Justin M. Bowen

Bull riding at the final round of the PBR World Finals at the Thomas and Mack Center Sunday.

By Brett Okamoto (contact)

Mon, Nov 10, 2008 (2 a.m.)

Professional Bull Riding said goodbye to a pair of legends Sunday and welcomed its future as the World Finals came to a close at the Thomas & Mack Center. It was the best attended, highest grossing event in PBR history.

Three-time world champion Adriano Moraes and two-time champ Justin McBride rode for the final time of their careers, and 19-year-old Reese Cates was crowned the Daisy Rookie of the Year in a final round that saw 10 90-point rides.

“I felt great coming into Vegas,” Cates said, who placed fifth in the finals. “This was an outstanding group of rookies. This season has meant everything to me. I’m a very competitive person. It doesn’t matter whether it’s bullriding or a spitting contest, I like to win. I don’t expect anything less from myself.”

Brazilian Robson Palermo held off newly crowned world champion Guilherme Marchi to win his first World Finals. Palermo was one of only three riders to last eight seconds in the championship round. Although he said he was happy with his accomplishment, Palermo enjoyed watching his friend take the world title just as much.

“I’m so happy for Guilherme,” Palermo said. “I love him like a brother. This year I’ve had injuries but I came to Vegas healthy and I appreciate everyone’s support.”

As it was during the entire finals, the largest applause of the night was saved for Marchi, who set records for season points and consecutive bulls ridden in the World Finals with seven. For a guy who has finished in second place for the past three years, Marchi said he didn’t feel bad about stealing the spotlight from the retiring riders.

“PBR has the best riders in the world,” Marchi said. “Adriano and McBride have both been world champions. I am proud because those guys have each beat me in the past and this year I was able to beat both of them. I’m going to miss my two friends. They are great bull riders.”

The World Finals aren’t just a big deal for the riders -- the bulls were also honored this weekend, and one, the unridden Bones, was awarded Bull of the Year.

“I remember years ago I saw that bull standing out in the pasture by himself and he was so skinny,” said Tom Teague, owner of Bones. “I told management, ‘we gotta start feeding this boy. He’s such a good bull. I love him to death.’”

Brett Okamoto can be reached at 948-7817 or brett.okamoto@lasvegassun.com.