The invitation list for this summer’s bull riding at the Calgary Stampede has undergone a major overhaul.
And, as it happens, the new formula will benefit the Canadians.
Normally, nine of the 20 spots go to the leading nine money winners from the previous year’s Professional Bull Riders world standings.
But the PBR has scheduled a Ford Series event for Tulsa, Okla., during this year’s closing July 16-18 weekend of the Stampede. As a result of the conflict in dates, the Pueblo, Colo.-based outfit notified the Calgary rodeo committee it won’t release nine of its bull riders for the Stampede. It did agree to provide as many as three, but it’s doubtful they would include high-profile riders such as Colorado’s reigning world champion Kody Lostroh, North Carolina’s No. 2-ranked J.B. Mauney, who won the Stampede last year, or Brazil’s 2008 world champion Guiherme Marchi.
The three who will be made available for the Stampede won’t be named until sometime in late May. (read more)
