Zack Oakes Tops The Field At The CBR's Redneck Bull Bash

Zack Oakes Wins The CBR’s Red Neck Bull Bash

The CBR blasted into Lufkin, TX with a great event to start March off like a lion. Playing to yet another packed house great bulls and top riders thrilled the crowd. It was PRCA and CBR World Champion Matt Austin’s first event back and Matt has changed his look. He now is wearing a helmet.

In the first round Jake Littlefield drew Lufkin Ranch and Rodeo’s Maverick who is a chip off the old block. This son of Zorro explodes out with rear and drop and is hard to get by. He won this match.

We are seeing more and more PRCA contestants getting into the bull business. Will Morris bucked off of Jerry Copp and Britt Bockius’ Coyote as the bulls took control. Vernon Guidry/Lyndal Hurst’s Comet’s Gold got the best of Cole Echols while Alan Murphy’s Who’s There won the match against Aaron Pass.

Chad Castillo made the first qualified ride in the section aboard Kevin Loudamy’s Cowtown Cruiser for 83.5. He was followed by Justin Richards who had to be helped out of the arena as Bobby Harrison’s Sam T Straight went around to the right into his hand and hit Justin in the head with a horn.

Dan Duncan’s Bad Moon got the best of Mike Moore but Zack Oakes had the crowd roaring as he rode Lonnie Brown’s Copan Cat for 87.5 to end the first section.

The bulls once again ruled the second section as the Hurst/Garrett/Dyess bull Carney May bucked Steve Woolsey off quickly. Alan Murphy’s Bad Boy Roy made quick work of Kenny Westrope while Guidry/Hurst’s Hot Diggity Damn made quick work of Shawn Coleman.

Chad German scored 83 aboard Lufkin R&R’s Dirty Demon but the Scott Graham/Jay Pierce bull Jaw Breaker bucked off Jay Dunford.Wes Bruce’s Texas Down Under had his way with Colby Scallions while L&G Cattle Co’s Black Jacket bucked off Matt Gray.

Laddan Ledbetter ended the section with a great ride aboard Lyndal Hurst’s Fat Jimmy for 88.5.

Alvin Jones’ Apollo bucked off Ritchie Farnsworth to start round three. Brian Curtis followed withhis 84.5 ride aboard Duncan’s Big Red. His ride was followed by J.C.Bean’s great 89 point ride aboard Chad and Cherie Weishuhn’s Monkey Blood who faked left then reversed around to the right away from J C ‘s hand. J. C stayed in complete control and the fans loved it.

Cooper Kanngiesser rode Alan Murphy’s Train Robber for 86.5 but got injured in the get off. He limped off and might not be able to ride in the short go.

Lonnie Brown’s One Spot go the best of Hugo Pedrero while Cooper Mill Partnership’s Wichita beat Wesley Silcox. As he took two leaps out and went around to the right then reversed left. Kevin Loudamy’s Sour mash bucked off Kolt Miller while L&G’s Skat Jacket beat out Jay Morrow. The last rider in the section was Rorey Maier who bucked off of Bobby Harrison’s Gambino Wine.

Brandon Edwards started off the next section with his 87.5 ride aboard LRR’s Top Gun who faked left then reversed right into Brandon’s hand in a fast drifting spin. This is yet another son of Zorro.

 

Dusty Larsen bucked off of LRR’s Raven’s Edge and Cody Sundby bucked off of LRR’s Rebel who went around to the right. Tut Henry’s Kamikaze went around to the right and blew Justin Hermanson out the back door. Tut Henry’s Jolly Roger bucked off Luke Kelly while Henry’s Hell Ya bucked off Trent Cormier, as the bull faked left.

Matt Austin looked great for the first 6 seconds then Crazy Eyes (Williams/Wilburn) got the best of Matt as the bull faked left then went around to the right into Matt’s hand and Matt got leaned back and off.

Round five began with Howdy Cloud on Billy Jones’ Flogger who went around to the left, pulling Howdy down into the well. Alan Murphy’s Cry Baby faked right then reversed left away from Cody White’s hand but could not unseat Cody. White scored 85.5. Clayton Baethge drew the unridden Rich Bumbaca bull Twigs & Berries who faked right then went around to the left to get Baethge off.

Travis Sellers made a solid ride aboard Jones’ Wiley who jumped out and turned back to the right into Travis’ hand for a score of 86.5.

Jones’ Soldier Boy went around to the left into Corey Davis’ hand then hesitated and jumped forward before he reversed right to get Corey off. Bonner Bolton rode Alan Murphy’s Hookin Bull who faked right then reversed left away from Bonner’s hand then reversed right into it. Bonner scored 82 as the bull flattened out. Seth Reynolds rode Mike Johnson’s Captain Jack who spun to the right into his hand and flattened out towards the end of the ride. Seth scored 82.

The last man out was Dusty Higgins who missed last year due to injuries. Dusty rode Johnson’s All Jacked Up who faked left with a long leap then reversed right into his hand in a flat spin for 82.5.

This event was a NBBA 4 year old futurity and featured the cream of the crop of young bulls.J.C.Bean won the long go. I have to say I really like Creed Roberts. He’s a good interviewer and very enjoyable to watch with the riders.

I also enjoyed the way the CBR featured Alan Murphy on the broadcast. Alan let us all know about his short go bulls before each out. He’s got a great eye for bulls and has been buying up some of the best. Moreover he cares about the riders and does not really want eliminators.

Cooper Kanngiesser was unable to ride in the short go because of the bruised buttocks he suffered in his match with Train Robber. Three riders were called back for the short go, as there were only 13 qualified rides. Because of this and Cooper being unable to ride, Mike Moore, Hugo Pedrero and Ritchie Farmsworth were all called back for the round.

Farmsworth drew Billy Jones’ Hugh who took one jump around to the left into Farmsworth hand as Farmsworth got too far back and went shooting out the back door. Alan Murphy’s Chrome Molly, a Houdini son, went around to the left into Hugo Pedrero’s hand then reversed right to buck Hugo off. Mike Johnson’s Pearl Harbor took a hop, skip and jump out then went around top the left into Mike Moore’s hand in a flat spin. Mike scored 84.5.

Bonner Bolton, 2007 CBR World Champion made a great looking ride aboard Murphy’s Itch & Scratch who faked left with a belly roll before going around to the right into Bonner’s hand. Bonner was in control and remained centered through the ride. He jumped into the lead with 170 on two head.

The momentum began and Seth Reynolds carried it on with his own great ride aboard Murphy’s Buckshot who went around to the right into Seth’s hand in a drifting spin as Seth spurred aggressively and scored 89.5 with 171.5 on two.

Tut Henry’s NFR bull Cochise was still carrying 100% buck-off average after he unseated Dusty Higgins.Cochise went around to the left away from Dusty’s hand sending him flying off right out of the chute. Rich Bumbaca’s Hasta Luego sent Chad German flying out the back door as he took two high leaps before going around to the right into Chad’s hand while getting faster and faster. Chad Castillo made a great ride aboard Johnson’s McCrazy who backed out of the chute then went around to the left into Chad’s hand, took a leap forward then reversed right away from his hand with lots of kick. Chad scored 88.5 to take the lead with 172. Brian Curtis drew the Williams/Wilburn bull Black Hole who took one jump then went around to the left into Brian’s hand and whipped Brian around and off. Bumbaca’s Easy Street took one leap out with a belly roll and went around to the left away from Cody White’s hand to get Cody off early. Alan Murphy’s half Mexican fighting bull Border Patrol jumped out and went around to the left away from travois Sellers hand in a fast spin with lots of action. Travis made an aggressive spur ride and scored 90 to take the lead with 176.5 on two.

Murphy’s Smokin Joe showed everyone he can still smoke the riders as he went around to the left away from Brandon Edwards’ hand right out of the chute with lots of action in a drifting spin to buck Edwards off.

Zack Oakes was picture perfect as he scored 90 aboard Murphy’s Mr. Incredible who was around to the left away from Zack’s hand then reversed right with lots of kick into Oakes’ hand. Zack tied for the win in the round with Travis Sellers and took the lead in the event with 177.5 on two head.

It was down to the last two riders. Laddan Ledbetter drew Bumbaca’s Auger who faked left as he exploded out of the chute with rear and drop while trying to hook Laddan; and bucked him right off. Only J.C.Bean, winner of the long go could beat Zack and the crowd was on the edges of their seats. J.C. had Murphy’s Full Throttle who went around to the left with lots of solid power and kick to set J.C. down. Zack Oakes was the event winner.

Be sure and watch Tuff Hedeman’s Championship Challenge next Wednesday on RFD-TV. I might even catch a glimpse of my husband in the stands.

Tags: bullriding

Howdy Cloud Wins The Tuff Hedeman West Texas Shoot-Out

CBR News

The CBR began its new broadcast Schedule on RFD-TV on March 3rd with the Tuff Hedeman West Texas Shoot- Out in El Paso, Texas. The event, which was held on February 9th, was as exciting on the air as it was in person.  The riders and the bulls gave their all before a full house; and the fans were on the edges of their seats till the very end when Howdy Cloud was awarded the first event title of the season.

The broadcast has a really good lead in, and I like the way RFD-TV has it set up. Jeff Medders and Geronimo Productions have taken over producing the broadcast and its really good to see Jeff back with   CBR President Tuff Hedeman

The CBR only has one hour but they crammed in almost every ride of the event. The action was fast and furious. They started with Jarrod Craig’s ride aboard Alan Murphy’s Mr. Incredible who went around to the left once then reversed right with all fours off of the ground to unseat Craig. PRCA World Champion Cody Hancock made a great looking ride aboard Murphy’s Hookin Bull who took two long leaps out of the chute then spun around to the right really fast into Cody’s hand with lots of action. Cody scored 88 to top the leader board.

Alan Murphy has been amassing a great pen of bulls. I was fortunate to meet Alan at the CBR’s 2007 Longview, TX event and this man has a good eye for bulls. His Smokin Joe bucked off Chad German in round one to start the event. I look for Alan to become one of the top stock contractors. If you stay on his bulls you will score in the high eighties to nineties.

Corey Davis made a good ride on Murphy’s Train robber who went around to the right away from Corey’s hand then reversed left into it in a fast spin. Corey made a good spur ride and scored 87.

Travis Sellers drew Murphy’s rocky who took two long leaps out then went around to the left and hesitated, jumping forward in the spin to unseat Travis. Mexican Champion Hugo Pedrero drew Billy Jones’ Soldier Boy who went around to the left into his hand with good action. Hugo scored 86.5.

Another new rider, Raymond Tomaski drew Murphy’s Peep Show who is really hard to get by on. The bull took a long, high leap out of the chute and went around to the right in a drifting spin, bucking hard and got Raymond off early. 

Fan favorite, Cody Whitney rode Jiminy Cricket from Billy Jones for 83.5.The bull took four leaps straight out then faked left before going around to the right away from Cody’s hand. The last rider in the first segment was Adrian Ferreiro who bucked off of Jones’ Mr. Nice Guy

The second segment began with Murphy’s Sports Book getting the best of Sonny Munns before Steve Woolsey made a good ride on Murphy’s Mr. Slim. The bull went around to the left into Steve’s hand in a drifting spin and there was no shaking Steve off. He scored 87.5.

Jake Littlefield bucked off of Ladie’s Choice who is owned by Owen Washburn and the Five Ladies.  Tony Smart rode Owen Washburn’s Black Sheep for 87.5 as the bull went to the left away from Tony’s hand in a tight spin with good kicking action.

PRCA 2007 World Champion Wesley Silcox drew Alan Murphy’s Ice Pick who turned back into Wesley’s hand to the right then jumped forward several bucks before reversing left. Wesley scored 84.

Mike Moore’s ride   aboard   Owen Washburn and the Five Ladies’ Scottish Rights was not shown but the score was only 67.Helton Barbosa bucked off of Rich Bumbaca’s Twigs & Berries when the bull took three leaps out straight then faked left before going around to the right. This is another really good bull.

The broadcast skipped around through the segments but the next rider from round two was Kolt Miller who made a good, solid ride aboard Washburn’s Whiskey Bent for 88.The bull took one leap out then went around to the right into Kolt’s hand with high leaps before reversing left away from his hand. It was another exciting ride on an exciting bull.

Lyndal Hurst’s Full Throttle exploded out of the chute intoa fast left spin to unload Cole Echols. This is another great bull. You get the most excitement at one of these CBR events. The bulls are electrifying.

In round three John Jacobs was bucked off by Lyndal Hurst’s Fat Jimmy while Lyndal’s bull Chino threw Francisco Torres off to the outside, hanging him up. It was Matt Baldwin in for the save.

 I get a kick out of some of the bull names as Jesse Hill’s Mucked Out. Lucas Dick scored 83.5 aboard him when the bull spun to the right into Dick’s hand in a slow loping spin.

Hill’s Bad Bob can be a real bad dude but Jason McClain scored 86 aboard him this time out as the bull went around to the left away from Jason’s hand in a slow spin but with rear and drop. Francicso Morales rode Hill’s Hush for 85.5 as the bull took one leap out then went to the right away from Morales’ hand with lots of hip swinging. Hill’s Black Kat bucked Richard Gonzales off. Howdy Cloud made a great looking ride aboard Hill’s great bull Hula Popper who took one spin around to the left away from Howdy’s hand before reversing right into his hand. Howdy was in control.

Not so for Douglas Duncan who bucked off of Tim Webb’s Bostein. CBR 2007 World Champion Bonner Bolton made a good ride to end round three on a great Caspar Baca bull, Rock Steady. It’s so good to see Caspar’s bulls here along with some from his son Martin. You know you are going to see exciting bulls when you see the name Caspar Baca. Rock Steady took three huge leaps out with kick and elevation before going around to the right into Bonner’s hand in a good tight spin.

In round four Jay Morrow made a good ride on Caspar Baca’s Freedom who went around to the left with good timing away from Jay’s hand; and Jay scored 87.5.I was looking forward to the next ride as it was Navajo Nation’s World Champion bull rider Spud Jones. I met Spud in Longview and he is truly living his dream.  Spud is a top Indian Rodeo rider and now he is making his mark in the CBR and the PRCA. He’s following in his dad’s footsteps. Spud made a textbook ride aboard Mike Johnson’s PJ as the bull took three leaps out with lots of high kicks then went around to the left awayfrom Spud’s hand. Spud maintained perfect position over his rope throughout the ride.

Seth Reynolds made a great ride aboard Caspar Baca’s Soul Shaker who took one jump out then went around to the right with good action and high kicking. Seth made a good spur ride and stayed in control as he scored 89 aboard this great Baca bull to lead the round.

Trent Cormier was not as fortunate as Caspar Baca’s Vindicator beat him around the corner. This is a big bull with lots of power.  Martin Baca’s bull did the same to Laddan Ledbetter as Swamp Dog took one jump out then went around to the left, beating Laddan around the corner.

Chad Castillo rode Martin Baca’s Speedy Gonzales for 87.5 as the bull went around to the left into a really fast spin then reversed right away from Chad’s hand. Martin’s bull Charlie John proved that when it comes to breeding great bulls it runs in this family. If the bull has the Baca name attached you are going to see good action. Cody Sundby scored 88 aboard Charlie John   as the bull went around to the right then reversed left before jumping out of the spin. Cody is the first rider to make a qualified ride on this great bull.

Mike Johnson’s Captain Jack sent Colt Munden off as Colt began to spur hard as the bull took three leaps out then went around to the right into Colt’s hand.

J.C.Bean scored 87 aboard Johnson’s Ridin Dirty as the bull took two leaps out then turned back to the left to end round four.

Round five began with Chance Smart aboard Alan Murphy’s Quick Silver who took three leaps out then went around to the left away from Chance’s hand in a flat spin for 83 points. Marcus Michaelis who bucked off of Scott Burruss’ Cry Baby Harlan when the bull faked left then went around to the right with high kicks followed him. I wonder if Scott named the bull after another contractor. Cooper Kanngiesser made a great looking ride aboard Burruss’ Arkansas Flash who is a fast spinner who went to the right into Cooper’s hand then reversed left away with Cooper spurring in both directions. Cooper scored 88.5. The next three Burruss bulls made quick work of riders Matt Gray, Jason Mattox and JW Harris. Who’s There exploded out of the chute with Gray to send him flying while Rattler faked left then went around to the right away from Jason Maddox’s hand to get him off. Tar Baby went into a real fast left spin with lots of action away from J.W. Harris’ hand to send him off early.

Cody White drew Burruss’ Predator who hop, skip and jumped right into Cody’s hand then reversed left.  Cody scored 86.5.

Jerry Shepherd went flying off of Burruss’ Slick Rick who exploded out in a high leap then faked left into Jerry’s hand then reversed right away. This is another great bull from Scott Burruss.

Gerardo Venegas rode Burruss’ Water Boy for 87.5 as the bull spun left into his hand with lots of kick. I have to agree with Tuff as this should have been a higher score .The bull is loaded with power.

 Seth Reynolds was the round winner.

I loved the interview that Joanna Blackwell did with Owen Washburn’s 5 Ladies who now it seems have become 11 Ladies including a dean from our own Vanderbilt University. These businesswomen got together and invested into the bull Ladies Choice with Owen and have since partnered with him on several more. Sounds like a great partnership.

CBR World Champion Bonner Bolton was the first ride of the Championship round. He drew Alan Murphy’s deuce Bigalo who went around to the right into Bonner’s hand then jumped out of the spin around the 6-second mark and went to belly kicking as he bucked. Bonner scored 86 and had a total of 172.50 on two head.

J.C. Bean bucked off of Caspar Baca’s Regulator who went around to the left. Corey Davis rode Scott Burruss’ Windmill for 87.5 to earn 174.5 on two head and take over the lead. The bull went around to the left into Corey’s hand in a fast spin while Corey made a textbook ride.

Alan Murphy’s Buckshot went around to the right into Jay Morrow’s hand right out of the gate with lots of power; getting Jay leaned too far back and out the back door. Billy Jones’ bull Hugh who went around to the left into Steve Woolsey’s hand and hesitated; getting Steve off at 7.49. Chad Castillo made a good ride aboard Owen’s Eleven. (Washburn and the Five Ladies) for 88 points as the bull took two leaps out then went around to the left into Chad’s hand with lots of action. It was the first time the bull had been rode and he was just a bit slower than normal. Chad went to the top of the leader board with 175.5 on two.

Tuff was being cute when Gerardo Venegas drew Alan Murphy’s Border Patrol as Tuff quipped” Interesting draw for him.” Gerardo is one of the Mexican riders. Border Patrol wasn’t any too nice to Gerardo as he faked right, bucked him off and then tried to run over him.

Rich Bumbaca’s Easy Street got Tony Smart off easily as he took one spin to the left away from Tony’s hand.

The crowd got to cheer when Cody Sundby rode Scott. Burruss’ Crash for 88 points as the bull went around to the left into Cody’s hand then reversed right before jumping out straight. Cody took over the lead with 176 on two head. That lead was short lived though as the next rider, Cody Hancock made a great ride on Mike Johnson’s The Air Up There for 92 points. I was thrilled for Cody. He’s riding like he rode when he won the PRCA World Championship. The bull took three leaps out before going around to the right into Cody’s hand with lots of elevation and high kicks. This is a great bull that lives up to his name. Cody captured the lead with 180.50 on two head.

Rich Bumbaca’s Hasta Luego faked left and went around to the right quickly to send Kolt Miller down but Howdy Cloud got the crowd going with his great 93 point ride aboard Scott Burruss’ Tombstone who took two leaps out then went around to the right into Howdy’s hand with high leaps. This is a huge, athletic bull that power bucks and Howdy had the crowd on its feet. He took over the lead with 181 points on two head.

Spud Jones kept the crowd going with a strong 89 point ride aboard Mike Johnson’s McCrazy who went into a fast spin to the right into Spud’s hand. Spud made a strong spur ride and was picture perfect. Tuff predicted :If he stays healthy this guy will be a world Champion.” Spud already is an IIFR World Champion and a Navajo Nation Champion but we all know Tuff is thinking both CBR and PRCA.I know Spud really impressed me when I met him and I agree wholeheartedly with Tuff. Spud had 177 on two head.

Fans had to be on the edges of their seats as the lead kept changing with one great ride after another. Cooper Kanngiesser rode Carney Man, (Ohl/Hurst) for 90.5 points as the bull went around to the left away from Cooper’s hand with lots of kick and action. Cooper was in third place with 179 on two head.

Seth Reynolds who went into the round in the lead was the only one left who could bump Howdy down but Rich Bumbaca’s Auger had Seth, surprisingly off at the gate.

Congratulations to Kountze, TX’s Howdy Cloud on his event championship. The next televised event is the Red Neck Bull Bash from Lufkin, TX. Check your local RFD-TV schedule or visit the CBR at www.cbrbull.com to check the schedule there.

Quite a few of the CBR riders are on the injured list presently. Clint Craig fractured his collarbone at the CBR finals and is still out. He may be back at the Lubbock, TX event on April 6th. J.W. Harris suffered facial fractures and was knocked out at the PRCA Xtreme Bull event in San Antonio. He had surgery and hopes to return to the CBR at Lubbock.  Danell Tipton was out of action with a groin injury until Tuff’s Ft Worth event two weeks ago. Layne McCasland had elbow surgery and has been on the sidelines judging in both Lufkin and Ft.Worth. B.J.Schumacher missed Lufkin due to a strep and bronchial infection but returned to action at Ft.Worth.

Although the PBR neglected to tell the fans about Jody Newberry, his wife Amanda let a lot of us know about Jody’s close call. Jody suffered a complete groin tear and three tears in his femoral artery on his dismount during the CT Finals. He was taken to the hospital in OKC where the doctors decided to see if the tears would repair themselves. Jody was sent home in a lot of pain and with a lot of swelling. When he kept getting worse and his leg looked discolored, Amanda called Tandy Freeman and Tandy arranged to have Jody seen by a top vascular surgeon in Dallas, which saved Jody’s life. He was rushed into surgery immediately wherethe three tears were repaired and the groin muscle that had curled up was smoothed out. Jody is expected to be out for the rest of the season. Meanwhile the stress caused Amanda to have their son early but according to Cicily Cross of the CBR all are home now and doing fine. I last saw Jody at the NABA Finals in Memphis and he had told me Amanda was concentrating on finishing up school while getting ready for their new baby. They are a great couple. Ardie Maier is still out of action in a neck brace and waiting for the doctor to decide if he needs surgery or not when he returns to see him in another two weeks. His traveling partner Jessie Bail has been out also suffering from injuries he received at Rapid City, South Dakota but returns to action at Rodeo Houston.PRCA and CBR World Champion Matt Austin returned to action from his elbow injury in Lufkin. Thanks to Cicily Cross for the injury updates in her column and for the good news about Terry Williams welcoming a new grandson. Terry’s daughter Caroline and husband Joshua Carter named their 10 pound 3 ounce son Carson Andrew Carter.

Congrats to Terry and son Clayton on Clayton’s big win in OKC where for the second year in a row he won the PBR’s CT Championship. I love the irony of it.

I missed going to Ft Worth again but for the second year in a row my husband Norman did make it there; and he gave me a live report.

A belated birthday wish to Tuff Hedeman.

Tags: CBR, bull riding