscroft/Boyd & Floyd. Along with that honor comes the check for $250,000. Congratulations to those connections of Black Pearl!

Round six coming up tomorrow!

Be safe and God Bless,
Viva La Raza,
Barb.