With an amazing ride aboard Corey and Hurst Rodeo Company’s Far North, Renato Nunez De Rosa took center stage and the event title last weekend at the Tacoma Classic in Tacoma, Washington. Nunez thrilled the crowd with his ride of 90 points aboard this great bull, achieving his first Built Ford Tough Series event wins. What a thrill and what an amazing success story, for this young man, who just over a year ago, after being injured at the 2005 PBR World Finals, thought his career was over. He now intends to stay in the U.S. and continue with his bullriding career here.
Tater Porter came alive in this event as well. Porter, who has ridden well of late, topped all three of his bulls, garnering 2nd in the overall event. McBride, who was second to Sean Willingham in Round One, was unable to top Chumley Cattle Company’s Bear Cat to win what would have been his third consecutive win.
Willingham won Round One, making a spectacular ride on Corey and Hurst Rodeo Company’s Stoney. This match up was really good, with Stoney getting a bull score of 45.25 and Willingham earning himself the highest marked score of the season with a 91.25.
Brendon Clark had the audience on their feet with his ride on Corey and Hurst/The Western Group’s Aces Heart Breaker, topping this great bull with a score of 90.25.Clark took third in the overall event.
The young guns were outstanding! McKennon Wimberly was able to best Flying U/Julio Moreno Bucking Bulls’ Werewolf Snuff with a score of 90.5. Matt Werries also posted an excellent score of 85.5 aboard Ed Hill Bucking Bulls’ Smoking Joe during Round One, but was unable to follow it up in Round Two.
Coming back to his first BTFS event in a year was Tony Mendes. Mendes underwent knee surgery last season. While Mendes was unable to stay aboard during this event, he will be back and he will come back strongly. This always positive and always professional rider is one of the best and I have no hesitation in predicting a really good season for him. It’s nice to have you back Tony.
I’m afraid that there is bad news about Brian Canter however. Canter sustained a possible broken right ankle on Sunday, finishing his weekend without being able to ride in the short go. X-rays are scheduled for this week but a return in time for Omaha is doubtful.
In the World Standings, it’s Justin McBride still with the lead with J.B. Mauney trailing him by 752 points. In third it’s Jason Bennett, who is 2601.3 points behind McBride. Fourth is occupied by Brian Canter, now 2647.8 points behind McBride and in fifth is Guilherme Marchi, who is short by 2814 points. While McBride is in the lead, it’s still going to be a long season. At this point, it’s still anyone’s game.
I’d like to close with asking you again to say a prayer for Lee Akin and his family. Lee continues to be in a drug induced coma in order to keep the pressure off his brain as he recovers from having had his head stepped on in Montgomery, Al. His condition has improved ever so slightly, but he is still in very critical condition. Please join me in praying for his continued improvement and eventual recovery.
Until next time….
LINDA PETERSON
