By: Michael Bragg (Photo Gallery)of MJBragg Photography
(article provided by PBR)
TRYON, North Carolina (6/25/21) – In the PBR’s (Professional Bull Riders) first-ever visit to Tryon International Equestrian Center in Tryon, North Carolina, the charismatic North Carolina resident Ezekiel Mitchell (Rockdale, Texas) leads the pack after Round 1.
Mitchell, the No. 29 bull rider in the world, burst out of the chutes late in Round 1 aboard White Dust (Mike Miller Bucking Bulls), and on a night where the bulls dominated, put together an 86-point trip.
Mitchell picked up seven world points for the round win and cemented himself in the No. 29 spot in the world standings.
Bucking for the first time in PBR history on an artificial surface of synthetic dirt, bulls at the Tryon International Equestrian Center seemed to have the advantage, bucking off 34 of the 40 riders before the 8 second whistle.
The 2019 Rookie of the Year Dalton Kasel(Muleshoe, Texas) – who is returning from an elbow injury – tied for second in the opening round courtesy of his 85.5-point conquering of Monte (Lightning Livestock, Inc.). Kasel split the runner-up position with Hunter Ball (Carsonville, Michigan) who’s 85.5-point ride came aboard Super Duper(Davis Rodeo Ranch/KHC Bucking Bulls).
Kasel and Ball both earned 3.5 world points for their finish in second place. Kasel’s points moved him to within 1.75 points of No. 31 in the world and and two-time World Champion Jess Lockwood (Volborg, Montana), while Ball is now No. 51 in the world.
Nebraskan Conner Halverson (Gordon, NE) finished fourth on the night. Just two points removed from the round win, Halverson took care of business on Thunderhead (Barker Bulls LLC) for 84 points.
The fourth-place finish came along with two world points for Halverson, moving him one spot to No. 45 in the world.
Veteran Carols Garcia (Abingdon, Virginia) rounded out the Top 5 in Round 1 with his 83.5-point ride onDog Town (Blake Sharp).
Garcia rode his way to one world point on the night, his first of the 2021 campaign.
All 40 riders from Round 1 will get on a second bull in Round 2 tomorrow night.
Fans can relive all the action from Round 1 of the 2021 Tryon Chute Out on Saturday, June 26 at 8 a.m. ET via RidePass.com or the RidePass mobile app.
The 2021 Tryon Chute out returns to action tomorrow night at 7 p.m. ET for Round 2 and the championship round, and can be see exclusively live on RidePass.
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Copyright – Michael Bragg/MJBragg Photography
