Wow, with the site being down I have missed reporting on five PBR events, and a lot has happened in that time, believe me. The last time we spoke the men had just finished up a stint in the Pacific Northwest and headed off to Albuquerque, New Mexico for the Ty Murray Invitational.

L.J. Jenkins captured his first 2008 win in his home state, something that surprised him, since he has not ridden well there before. The 2006 PBR World Finals winner was more excited with this victory then those Finals, stating “It’s awesome to win an event with all my family and friends here to support me.”

Right behind Jenkins was the Built Ford Tough Series leader Guilherme Marchi, followed by Chris Shivers, Ross Coleman, and Renato Nunes.

Bucking bull of the event was Diamond S/ExclusiveGenetics.com’s Avalanche, with a score of 46.

Unfortunately, two injuries resulting in broken bones did occur here. Bullfighter Shorty Gorham suffered a cracked vertebrae, and Robson Palermo will have to heal up from a fractured left tibia.

The BFTS changed a bit. Marchi is still in the lead, and Travis Briscoe remains in second. Kody Lostroh moved from fourth to third, and Valdiron de Oliveira dropped from third to fourth. J.B. Mauney remains in fifth.

Nampa, Idaho was the next destination for the bull riders, and it provided Luke Snyder with his first event win since 2005. Snyder rode all four of his bulls, and continued his streak of most events attended in a PBR career. He is now at 216 and counting.

Luke Snyder winning Nampa. Andy Watson photo

Luke’s best friend Ross Coleman was second in the event, followed by Kody Lostroh and L.J. Jenkins.

Bull of the event was Charlie Bullware, owned by Moreno and Chadwick. This bull received a score of 46.

Marchi remains in the lead for the BFTS standings. Lostroh made another jump up and is now in second. Jenkins leapt into the top five at third, Briscoe dropped to fourth, and Mauney still holds fifth.

The men hauled their gear to Omaha, Nebraska for the Omaha Classic. Brian Canter, who had been quiet of late, grabbed the win. It is hard to believe that this was only the second BFTS win of his career. Austin Meier was second, Nick Landreneau third, and three-time World Champion Adriano Moraes came alive to be fourth.

In Omaha the bull of the event was Nervous Waters, with a score of 46.25. This good bull is owned by Frontier, Teague, and Ron White.

Dickies DuraBullfigher Joe Baumgartner suffered an MCL tear during this event, and will be out of action for about four weeks.

The same five names remain in the top five for the BFTS, with only one swap in order. We still have Marchi, Lostroh and Jenkins in the same order, but Mauney changed places with Briscoe.

Zack Brown on his way to victory in Billings. Andy Watson photo

Billings, Montana was the host of the NILE Invitational. Zack Brown was the winner of the event here, and this was a special win for him. It was at this event in  that he suffered a serious injury that led to his temporary retirement in 2005. I am so happy for Brown, who is a very personable and likable young man who deserves the best.

Names that have not appeared here in this recap followed Brown’s. Second in the event was Josh Koschel, third was Helton Barbosa, fourth young Reese Cates, and fifth was another youngster, McKennon Wimberly.

Voodoo Child garnered the top bull honors, with a big score of 47.25. This super bull is owned by Beutler and Son Rodeo Company.

As far as the BFTS standings, Marchi is still on top and Lostroh is still second. De Oliveira jumped up to third, moving Jenkins to fourth and Mauney to fifth. Briscoe fell off of the top five.

The Cooper Tires Invitational held in Chicago, Illinois brings us up to date. Moraes showed that he is not leaving the PBR resting on his laurels, as he tied for the event win with Dustin Hall. Adriano also scored the highest point ride of the event, a 90.75 on Say I Won’t Gunner, hauled by Chad Berger/Clay Struve.

Behind those two were Marchi, Brendon Clark, and Cates.

The bull of the event was Chicken on a Chain with a 45.50 score.

Robinson/Tedesco/Larry the Cable Guy own this great bull. I say this all the time, but this is the prettiest (if that is the right word for a bull!) bull in the PBR, in my opinion.

Another serious injury occurred at this event. While it appeared that both Mauney and Ednei Caminhas may have suffered fractures, they both came away with painful bruises. Chris Shivers was not so lucky. He broke his left cheekbone and eye socket and has already undergone surgery. It is estimated that he will be out of action for from two to six weeks.

The only change in the BFTS standings is the flop of Jenkins and Mauney. Now Mauney is fourth again and Jenkins fifth.

This weekend is the Des Moines Classic, and the reports will be back on track. I have missed covering these events for you.

Be safe and God Bless,

Viva La Raza,

Barb.