HOBBS, NM (January 25, 2025) - On a chilly night in Hobbs, New Mexico, Cole Melancon turned up the heat on the rest of the field riding 2 of 3 to claim the buckle, title, and the $17,000 check at the Hobbs Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding on Saturday night at the Lea County Events Center.
“What an absolute blessing last night was. I was able to get a couple rode in Hobbs for the win,” said the 30-year-old bull rider from Sour Lake, Texas.
Melancon, a decorated and seasoned bull rider with 2 National Finals Rodeo appearances, an Iron Cowboy Championship, and a former National College Rodeo Champion, launched his effort with an 86-point ride in Round 1 on Lyndal Hurst’s 9414 Gunner. He met his match in Round 2 where Hurst’s 018 Try Me did just that at 3.9 seconds. But as Melancon knew, the bulk of the prize purse money in Hedeman’s tournament style event, is in the Shoot Out round. Melancon earned the only 90 point plus ride of the night with a 91.5 point on Garrett Burrus’s Wasted Night to earn the title, buckle and most importantly a check for $16, 612.50.
On a night where the bulls reigned over the riders, Brady Portiner and Jett Harkins tied round one with 87 points on Trey Kimzey’s Hokey Pokey and Blue Ridge ‘s Like Mike. Melancon was 86 points, followed by an 84-point ride from Douglas Henrique Franco on Jeff Harris’ Cactus.
Fans, restless and on the edge of their seats were on their feed when Henrique posted the only qualified ride in the Semi-final round with an 87 on Burrus’s Banzi. Henrique, the only rider to ride in both preliminary rounds entered the final four as the leader which enables him to select his bull first.
With a clean slate, the top four riders advanced to the shootout round where Melancon was the last to leave the arena with the win from a 91.5 ride.
RESULTS
Round One
1, Brady Portiner, 87 pts, $500. 2, Jett Harkins, 87 pts, $500. 3, Cole Melancon, $86 pts, $500. 4, Douglas Henrique, 84 pts, $500.
Semi-Final Round
1, Douglas Henrique, 87 pts, $750.
Shoot-Out Round
1., Cole Melancon, $15,112.50, 91.5 pts on Wasted Nights (Burrus Bucking Bulls). Total Earnings $16,612.50
BULL TEAM RESULTS
1., Blue Ridge Bucking Bulls, 278.16. 2., Interstate/Burrus, $277.64. 3., Richardson Land & Cattle, 275.99. 4., Knapp Bucking Bulls, 275.66.