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CHARLOTTE, N.C., (May 27, 2008 ) – The 12th stop of the 2008 season at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Charlotte, N.C., had the stars of the Sprint Cup Series experiencing heartburn. From engine and tire troubles to several brushes with the wall, a fair share of big-name drivers had several TUMSâ moments. Each weekend PRN lead anchor Doug Rice picks the Top 10 TUMS Moments from the weekend’s racing activities.
This week’s Top 10 TUMS honors go to:
10. Haas CNC Racing had both of their primary cars confiscated by NASCAR for unapproved modifications – not exactly the way to start the longest race of the year.
9. Even though he was driving the company car in the Coca-Cola 600, Kyle Petty continued to struggle.
8. Brian Vickers looked like the car to beat in the early going, but a wheel came off putting the Red Bull Toyota in the wall.
7. It was a sad day for longtime Lowe’s Motor Speedway President and promoter H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler as he retired following the race.
6. Chip Ganassi’s car won the Indy 500, but his three Sprint Cup cars all struggled in the 600.
5. Jimmie Johnson came up 50 laps short in his bid to win a fourth Coca-Cola 600 as the Lowe’s Chevy had a motor go south.
4. Kyle Busch overcame a dead battery and charged back to a third place finish. Without the electrical problems, Busch may have had his fourth win of the season.
3. Denny Hamlin, Dave Blaney, Reed Sorenson and Martin Truex Jr. all suffered damage when Tony Stewart bottled up the field with a super slow restart on lap 308.
2. Jr. Nation was poised for a major league party as he was pulling away from the field but a right rear tire denied him victory, again. Instead of champagne, it’s TUMS once again for the No. 88 crew.
1. With two laps to go, the checkered flag was insight for Tony Stewart, but a flat tire forced him to pit and he finished 18th. Kasey Kahne inherited the lead and the win.
Stay tuned each week for the Top 10 TUMS Moments to see which drivers and teams are most in need of TUMS fast relief.
Safety Issues Need to Be Addressed Within Eventing
Editorial: May 21, 2008 by: Linda Shier/SIT
Photo by Linda Shier: Laine Ashker and Frodo Baggins Immediately after the fall
Excitement was in the air when we rolled in to Kentucky Horse Park to cover the 2008 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. As you well know, this is the only four star event in the U.S. and as such is of great importance to the competitors since this is the event that will determine the makeup of the Olympic team for this Summer. Since this great event is the pinnacle for our U.S. competitors (even though there is great international participation) everyone expects to see nothing but the best of the best.
On that Thursday April 24th we began to photograph and witness the start of the dressage competition. But as always, the excitement began on Saturday with the start of the Cross-Country competition. The morning passed by with some great rides and no major mishaps. After lunch at the media tent, we went back out to continue our coverage. At approximately 1:30 that afternoon while standing next to jump #5, (the floral basket) the reality of how dangerous this portion of the competition could be sat in on this observer. As I was watching Laine Ashker approach on the twelve year old thoroughbred Frodo Baggins a sense of something gone wrong began to overcome my psyche. Everything began occurring in slow motion as it happened. Frodo Baggins began a refusal upon approach and all of a sudden the collision between horse, rider, and the floral basket occurred. The thoroughbred hit one of the upright supports and did a somersault through the jump throwing Laine against the upright as well and both came tumbling down on the ground. The sound of the crash is one I will never forget. There was a hush over the crowd and you could have heard a pin drop. Then after what seemed to be the longest time the officials, vets, and crowd began stirring and shouting in response to this tragedy.
Photo by Linda Shier: Frodo Baggins attempting to stand after the accident
Laine was on the ground not moving at all. Poor Frodo was struggling to get up and it was apparent that this brave horse was in pain as well as disoriented. My heart was beating in panic as I witnessed another beautiful animal in pain and a poor unfortunate rider obviously injured seriously. Frodo managed to get upright despite those next to the horse attempting to keep him calm and on the ground. Frodo managed to get up, but struggled for about five seconds and then went back down on the ground. I was in tears with the trauma I was witnessing for both animal and rider. Contrary to all reports, this witness did not see the rider move at all and then the tarps went up around the crippled horse. Since I have witnessed far too many times the tarps or curtains go up, it was apparent what was going to happen next. All of us involved with the Equine scene know that when the curtains go up, the animal is put down in spite of what anyone may say.
Photo by Linda Shier: The Vets and Emergency Personell attending to Frodo Baggins after collapsing
After 1 ½ hours of delay as many riders endured the wait, the “spin-doctors” began parceling out inadequate information stating that Laine Ashker was moving and communicating with paramedics and that Frodo Baggins had been taken across the road to Hagyard Equine Medical Institute where supposedly they were working to examine the injured horse. The truth of the matter was that Laine Ashker had been taken to University of Kentucky Medical Center and was immediately put on a respirator in intensive care with serious injuries. As for poor Frodo, we were not told of anything other than the vets were working on the horse. All of the facts concerning the injuries of both horse and rider did not come out until that Monday well after the event concluded. This was done apparently to quell the witnesses’ reports of what they had seen and knew to be true. Another horse was injured and put down, as well as a rider seriously injured and in intensive care.
Photo by Linda Shier: Finally the Curtain goes up so the crowd could not see the trauma
In a separate incident, Sarah Hansel’s horse The Quiet Man sustained a serious shoulder injury as a result of a fall. The Quiet Man was euthanized Sunday morning as a result of the fall. Sarah sustained minor injuries and didn’t require hospitalization. The absence of this lovely horse is a tremendous loss to the entire sport of eventing as well. Two horses in one event are tragically euthanized.
Unfortunately, this is not an uncommon occurrence and also not the only time that Laine Ashker had been involved in an injurious situation for her ride. Within the last year Laine Ashker lost not only this horse, but also her horse Eight Saint James Place staggered and then fell over and died almost instantly while being vetted after completing XC at Jersey Fresh last year under very hot and humid conditions.
To add to the support for a safer cross-country environment, Jerome and Rebecca Broussard’s gelding, La Samurai (Sparky), who sustained an injury to his near fore suspensory ligament while riden by Amy Tryon on the cross-country course at the 2007 Rolex, Kentucky Three Day Event was euthanized on May 4, 2007.
These are just four examples of injuries that resulted in the untimely deaths of gracious and noble animals in cross-country eventing. After witnessing such tragedies, one must ask if there is something that can be done to prevent such occurrences. Ask yourself, if NASCAR can implement safety features in the cars and create soft-walls at the tracks then why can’t USEF and FEI Eventing become safer?
When I showed in 3-day events some 20 years ago they had a rule that in practice all riders must wear helmets. However, for the shows they ruled no helmets should be worn with safe chin straps. I can remember a fall I took where my helmet went flying and I saw the horse’s hoof over my head. I was lucky and only sustained a broken clavicle. Since that time they enforced the helmet with chin straps for shows as well as practice. But since that time the FEI and USEF took the stance that safer is better. Well in this writer’s opinion, the FEI and USEF need to take the lead and set up better standards for the implementation of safer jumps for the horse and rider alike. It’s time that the needless injuries followed by euthanasia ceases since we all take great pride in this noble sport. It’s time that our sport takes the higher road and begins to make self-improvement where needed.
We can all show our support for changes in Eventing, especially the cross-country events by sending our comments either via letter, phone, or email to both the USEF and the FEI. We need to make changes much like other sports so that we can be more humane in the handling and treatment of such noble animals.
Please show your support for making safer changes within Eventing by sending your communications directly to:
United States Equestrian Federation, Inc.
4047 Iron Works Parkway
Lexington, KY 40511
Phone: (859) 258-2472
Fax: (859) 231-6662
David O’ConnorPresident doconnor@usef.org
Or to the FEI:
H.R.H. Princess Haya BINT AL HUSSEIN 2006 – 2010
President
Fédération Equestre Internationale
Avenue Mon-Repos 24
1005 LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND
Tel.: office (971 4) 329 2333
Fax: office (971 4) 329 2555
Oliveira rides his way to another win in the 2008 season.
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SAN ANTONIO, Texas (May 17, 2008 ) – The Ford Best in Texas Shootout thrilled bull riding fans on Saturday night as the 20th event of the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) elite Built Ford Tough Series presented by Wrangler (BFTS) stopped in San Antonio, TX, for one night only! The world’s top 45 bull riders took over the Alamodome as they competed head to head with the PBR’s toughest bulls at the first of two BFTS stops in the Lone Star State. In the end, Brazil’s Valdiron de Oliveira (Aparecida de Goiania, GO, Brazil) scored 176 points and claimed his second event win of 2008 and second career win ever.
“I’m so happy to get this win. I didn’t really know the bull that I chose in the short round, but I was told that he would go into my hand,” Oliveira said. He then added jokingly, “Guilherme, watch out—I’m coming for you now!”
During the long round, Oliveira rode Mastermind (Martinez Bucking Bulls) for 86.5 points, becoming only one of twelve riders to cover their round one bull. At the draft which took place during intermission, he chose to ride Boyd / Floyd Bull Company’s prize bull, Lightning McQueen, and covered him for 89.5 points. Not only did he take the title of the Ford Best in Texas Shootout, but he also won the Built Ford Tough Championship Round. Taking second place at the event was fellow Brazilian and world no. 1 Guilherme Marchi (Leme, SP, Brazil) who finished the night with 174.75 points and rounding out the top three was Georgia bull rider Sean Willingham (Summerville, Ga.) who scored 171.75 points and earned his highest finish so far in 2008.
In round one, young gun J.B. Mauney (Mooresvlle, NC) thrilled the crowd with a 90 point ride on Wild Life (Boyd / Floyd Bull Company). He took first place in the round and received the coveted first choice in the short round draft. Right behind him were Travis Briscoe (Edgewood, NM) who scored 89.25 points on Grey Dog (D&H Cattle Co. / Junk Bull Co.), earning a second place check, and 2002 PBR World Champion Ednei Caminhas (P. Alves, SP, Brazil) who took on Full Throttle (Murphy Ranch and Rodeo) for 89 points and a third place finish.
The PBR Bull Team Challenge was once again a thrilling race in San Antonio. Twenty-two teams have been formed, each providing $50,000 for the opportunity to win their share of the $1.1 million total competition purse through the 2008 season. The team, Boyd – Floyd Bull Co.com, took first place and the $20,000 purse with 224.5 points, narrowly beating out D&H / Enlow / Gilbert who ended the event with 223.5 points and a second place check worth $10,000.
For more information and the official rules on the PBR’s new Bull Team Challenge, please visit http://www.pbrnow.com/competition/BullTeams.
The intense race for PBR’s million dollar world title takes the world’s top 45 bull riders to Orlando, Fla., on June 6-7 for stop #21, the Git-R-Done Invitational hosted by Tater Porter & presented by Cooper Tires. The VERSUS network airs PBR events every Saturday and Sunday evening. Be sure to check www.pbrnow.com for upcoming cities, ticket information, and complete broadcast times.
INJURY REPORT:
Ednei Caminhas (P. Alves, SP, Brazi) was transported to the hospital to run tests on his liver which he may have injured during the Built Ford Tough Championship round.
Rocky McDonald (Juarez, Mexico) bruised his abdominal muscles while getting off his bull in round one.
BEHIND THE CHUTES:
Enterprise Rent-A-Car’s “Ride with the Best” Bonus:
As the winner of round two at the Des Moines Classic, L.J. Jenkins (Texico, NM) was eligible to compete for the $5,000 Enterprise Rent-A-Car “Ride with the Best” bonus during round one of the Ford Best in Texas Shootout in San Antonio. Jenkins ride on Vampire, owned by Martinez Bucking Bull, LLC, was unsuccessful; therefore, his owners collected the bonus. As the winner of round one, J.B. Mauney (Mooresville, NC) will be eligible for the bonus during the first round of the Git-R-Done Invitational hosted by Tater Porter.
Ford Truck Moment of Truth Bonus:
J.B. Mauney (Mooresville, NC) was in the lead going into the Built Ford Tough Championship Round and ultimately did not win the Ford Best in Texas Shootout event title. Consequently, he did not claim the $15,000 bonus Ford Truck Moment of Truth Bonus. The bonus will grow to $20,000 at the next stop, the Git-R-Done Invitational hosted by Tater Porter & presented by Cooper Tires on June 6-7. The bonus grows by $5,000 each week if it is not claimed. Once claimed, it returns to $5,000.
Ford Super Duty Challenge:
As the Ford Best in Texas Shootout event winner, Valdiron de Oliveira (Aparecida de Goiania, GO, Brazil) has qualified for a chance to compete at the PBR Built Ford Tough World Finals, against all other 2008 Built Ford Tough Series event winners, for $50,000 toward the purchase of a 2009 Ford Super Duty Truck. The Ford Super Duty Challenge contestant who finishes the highest in the event aggregate during the 2008 PBR Built Ford Tough World Finals will win the Ford Super Duty Challenge.
Salem NationaLease Bull of the Event:
Hot Pistol (Boyd/Floyd Bull Company) earned Bull of the Event honors with a score of 46 points in San Antonio. This honor is acknowledged by an award of $1,250 going to the top bull of each event as determined by the PBR judges’ bull score.
Cabela’s World’s Foremost Ride:
J.B. Mauney (Mooresville, NC) recorded the highest marked ride of the event when he scored 90 points on Wild Life, owned by Boyd / Floyd Bull Company, during the first round of the Ford Best in Texas Shootout. Consequently, he earned a $1,000 bonus.
The rider who achieves the highest score at each BFTS regular season event, excluding the PBR World Finals receives a bonus of $1,000 for the accomplishment. The PBR athlete who achieves the highest marked qualifying ride during the entire 2008 BFTS regular season, excluding the PBR World Finals event will receive $25,000, while second and third place finishers will be awarded $10,000 and $5,000, respectively. The bull rider who achieves the highest marked ride through the course of the entire 2008 PBR BFTS World Finals will earn an additional $10,000.
FORD BEST IN TEXAS SHOOTOUT RESULTS:
ROUND ONE: 1) J.B. Mauney (Mooresville, NC) 90 points on Wild Life (Boyd / Floyd Bull Company, $2,730; 2) Travis Briscoe (Edgewood, NM) 89.25 points on Grey Dog (D&H Cattle Co. / Junk Bull Co.), $1,950; 3) Ednei Caminhas (P. Alves, SP, Brazil) 89 points on Full Throttle (Murphy Ranch and Rodeo), $1,170; 4) Ned Cross (Midland, Ore.) 88.75 points on Cool Whip (Duncan & Evans Bucking Bulls), $780.
BUILT FORD TOUGH CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND: 1) Valdiron de Oliveira (Aparecida de Goiania, GO, Brazil) 89.5 points on Lightning McQueen (Boyd / Floyd Bull Company), $2,730; 2) Jared Farley (Kempsey, AUS) 89 points on Black Gold (Silverado Rodeo Company), $1,950; 3) Sean Willingham (Summerville, Ga.) 87.5 points on Bonafide (D&H Cattle Co. / Junk Bull Co.), $1,170; 4) Guilherme Marchi (Leme, SP, Brazil) 87.25 points on Buckeye (Silverado Rodeo Company), $780.
OVERALL EVENT STANDINGS: 1) Valdiron de Oliveira (Aparecida de Goiania, GO, Brazil) 176 points, $28,522.50; 2) Guilherme Marchi (Leme, SP, Brazil) 174.75 points, $14,384.50; 3) Sean Willingham (Summerville, Ga.) 171.75 points, $9,622.50; 4) J.B. Mauney (Mooresville, NC) 90 points, $9,130; 5) Travis Briscoe (Edgewood, NM) 89.25 points, $6,300.
BUILT FORD TOUGH WORLD STANDINGS: (The PBR World Champion is based on total Built Ford Tough Series points earned through the season)
1) Guilherme Marchi (Leme, SP, Brazil) 9203.75 points, $195,997; 2) Kody Lostroh (Longmont, Colo.) 5882.25 points, $113,024; 3) Valdiron de Oliveira (Aparecida de Goiania, GO, Brazil) 5793.75 points, $80,086; 4) J.B. Mauney (Mooresville, NC) 5614 points, $136,609; 5) L.J. Jenkins (Texico, NM) 5081.25 points, $121,006; 6) Travis Briscoe (Edgewood, NM) 5031.25 points, $242,767; 7) Mike Lee (Decatur, TX) 4619.5 points, $71,512; 8 ) Ross Coleman (Molalla, Ore.) 4362 points, $46,539; 9) Robson Palermo (Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil) 4237 points, $176,291; 10) Renato Nunes (Buritama, SP, Brazil) 4176 points, $61,109.
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PUEBLO, Colo. (May 5, 2008 ) – The Professional Bull Riders, Inc. (PBR) is excited to unveil its newest investors–two of the sporting world’s most renowned athletes. National Football League (NFL) Hall of Famer John Elway and National Hockey League (NHL) Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky are two of the PBR’s newest shareholders through Spire Capital Partners, L.P., the PBR’s partner and private equity firm.
Randy Bernard, PBR CEO, shared his excitement, “The PBR is extremely proud to have these two incredible athletes associated with our organization. This is another way the PBR can become more visible in the world of mainstream sports.”
Former Denver Bronco, John Elway, is still revered as being one of the best NFL quarterbacks of all time. He holds many records, one of these being 148 games won as a starting quarterback, as well as holding the record of being a 5-time Super Bowl starting quarterback.
“To be associated with a group of people like the Professional Bull Riders, and my good friend Wayne Gretzky, is a win-win situation for me,” said Elway. “I really look forward to being involved with this great group and sharing in our successes together.”
Gretzky, widely considered the greatest player in the history of the National Hockey League, still remains the most statistically dominant player in the history of North American team sports. He captured 61 NHL scoring records during his 20-year career, and continues to hold or share these records. “The Great One” also won four Stanley Cups, as well as many international competitions. Following his final NHL game on April 18, 1999, Gretzky became the first and only player in NHL history to have his jersey number retired by all member clubs.
“Coming on board with the Professional Bull Riders is an exciting and unique opportunity,” said Gretzky. “Their success as an entertainment vehicle has been well documented, and to be a part of such a well-respected and up-an-coming venture is thrilling.”
Spire Capital Partners completed its partnership with PBR in April 2007. Spire Capital Partners, L.P., is now the majority investor of PBR, the leading, global professional bull riding organization.
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DES MOINES, Ia. (May 3, 2008 ) – The Des Moines Classic treated fans to two action packed nights of the best bull riding in the world. The 19th stop of the elite Professional Bull Riders’ (PBR) Built Ford Tough Series presented by Wrangler (BFTS) made its debut appearance at the Wells Fargo Arena. Current points’ leader, Guilherme Marchi (Leme, Sao Paulo, Brazil) walked away with top honors and separated himself even further from the field of 45 bull riders.
During the first round of competition, Marchi scored 86 points aboard #10 Bucking Bulls’ Bad Brad on Friday night. In the second round of action, he topped Chad Berger/Clay Struve’s Spiderman for 84.75 points. Marchi’s consistency paid off when he scored 88.25 points aboard D&H Cattle Co.’s Bad Yeller during the Built Ford Tough Championship Round. As the only man to ride all three bulls and a total score of 259 points, he easily claimed the event championship and the $27,320 in prize money.
“I’ve tried and tried in the past to win the PBR World Championship,” said Marchi. “This year I’ve trained a little harder and had a lot of support from my friends and family. I hope that it’s finally my time.”
The Des Moines Classic event win marks the third win of the season for Marchi and his ninth career victory. The sensational bull rider from Brazil has maintained an exceptional 80.36% riding percentage through 19 BFTS events this season. Through the first half of the season, Marchi has dominated the chase for the 2008 PBR World Championship, extending his lead to more than 3,000 points.
Texas cowboy, Zack Brown (Santa Fe) continued to move toward the top of the standings by claiming second place overall in the event with 179 points. In the first round, Brown received 88.25 points aboard Danny Lemmons’ Splat Kat. In the second round, he was bucked off of Page & Teague Bucking Bulls’ Page W4L but his single score was enough to qualify him for the Built Ford Tough Championship Round. Brown claimed the win during the final round of action when he scored 90.75 points aboard Chad Berger/Clay Struve/Julie Rosen’s Sir Patrick. Brown earned $16,718 for his performance.
Event alternate, Harve Stewart (Stephenville, Texas) did his best to re-claim his spot among the elite bull riders when he took third place in the overall event standings. Although he was bucked off of Stace Smith’s Wild Berry in round one, he dominated Silverado Rodeo Company’s Malibu in round two and received 88 points. In the Built Ford Tough Championship Round, Stewart scored 90.5 points aboard Frontier/Teague/Ron White’s Nervous Waters. Stewart added $11,334 in PBR bucks to his pocket book.
Fourth place was claimed by three-time PBR World Champion, Adriano Moraes (Cachoeira Paulista, Sao Paulo, Brazil) with a total score of 177.5 points. Earlier this season Moraes announced that 2008 would be his farewell tour and he’s making the most of it with five top five finishes thus far in the year. Clayton Foltyn (El Campo, Texas) rounded out the top five with 177 points.
The PBR Team Challenge was once again a thrilling race in Des Moines. Twenty-two teams have been formed, each providing $50,000 for the opportunity to win their share of the $1.1 million total competition purse through the 2008 season. The teams known as D&H/Enlow/Gilbert and Ron White’s Comedy Tour tied for the win with 222.5 points and they each took home $15,000 in prize money.
The race for PBR’s million dollar world title takes the top 45 bull riders in the world to San Antonio, Texas for the Ford Best in Texas Shootout on May 17. The VERSUS network airs PBR events every Saturday and Sunday evening. Be sure to check www.pbrnow.com for upcoming cities, ticket information, and complete broadcast times.
INJURY REPORT
Kasey Hayes (Liberal, Kan.) fractured his C-6 vertebrae after he was thrown off his first round bull. He will undergo surgery and is out for an undetermined amount of time.
Austin Meier (Kinta, Okla.) sustained a concussion when he was thrown off his short round bull. He was transported to the hospital and is under observation for a neck injury.
Bryan Richardson (Dallas, TX) sprained his left shoulder. He is probable for San Antonio.
Travis Briscoe (Edgewood, NM) bruised his hip after he was thrown from his round one bull. He is probable for San Antonio.
BEHIND THE CHUTES
Enterprise Rent-A-Car’s “Ride with the Best” Bonus:
As the winner of round two at the Cooper Tires Invitational, Mike White (De Kalb, Texas) was eligible to compete for the $5,000 Enterprise Rent-A-Car “Ride with the Best” bonus during round one of Des Moines Classic. He did not make the required eight second whistle aboard Three Alarm, thus the $5,000 bonus was awarded to Frontier Rodeo Company.
The Des Moines Classic round one winner, Luke Snyder (Raymore, Mo.) was eligible to compete for the $5,000 Enterprise Rent-A-Car “Ride with the Best” bonus during the second round of competition in Des Moines. Snyder did not make the eight second whistle on the bull, Spit Fire, and consequently, C&G Rodeo Livestock, LLC was awarded the $5,000 bonus. As the winner of round two, L.J. Jenkins (Texico, N.M.) will be eligible for the bonus May 17 in San Antonio, Texas.
Ford Truck Moment of Truth Bonus:
Adriano Moraes (Cachoeira Paulista, SP, Brazil) was in the lead going into the Built Ford Tough Championship Round and ultimately did not win the Des Moines Classic event title. As the $10,000 bonus was not claimed, it will increase to $15,000 at the Ford Best in Texas Shootout in San Antonio, Texas on May 17. The bonus grows by $5,000 each week if it is not claimed. Once claimed, it returns to $5,000.
Ford Super Duty Challenge:
As the Des Moines Classic event winner, Guilherme Marchi (Leme, SP, Brazil) has qualified for a chance to compete at the PBR Built Ford Tough World Finals, against all other 2008 Built Ford Tough Series event winners, for $50,000 toward the purchase of a 2009 Ford Super Duty Truck. The Ford Super Duty Challenge contestant who finishes the highest in the event aggregate during the 2008 PBR Built Ford Tough World Finals will win the Ford Super Duty Challenge.
Salem NationaLease Bull of the Event:
Jacob’s Pet owned by D&H Cattle Co./Runyan earned Bull of the Event honors with a score of 46.50 points in Des Moines. This honor is acknowledged by an award of $1,250 going to the top bull of each event as determined by the PBR judges’ bull score.
Cabela’s World’s Foremost Ride:
L.J. Jenkins (Texico, N.M.) recorded the highest marked ride of the event when he scored 92 points on Chad Berger/Denny Hawks’ Scaredy Cat, during the second round of the Des Moines Classic. Consequently, he earned a $1,000 bonus.
The rider who achieves the highest score at each BFTS regular season event, excluding the PBR World Finals receives a bonus of $1,000 for the accomplishment. The PBR athlete who achieves the highest marked qualifying ride during the entire 2008 BFTS regular season, excluding the PBR World Finals event will receive $25,000, while second and third place finishers will be awarded $10,000 and $5,000, respectively. The bull rider who achieves the highest marked ride through the course of the entire 2008 PBR BFTS World Finals will earn an additional $10,000.
DES MOINES CLASSIC RESULTS
ROUND ONE: 1) Luke Snyder (Raymore, Mo.) 90.75 points on Frontier Rodeo Company’s Flash, $2,730; 2) Adriano Moraes (Cachoeira Paulista, SP, Brazil) 90.25 points on Chad Berger/Clay Struve’s Team Equine’s Evil Forces, $1,950; 3) Kody Lostroh (Longmont, Colo.) 88.75 points on Chad Berger/Clay Struve/Julie Rosen’s Montego Bay, $1,170; 4) Austin Meier (Kinta, Okla.) 88.5 points on Chad Berger/Clay Struve’s Texas, $780.
ROUND TWO: 1) L.J. Jenkins (Texico, NM) 92 points on Chad Berger/Denny Hawks’ Scaredy Cat, $2,730; 2) Dustin Elliott (North Platte, NE) 91.75 points on Chad Berger/Clay Struve’s Walk the Line, $1,950; 3/4) Brian Canter (Randleman, NC) Frontier Rodeo Company’s Flash, $975; 3/4) Mike White (De Kalb, TX) 89.75 points on Danny Lemmons’ Splat Kat, $975.
BUILT FORD TOUGH CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND: 1) Zack Brown (Santa Fe, TX) 90.75 points on Chad Berger/Clay Struve/Julie Rosen’s Sir Patrick, $2,730; 2) Harve Stewart (Stephenville, TX) 90.5 points on Frontier/Teague/Ron White’s Nervous Waters, $1,950; 3) Guilherme Marchi (Leme, SP, Brazil) 88.25 points on D&H Cattle Co.’s Bad Yeller, $1,170.
OVERALL EVENT STANDINGS: 1) Guilherme Marchi (Leme, SP, Brazil) 259 points, $27,320; 2) Zack Brown (Santa Fe, TX) 179 points, $16,718; 3) Harve Stewart (Stephenville, TX) 178.5 points, $11,334; 4) Adriano Moraes (Cachoeira Paulista, SP, Brazil) 177.5 points, $7,350; 5) Clayton Foltyn (El Campo, TX) 177 points, $5,156; 6) Renato Nunes (Buritama, SP, Brazil) 176.75 points, $3,450.
BUILT FORD TOUGH WORLD STANDINGS: (The PBR World Champion is based on total Built Ford Tough Series points earned throughout the season.)
1) Guilherme Marchi (Leme, SP, Brazil) 8729 points, $191,812; 2) Kody Lostroh (Longmont, Colo.) 5882.25 points, $112,024; 3) Valdiron de Oliveira (Aparecida de Goiania, GO) 5472.75 points, $75,549; 4) J.B. Mauney (Mooresville, NC) 5224 points, $103,531; 5) L.J. Jenkins (Texico, NM) 5081.25 points, $121,006; 6) Travis Briscoe (Edgewood, NM) 4672 points, $226,817; 7) Mike Lee (Decatur, TX) 4442.5 points, $68,456; 8 ) Ross Coleman (Molalla, Ore.) 4362 points, $46,539; 9) Robson Palermo (Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil) 4237 points, $175,291; 10) Renato Nunes (Buritama, SP, Brazil) 4176 points, $60,426.
NASHVILLE, Tenn., May 1, 2008 – Nominations for horses to run in the 2008 Iroquois SteeplechaseSM have closed and Dwight Hall, director of racing, says Good Night Shirt is this year’s clear favorite.
“Good Night Shirt is by far the favorite to win,” said Hall. “Last year, he got his first win of the season at the Iroquois. He then went on to break the National Steeplechase Association single-season earnings record and win the 2007 Eclipse Award. He is back in the same form, if not better, this year.
“Good Night Shirt won the Georgia Cup in Atlanta, which is the only race he has run this season. He landed two lengths behind Hip Hop after the final jump, but finished strong to win by a length and a half. That performance shows why Good Night Shirt is considered to be the best horse on the circuit,” Hall added.
Good Night Shirt and Hip Hop could meet again at the Iroquois on May 10.
“Hip Hop is running well with two wins this season at Little Everglades and the Queens Cup. However, he is cross-entered in both the Iroquois and Marcellus Frost, the second race of the day. His trainer will determine the race that Hip Hop has the best chance of winning and run him there,” said Hall. “In past years Hip Hop has been a favorite, but defeating Good Night Shirt in a weight-for-age race might prove difficult.”
Good Night Shirt beat Hip Hop in the Georgia Cup with 16 pounds added to him as a handicap. The Iroquois is a weight-for-age race with no handicaps.
“If you’re looking for an upset, you might want to watch for Sweet Shani, owned by Calvin Houghland of Nashville. This tough, second-year mare from Australia placed second at Keeneland on April 17. She also placed second at the 2007 Breeders Cup at Fair Hills to McDynamo, three-time Eclipse winner and NSA career earnings record holder. I consider her to be a contender,” Hall said
Other nominations include Bow Strada, winner of the $25,000 hurdle at the Atlanta Steeplechase; Best Attack, who placed third at Keeneland; Orison, who placed fourth at Keeneland and won the 2007 Carolina Cup; and Mon Villez, a Houghland-owned horse with three consecutive victories in the Noel Laing stakes at Montpelier. Three solid allowance horses – Fra Diavolo, Kilbride Rd and Motel Affair – round out the field.
Horses nominated for the 2008 Iroquois Steeplechase (trainers in parentheses):
1. BEST ATTACK (F. Bruce Miller)
2. BOW STRADA (F. Bruce Miller)
3. FRA DIAVOLO (Jonathan Sheppard)
4. GOOD NIGHT SHIRT (Jack Fisher)
5. HIP HOP (John K. Griggs)
6. KILBRIDE RD (Doug Fout)
7. MON VILLEZ (F. Bruce Miller)
8. MOTEL AFFAIR (Thomas H. Voss)
9. ORISON (Doug Fout)
10. SWEET SHANI (Jonathan Sheppard)
Although pointed toward the 2008 Iroquois, Sur La Tete, a two-time Iroquois winner and runner up to Good Night Shirt in the 2007 Iroquois, was retired early this season because of a leg injury.
“We are looking at a solid field that will make for an exciting race,” Hall said. “Anytime you have the best horse on the circuit, it’s going to be fun to watch. But with Good Night Shirt running for a second consecutive Iroquois win, it’s going to be very memorable.”
Additional entries can be made until May 6 and scratches must be made by May 7. The drawing for post positions, which determines the horses’ saddlecloth numbers, will be held May 8 at 9:30 a.m. outside the barn office at the Iroquois grounds in Percy Warner Park.
Presented by Bank of America and benefiting Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, the 67th running of the Iroquois Steeplechase will be held May 10 in Nashville’s Percy Warner Park. The Iroquois’ race day purses and bonuses total $415,000, making it the second highest purse in American steeplechasing. Six races are held throughout the day, including the Bright Hour Amateur Hurdle.
About the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt
The Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt is a leading provider of pediatric healthcare, ranked as one of the best children’s hospitals in the country and among the top 10 in the nation for Emergency Medicine and Neonatology by Child magazine. Constructed in 2004, the freestanding 222-bed children’s hospital is dedicated to high level pediatric and sub-specialty treatment and is also a training and research hospital, training many of the future’s top pediatric physicians. Ranked #6 in the nation for NIH Funding, research being conducted at Vanderbilt Children’s is helping shape the way the nation cares for children. Vanderbilt Children’s is the most comprehensive children’s hospital in the State, offering services from cancer treatments, organ and bone marrow transplants to broken legs and everything in between. Living by the principal of “family-centered care,” Vanderbilt Children’s was planned over the course of five years with the continuous involvement of patients and families to ensure their special needs were addressed and met. For more information, visit www.VanderbiltChildrens.com.
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PUEBLO, Colo. (April 30, 2008 ) – The Professional Bull Riders, Inc. (PBR) has added four “bull draft” events to the 2008 Built Ford Tough Series presented by Wrangler (BFTS) schedule.
Previously, the bull draft—where the bull riders get to select their bulls—was only held at three-day events. Due to its popularity, the PBR will be featuring a draft at the following one- and two-day events: San Antonio, Texas on May 17, 2008; Dallas, Texas on June 21-22, 2008; Nashville, Tenn. on August 29-30, 2008; and Columbus, Ohio on October 10-11, 2008.
For the added draft events, riders will only choose their bulls for the Championship Round. The bull rider who is in the lead will get to pick his bull first. Then, the remaining 14 contestants will pick their bulls, with the rider in 15th position choosing last. This selection process will happen during intermission.
“We have seen how popular these drafts are with our fans. It has been standing-room only at the past several drafts, so we wanted to bring this excitement to more events across the country,” stated PBR CEO Randy Bernard.
Livestock Director Cody Lambert believes the draft system offers a new advantage to the fans. “It allows the fans to see the personalities of the cowboys and see which new riders want the chance to stick it on bulls like Reindeer [Dippin’], and become a hero for riding him.”
The 2008 BFTS season marks the first time in PBR history that a rider can choose his bull in competition.
