Now it can be told: Los Alamos’ Luke Branquinho truly has a handle on the sport of steer wrestling.
Competing at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo for the 10th time since 2001, Branquinho won his third world championship at the 10-day professional rodeo event in Las Vegas, which concluded on Dec. 10.
“It’s been the best year I’ve had so far, and hopefully I can keep that momentum going,” Branquinho told the Sun on Dec. 8.
Branquinho finished the season with earnings of nearly $235,000, more than $145,000 of which came from the Finals, where he boasted the world’s top aggregate time.
Branquinho, who grew up on a ranch, learned how to rope cattle from his father and competes in steer wrestling events at rodeos throughout the year. Once again, he finished in the top 15 in money earnings overall to qualify for the National Finals.
“It’s not a really popular sport as far as that goes, but the fans that do cheer you on are diehards,” he said. “It’s nice to have them out and about.”
Steer wrestling is a timed event. Wrestlers ride their horses alongside the steer, jump off the horse, and tackle it to the ground. Throughout the finals, Branquinho placed no lower than third in any round.
The 31-year-old gave credit to his friend Les Shepperson for his superior hazing of the steers, and his borrowed horse “Gunner,” for its strong showing.
“There’s a technique that sure helps, but being bigger is an advantage at times,” Branquinho said. “If your steers are bigger and you’re bigger, then you don’t have to push it as far because you weigh more. There’s a little more leverage to put on them.”
This article appears in Dec 15-22, 2011.