Fresno was filled with rank bulls and was another stop on the "Bushwacker Farewell Tour". More on that later. Once again, the east coast/west coast time change did me in, and I was not able to watch Friday night's action on the Live Event Center. I did manage to catch Round 2 and the Championship Round on TV, and, thanks to my friend Charlotte, who recorded the 15/15 Bucking Battle (I forgot!), I was able to see that too.
Here are a few observations from Fresno:
- It was explained that a rule exists, that the Promoter of each event can invite two Bull Riders to each event, at their discretion, to assure the best riders are at the event. So, now I understand why PRCA champ JW Harris and IBR champ Guytin Tsosie were included. Bring on more riders and more bulls! As a fan, why would you not want this!?!
- BOOT JACK had an impressive weekend. Saturday night, he bucked off #2 in the world Joao Ricardo Vieira, and Sunday, bucked off #1 in the world Guilherme Marchi for 45.25 points! Both buck offs were under 2 seconds! Whoo hooo! Great bull!
- The bulls were good in round 2 but the judges scoring was inconsistent. I sometimes wish we, as fans, could get a better understanding of the judges thought process in awarding scores. I'd love to not have so many BS Flags flying around my living room!
- CRAZY ACTION was jumping in the chutes with Renato Nunes aboard. This makes me so nervous, to see bull legs flailing, as I'm always afraid of an injury to the bull. Bull fighter, Shorty Gorham, said it takes away from the bull's power, when he's jumping around in there, and in there too long. Thankfully, CRAZY ACTION had a great trip (43.5 pts) and helped Renato to the Round 2 win with an 89.25 point score!
CRAZY ACTION from Irwin Cattle Co. and D&H Cattle Co. had a strong trip in Fresno. This big, muscle-bound bull has some good snotitude, too! |
- RANGO was given a change in deliveries and had a super strong buck-off of LJ Jenkins. Rango's bull score of 44 points was on the lower side, in my opinion.
- MAVERICK continued his wild ways. After exiting the arena, he turned around and came back out, hooking the gate man in the process. Guess his buck-off and 43.5 point score were not enough for the evening!
- Here, again, I thought the bull scores were all over the place. From STONE SOBER's 34.5 point score to BUSHWACKER's 45.25 point score, I thought the judges were stingy. C'mon guys, these are some of the top bulls bucking! Why can't we reward the bulls and the stock contractors with some higher scores?
- LONG JOHN was spectacular as he jumped a good 5+ feet in the air. He absolutely slammed his rider to the ground. 44 3/4 points???
- I'M A GANGSTER TOO was a bit fussy in the chute and when the gate opened he exploded out of there, hitting his hind hooves on the back of the chute. That makes me so nervous, as I'm afraid they will get caught up and hurt themselves. He had a funky out...not great timing.
Photographs by Susan Hanrahan
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