May 15, 2008
The World Cup Bull Riders had a great turn out for tough bull riders in Rio Rancho. There was no question the bull riders were there to ride bulls. The four countries that were present had great representation. Brazil, no strangers to bull riding, had strong showings by Allan Moraes, Claudenir Souza, and Jullianno Marchi. The United States was loaded with great bull riders as well with Tony Mendes, Cody Hancock, Willis Trosclair, Bowdy Peach, Jason McClain and Clayton Baethge to name a few.
Australia's Pete Farley showed that he can use his feet just as good as his brother, Jared, with style. Mexico's Gerardo Venegas came to show everyone why he's one of the world's best. Australia's Pete Farley and USA's Robby Kilman would set the pace in the first go round with 80.5 points, but Tony Mendes grabbed the spotlight on New Mexitour's bull Transfer for 82 points. Buck Bonner would sneak by Tony with 83 points. Willis Trosclair showed he was back and in shape for a solid ride of 85 points. Claudenir Souza from Brazil has been no stranger to the World Cup Bull Riders to move behind Willis with 83.5 points on Red Bluff sponsored by Red Bluff Buckles.
Mexico's Gerardo Venegas was focused on just riding all his bulls and would gather 85.5 for a solid score. The bull riding was only getting tougher, both bulls and riders. Brazilian Allan Moraes was back on track mentally and physically. Allan couldn't have been any tighter to take the lead for 86.5 points. But traveling partner Jullianno Marchi showed great strength and style giving the Brazilians another great bull rider competing here in the US. Jullianno knocked out Back Draft for 87.5 points. Team USA's Clayton Baethge rode Humps and Horns' Sportspage to put a damper on everybody, kicking and spurring with a perfect ride to win the go round with 88.5 points.
Saturday night started the second round at the Rio Rancho Pork and Brew Festival. Brazilian Allan Moraes started the show, but was overpowering for his bull with only a 72.5 score. Cole Taylor tried gathering some points, but fell short with 75 points. Tanner Learmont, Dexter Huber and Tony Mendes jumped out with some 80-point rides. Josh Freehaulf would bring it up a level and made a nice ride on Avis for 82.5 points. Jason McClain jumped up to the leader board making a solid 83-point ride. But, it wasn't long until Justin Granger made a nice ride on Deluxe for 84 points. Koben Puckett soon followed, stepping up to the plate, also making the best of his bull for 84.5 points. Gerardo Venegas had his sights on making solid rides and moving to the short go. Gerardo stuck his bull jump for jump and showed no sign of weakening pulling off 85 points.
But, the go round wasn't over yet, for Clayton Baethge anyway. Clayton was grabbing hold and gathering as many points as he could looking for another go round buckle. Clayton was able to grab that go round by a half a point for 85.5 points. The Short go round had some great riders going into it . Colby Scallions, Kyle Blank, Hayes Meechom, Tanner Learmont, Mason Symons, Jason McClain, Michael McCorkle, Robby Kilman, James Cole Pierce, Tony Mendes, Willis Trosclair, Gerardo Venegas, Allan Moraes, Jullianno Marchi and Clayton Baethge.
The short go bulls were tough. Tony Mendes drew a Mendes bull, Sunvee, started a great bull ride but just missed the eight. Same with Jullianno Marchi, he drew a great Mendes bull, started a great bull ride but couldn't get to the whistle. Colby Scallions would hit the scoreboard with 80 points and Tanner Learmont with 81. Allan Moraes would get his third bull rode for 82 points. Willis Trosclair continued to ride strong scoring 83.5 points. Clayton Baethge, sitting on top of the leader board, pushed Gerardo Venegas to ride harder knowing in order to win the average he had to get his bull rode. When the gate opened, Gerardo was all about getting the job done and pulled out 84.5 points toward his average. But, Kyle Blank would not be left out, taking full advantage of his draw, taking the short go for 87.5 points. But, it would be Gerardo Venegas taking home the average buckle and saddle.
The WCBR would like to thank Johnny Johnson of New Mexitour for sponsoring the Champion saddle. Also Dane Wyatt of Camping Work, Avis, Red Bluff Buckles, Extended Stay Hotels, HNH Bull Riding News and Wrangler.