Bodacious (bull)

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Bodacious the Bull (1988?–May 16, 2000), originally owned by Phil Sumner and branded J31, was a crossbred Charbray bull who was infamous throughout the sport of rodeo, and was commonly referred to as “The World’s Most Dangerous Bull.” The 1800-lb (800 kg) bull, known for his characteristic coloring as the “Yellow Whale,” made unanticipated moves that rodeo athletes were not accustomed to and were defenseless to protect against. Only ten rides (six different cowboys) were completed on this bull in 135 attempts. Clint Branger, Bubba Dunn, Tuff Hedeman and Terry Don West rode him twice. Jim Sharp and Legs Stevenson have also made successful rides on Bodacious. Bodacious was voted the PBR Bull of the Year in 1995.

It was suggested that Bodacious had gotten stronger and trickier as he matured after, in 1994, he gained national attention at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, employing his signature head snapping move that resulted in life threatening injuries to bull riding star Terry Don West. Tuff Hedeman was one of the few to stay on Bodacious for a full eight seconds. But, in 1995 Hedeman witnessed the brutal nature of “Bo” first hand when he suffered a major face smashi`ng, and required emergency reconstructive surgery after a vicious encounter with Bodacious at the Professional Bull Riders Finals. Hedeman drew the bull again at the National Finals Rodeo in 1995, and opted not to ride him, calling Bodacious “the baddest bull there has ever been.” In the same event, Scott Breding sustained serious injuries and became the last cowboy to attempt a ride on Bodacious.

Bodacious was retired on December 11, 1995, at the age of 7, still in his prime.

Throughout retirement, Bodacious toured state fairs, rodeos, and even appeared as a celebrity guest at Harrah’s Las Vegas, and the Silverton Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. In 1999 Bodacious was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs where he was declared “The bull the cowboys didn’t want to draw, but the fans loved.” He was later featured in GQ and Penthouse magazines articles, and Bodacious was profiled on the Fox TV program “Guinness World Records Prime Time.”

After a serious foot infection and damaged kidneys due to medications, Bodacious died at the relatively young age of 12 on May 16, 2000 in his retirement holding pen at the Andrew’s Rodeo Company Ranch and was buried nearby. Owners Sammy and Carolyn Andrews said the cause of death was heart failure. His semen was stored and 120 cows have subsequently produced offspring from the legendary bull. Time will tell if any of his progeny will match his stature in the arena.