The ABBI held its first ever Derby for 3-year-old bulls at the Hardy Murphy Arena in Ardmore. The event was created because of all the interest by members wanting to see their bulls compete with others their own age. In the past, despite the age difference, 3-year-old bulls have done quite well and for the last couple of years have been the top finishers at the ABBI World Championship Finals in Las Vegas.

The event got the interest of the breeders as 75 bulls were entered, and put on quite a show. Everyone thought it would become a marathon and last forever, but Curt Blake and crew bucked the field in less than three hours—an amazing feat.

This event was on Friday night in conjunction with the ABBI American Heritage Futurity that was held Saturday. Both breeders and fans turned out and enjoyed the event.

When all the scores were checked and rechecked, Cross E Bucking Bulls’ 602 Ricochet was declared the winner. 602 bucked his way to a score of 91 and picked up a check for $32,695 along with a bonus of $10,000 for competing last season at the American Heritage as a 2-year-old. The crew at Cross E were beside themselves, remarking, “This is our first win—wow!” along with big smiles and praise for their bull.

Heath Ellis explained the remarkable ride: “602 turned back right at the gate and kicked over his head, he was perfect tonight. I hope our win inspires other breeders, because you don’t have to be a bigtime breeder to win at the ABBI events.”

Ryan Ellis added, “Lots of kick and air. We knew when he got his feet he was going to be great.” 602 was sired by Wildlife and out of a Rafter 7r cow bought at the Page’s sale a few years ago.

Second place was D&H Cattle/Buck Cattle’s S45 High Society with 90.25 points; third was D&H Cattle/Teuteburg‘s 30S Monty the Bull with 88.75.

This class of 3-year-olds proved they could perform at a stand-alone event and we should see more of them in the future. It was also rewarding to see half of the field or more comprised of graduates of the ABBI Futurity system, something many said would never happen. Last season’s Futurity champion, 632 Copp Hou tied for 4th with 88.5, and American Heritage winner, Davis Rodeo/Brian Canter’s 691 Super Freak, finished tied for 19th with a respectable 87.

Russ Gant, president of the ABBI, remarked on the Derby. “I think the original intent of the Derby was to give exposure to the 3-yearolds. We have the Heritage for the 2s and the Classics for the 4-yearold bulls, but no gauge to look at the 3-year-olds. The Derby will also give Futurity bulls a place to advance and make some money and keep up their owner’s interest, because everyone has a chance to win. The quality of bulls at this first Derby was unbelievable, and exceeded all my expectations.”

Photos by Allen Glanville