Las Vegas, always a hot spot, exploded with excitement last night as Brazilian Renato Nunez scored 91.75 points on D&H Cattle/Junk Bull Co.’s Grey Dog earning $20,000 for his efforts. Nunez had one event win in Tacoma, WA during the regular season and placed in the top 10 at eight events. The Brazilians, or “Killer B’s” as Justin McKee calls them, are swarming over Las Vegas this year! Ten men from Brazil qualified in the top 45 to be part of this event and are they HOT! In Round One, of the 16 riders that were able to stay on their bulls last night, six of them were Brazilians.
Guillerme Marchi and J.B. Mauney were able to close in a little closer to the leader in this race, as Justin McBride bucked off Diamond S/Exclusive Genetics.com’s bull, Smash Hit. McBride is riding with an injured shoulder suffered during the Chihuahua event. He is also recovering from a diagnosis of Viral Meningitis approximately 10 days ago. He does state that he is feeling much better and ready to ride however. Mauney is now only 1,591 points behind McBride for the lead and Marchi follows at 2,141.5 points behind.
Kody Lohstroh gave a virtual bull riding clinic aboard Berger Bucking Bulls’ Bad Medicine, garnering a score of 90.50. This gave him second place for the round and earned him $15,000. Brian Canter rode Diamond K Bucking Bulls’ Move it for 89.25 and $10,000. Tater Porter, who has announced his retirement at the end of these Finals, took fourth place in the round with a score of 88.75 on D&H Cattle Co.’s Hustler. Porter is riding with a broken free arm, suffered just three weeks ago.
J.B. Mauney, though not in the top five for the night, still took home $5,000 with his Enterprise Rent-a-Car Ride with the Best bonus. Mauney topped Flying U/Moreno Bucking Bulls’ Werewolf Snuff for a score of 87 points. Renato Nunez, by virtue of winning Round 1, will be eligible to win this bonus for Round 2.
While not riding for the first time in 14 years, J.W. Hart is at the finals. He tells Leah Garcia that upon reflection, he didn’t think he could last the 7 rounds of these Finals with the shape his back and hips are in. J.W. plans to take 2008 off and recuperate, then make his come- back in 2009.
Thankfully, there were no major injuries last night, although Luke Snyder gave everyone a bit of a scare. Snyder, riding Chad Berger/Ryken/Rosen’s Mean Machine bucked off in 3.1 seconds and landed on the top of his head . Adriano Moraes also gave the crowd something to gasp about as he finished his 81.25 point ride on Hurst/Ohl/Garrett/Dyess’s Carney Man, then could not get away from his bull and got trampled. Mike Lee took a blow to the head too upon his helicopter landing off Chad Berger/Ryken/Rosen’s Sir Patrick. None of the three were injured.
So, will it be McBride tonight during Round 2, or Mauney or Marchi, or even any of the above? While these three appear to be the biggest contenders for the World Title, you have to be prepared for anything in bull riding!
See you again after Round 2!
Linda Peterson
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