The Mohegan Sun Invitational was stop number 27 on the 2007 Built Ford Tough Series tour. With two events left before the finals, the number of cowboys who could still pose a threat to Justin McBride for the Championship is dwindling down. But before I discuss Mohegan Sun I want to mention a couple of other things.
First I need to acknowledge the record that was broken by Luke Snyder this past weekend. Up until then, J.W. “Iron Man” Hart held the record for competing in the most consecutive events with 197. But by riding in Uncasville, Connecticut, Snyder topped that mark and now stands alone after riding in 198 events and climbing. To the novice this might not sound like that big of a deal, but bear in mind that to do this takes between six and seven years! Hart was quite gracious about being knocked off the podium, stating that “Records are made to be broken, and I hope he rides in 300.” Congratulations, Luke!
The other event that occurred was not nearly as joyful. After being stepped on in round one and suffering a compound fracture of his right arm (free arm) Tater Porter, after much thought, has announced his retirement. The 36-year-old has been riding professionally for 12 years. This was quite a difficult decision for him, but he wanted to go out on a high note, and up until this accident things had been going his way. He has chosen this time, and I want to wish him all the best of luck.
The Mohegan Sun was a three-round event plus the Championship Round. Only 13 men rode their bulls in this first round. The eventual winner was Robson Palermo, who rode Live Wire to an 88.75. Live Wire is owned by Jeff Robinson. Second place went to the newly crowned Snyder, who covered Berger Bucking Bulls’ McClintock for an 86.25. Third and fourth was shared by Silvanei Dias and L.J. Jenkins. They rode Navajo and Turbo respectively, with both scoring 85.75. Navajo is owned by Butcher/Davidson, and Turbo by Chad Berger/Clay Struve.
Round two provided a scary moment for Brian Herman. After bucking off of Spuds McKenzie his spur hooked in his rope and he was drug around. Luckily, the bull headed out of the ring rather than to run around the arena with him in tow, and he was finally freed in the catch pen. It is not clear to me whether he got loose by himself or the rope was cut, but he avoided a bad wreck and came out unscathed. Interesting to note here that one or more of the bullfighters carries a knife for just this type of incident.
Hitting the leader board in round two was Kasey Hayes. He was able to ride Chad Berger/Winston Loe’s Gold Bell Wine, and just missed that magic 90. The judges gave him an 89.75 for his trouble. Guilherme Marchi came in second. He rode the consistent Texas for an 88.50. Texas is hauled by Chad Berger/Larry Ryken. Travis Briscoe was next. Sonny Williams’ Cosmo was his dance partner, and he scored an 87. Fourth was Mike Lee. He rode Rudolph for an 86.75. Davis/Wilson/Mayo/Hooker own Rudolph.
Hayes scored a double as he also won round three. This time he rode Live Wire. This was also the second time that Live Wire carried a cowboy to a win, and Hayes got the same score that Palermo had in the first round – 88.75. Quite a consistent bull, I’d say. Steven Shelley was second with an 87.25 on Gold Bell Wine, the same bull that Hayes won the second round on. Hmm, I see a trend. Dias tied for third and fourth with Valdiron de Oliveira. Both men scored an 86.50. Dias rode Lynch Mob, owned by Frontier Rodeo Company, and de Oliveira covered Chad Berger/Larry Ryken’s Rockin Robin.
Championship Round time, and only three men could ride their bull in this short go. The winner of the round was Wiley Petersen. He was the only man to score a 90 when he rode Bad Medicine, owned by Berger Bucking Bulls. This was also his first win this season and he was the only one to ride all four of his bulls.
Second was Palermo, who scored an 88 on Scaredy Cat, owned by Chad Berger/Ryken/Hawks. Third went to Marchi. He rode the Chad Berger/Clay Struve bull Wild Thang for 86.75.
There were two high score bulls of the event who both were given a 46.50. The first was Vertical Limit, owned by Chad Berger/Ryken/Rosen. The other was Copperhead Slinger, owned by Chad Berger/Ryken/Larson.
The event leaders were Petersen, followed by Marchi, Briscoe, de Oliveira, and Hayes.
As far as the BFTS goes, Justin McBride is in the lead, followed by J.B. Mauney, Marchi, Sean Willingham, and Petersen. All four of these men share the possibility of catching McBride and becoming the 2007 World Champion. With only two events before the World Finals, we are in for an exciting few weeks.
Be safe and God Bless,
Viva La Raza,
Barb.
