(PBR media release)
DENVER – Cody Nance (Paris, Tennessee) earned his first-ever win at the PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Denver Chute Out Velocity Tour (VT) event during the National Western Stock Show Wednesday night after being the only rider to go a perfect 3-for-3 at the three-day bull riding.
Nance immediately dedicated his victory to fallen bull rider Mason Lowe (Exeter, Missouri). Lowe passed away on Tuesday night at Denver Health as a result of injuries sustained in competition when a bull stepped on his chest at the Denver Coliseum at the National Western Complex.
“I’m just thankful that God gave us the ability to do what we love to do,” Nance said while tearing up. “Mason and I shared a passion for bull riding, and we got to do it together for a long time. I saw him ride lot of good bulls and I never saw him quit. I think he’d be glad that we came out and gave it our all tonight. This win means the world not only because it’s the best I’ve ever done in Denver, but doing it in Mason’s memory makes it even more special.”
Prior to Wednesday night’s performance, Nance led the group of 30 bull riders competing, in a very heartfelt and moving prayer. Patches that say “Mason Lowe, PBR Cowboy 1993-2019” were distributed to each cowboy to wear on their vest, hats or shirts.
A video tribute dedicated to Lowe, one of the most popular and successful riders in the PBR, was shown on the big screen before the introductions of the riders.
National Western Stock Show, a 501c-3 non-profit entity, in conjunction with PBR conducted a special in-arena fundraiser for the Lowe family during the event. Donations can be made either online or by mail. All funds received will be sent to Lowe’s family. Donations and information can be found by clicking here.
Nance picked up his first ride of the event on Tuesday night with an 80.5-point ride aboard Rooster Cogburn (Flying V Bucking Bulls). He began Round 2 on Wednesday night by covering Bug Eyes (Big Rafter Rodeo LLC) for 88 points.
The Tennessee cowboy was the only rider to go 8 seconds in the final round of the event as he took Lorena’s Pet (Dakota Rodeo/Chad Berger/Clay Struve/Heald Pro Bulls) for 86 points.
Nance, the No. 9 bull rider in the world earned 175 points towards the PBR world standings along with $26,307.25.
Finishing in second place was Brazilian Danilo Carlos Sobrinho (Tupa, Brazil) with a 2-for-3 effort. He covered Bad Decisions (Bland Bucking Bulls) for 89 points on Tuesday night and followed that up with 89.5 points aboard Stone Cold Crazy (Flying S Bucking Bulls) on Wednesday night. Good Night Robicheaux (6M/Riley Samford) won the matchup with the 32-year old cowboy in the championship round.
For his efforts, Sobrinho earned 152.5 world points and collected a paycheck of $17,183.35
Third place went to 2016 PBR World Champion Jess Lockwood (Volborg, Montana), who continued his hot streak by riding two of his three bulls in Denver. Lockwood started his event in Denver with 89.5 points aboard Hooky (Cervi Championship Rodeo) on Tuesday night and then followed that up with 86 points on Skin And Bones (Hodges/Shuler) on Wednesday.
Lockwood was unable to make the whistle during the championship round as Smooth Wreck (Owens/Smith) sent him to the ground in 2.12 seconds.
The No. 1 bull rider in the world picked up 105 points towards the world standings and earned $9,960.26. Lockwood now leads No. 2 Chase Outlaw (Hamburg, Arkansas) by 1,092.5 points.
Luis Blanco (Iacanga, Brazil) and Paulo Lima (Bezerros, Brazil) rounded out the Top 5, both with 2-for-3 efforts.
Blanco first rode Flash Bang (Ty Rinaldo TZ Bucking Bulls) for 80.5 points on Monday night. He then rode Tequila Slinger (Dakota Rodeo/Chad Berger/Clay Struve) for 89.5 points on Wednesday, tying with Sobrinho for the Round 2. He later bucked off Terror Struck (Talbert Bucking Bulls) during the final round.
Lima advanced to Wednesday night’s long round with 86.5 points on Red Rocker (Bland Bucking Bulls). He then covered Accelerator (TNT Rodeo Co.) for 88 points before failing to ride Wicked Stick (Dakota Rodeo/Chad Berger/Clay Struve/H&C Bucking Bulls) during the championship round.
Blanco earned 42.5 world points and $7,4561.19, while Lima picked up 25 world points along with a paycheck of $4,866.08.
The PBR VT tour will next head to the Carolina Classic in Columbia, South Carolina and the Portland Classic in Portland, Oregon on Jan. 19.
