Knife to be in Dallas!

Here we are at the end of May, which can only mean one thing – the Kentucky Derby is right around the corner. While bareback, saddle bronc and bull riding are the most exciting 8 seconds in sports the “Running for the Roses” is definitely “the most exciting two minutes in sports.” Those horses are amazing but what might be more amazing is seeing all those big hats that the ladies wear. One wonders if any of them have neck problems after wearing some of those big hats. Should be fun and you don’t want to miss it. It will be televised on NBC on Saturday, May 1.

Speaking of neck problems – three-time and reigning world champion bareback rider Bobby Mote had neck surgery earlier this week in Dallas. He had been suffering from numbness in his arm and after a rough ride in the semifinals on Pocatello for the DNCFR, where his arm went numb on the back of a bareback horse, he decided it was time to get it fixed. They were able to relieve the pressure on the nerves in his neck that was getting pinched and causing the numbness. He is hoping to be back by June.

And like they say traveling partners stick together and that couldn’t have been more true this week with Ryan Gray, one of Bobby’s traveling partners, also having surgery in Dallas. Ryan had knee surgery to repair some torn meniscus and then Ryan’s wife Lacy took care of both following their surgeries. I think she definitely deserves a gold star for taking care of those two.

I am sure all of you know by now that Trevor Brazile and his beautiful wife Shada welcomed a little girl into the world on April 1. Her name is Stella Bell so congrats to them.

Another interesting note that is on the PRCA’s homepage (www.prorodeo.com) is that the sixth of seven Wright brothers won money in Auburn, Calif. The Etbauer brothers entertained rodeo fans for years and now we all can look forward to the Wright brother clan, who is lead by world champion Cody Wright. Keep an eye on those guys.

Speaking of Etbauers, Billy is on the verge of surpassing $3 million in career earnings. What an amazing feat and to have done it almost all in just one event of saddle bronc riding. Yes, I said almost as Billy has a little over $1,000 of his career earnings that came from team roping. Keep an eye on prorodeo.com for information on when he hits that mark.

Until next time,
Codi