BY DARRELL MOODY
Appeal Sports Writer
RENO " Last year Tim Shirley was too broke to ride at the Reno Rodeo. The year before that he didn't come because of an injury.
Shirley hopes his luck in the Silver State is changing.
Shirley scored an 83 aboard Gold Coast Sal to win to take the early lead in bareback riding Saturday night at the 89th annual Reno Rodeo.
Shirley has 164 on two rides, eight points better than Forest Bramwell and 10 points better than Tyson Thompson, who followed up a first-night 83 with a second-round 71 and a 154 total.
"It should be good enough to get me back here (for the finals)," Shirley said. "This has been my best year ever. I have a better attitude. I call it a 5-minute rule."
Shirley admitted that he'll take five minutes to blow off some steam about any failure before getting his mind back on track.
Kelly Timberman, the 2004 world bareback champ, turned in a 78 aboard Painted Salley, which turned out to be the second-best score of the night. He posted a no time on his first ride, thus has no chance to reach the finals.
BURGER SHINES
Mary Burger, the 2006 world barrel racing champ, had a second run of 16.98 which gave her a two-run total of 34.02 aboard Rare Fred.
Burger will most definitely be back for the final round and will be looking to improve on her two previous times.
BULLS WIN AGAIN
Only three riders " Cody Hodges (74), Brady Scott Williams (71) and Bobby Waller (65) " were able to stay aboard their bulls for the required 8 seconds.
REINDEER ON PARADE
Reindeer, who has only been ridden three times ever, was scheduled to have Howdy Cloud on his back Saturday night.
Cloud was a no-show, however. That was smart thinking on Cloud's part.
GOVERNOR AT THE RODEO
Gov. Jim Gibbons was in attendance Saturday night with his female companion. The two were seen holding hands often.
Gibbons' companion walked ahead of him when photographers started shooting photos of the couple.
BROTHERS DOMINATE
New Mexico's brother tandem of Jake and Jim Ross reached the top of the leaderboard with a blistering run of 6.3 seconds.
Jake and Jim are the sons of 2005 Hall of Fame inductee Jimmie Ross. They will return later this week for their second run on June 27.
Travis Tryan and Michael Jones turned in the second-fastest time on the night stopping the clock in 6.6 seconds. This currently places them third in the first round.
- Contact Darrell Moody at dmoody@nevadaappeal.com or (775) 881-1281