Las Vegas Weekly

November 4, 2008 · 10:06 AM

McBride in third place heading into Thursday’s final rounds

By Robin Leach

Justin McBride riding Gonzales Black.

Photo: PBR

Retiring bull rider Justin McBride wound up in the third position at the end of the third round of the World Championship Finals on his final bid for a $1 million bonus win to finish off his 10-year career. The 15th anniversary Professional Bull Riders battle resumes Thursday at Thomas & Mack Center. Former UNLV student Justin says “win or lose,” he’s retiring to his Oklahoma cattle ranch.

Forty of the world’s best bull riders are in Sin City for the 2008 Built Ford Tough Series-sponsored finals, and the rankest of bulls have been causing serious injuries to the thrown riders. Several riders have sustained concussions, and one was taken to a hospital for head stitches after being kicked by a bull. All have vowed, however, to return Thursday for the final four rounds.

In three days of rough rides, veteran bull riders Brendon Clark of Australia and Ross Coleman of Oregon have locked up the No. 1 and No. 2 spots, respectively, from the first three rounds.

“I don't know what kind of bulls we’re going to have on Thursday, but I’m just excited to be able to pick first and second with Brendon,” Ross said. “I just looked up at that scoreboard and saw that we were one and two and thought that’s the way it should be -- Brendon and I on top of the leader board and Justin right below.”

McBride conquered the bull, Gonzales Black, but says to keep your eyes on another retiree, 38-year-old Brazilian Adriano Moraes, who to date has won three world championships and $3.5 million from his 29 event titles.

The Brazilians, with points leader Guilherme Marchi, are in strong position to win the championship this year. As the riders rest up to resume Thursday, there are six Brazilians in the top 20, with Guilherme among the three Brazilians in the top five. Guilherme is retiring after Sunday’s finals.

Vegas DeLuxe will resume coverage Friday and have the ultimate weekend winners Monday morning.

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