PBR | Catch the Reno-Tahoe Invitational on OLN

The world's top 45 bull riders on the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Built Ford Tough Series presented by Wrangler circuit stopped in Reno, Nevada this weekend for the Reno-Tahoe Invitational presented by Silver Legacy. As the excitement of last night's competition got underway it was quickly dampened when 5-time World Champion bullfighter Rob Smets (Merkel, Texas) was up-ended by a bull, landing on his head. After an attempt to rise, he was taken from the arena on a stretcher to Washoe Medical Center for immediate evaluation.

A careful examination uncovered a fracture of his C7 vertebrae. Smets was released from the medical center to return home to Texas. He will undergo a more extensive evaluation by Dr. Andrew Mossett on Monday afternoon in Dallas. The initial prognosis is that Smets will be out of action for a minimum of 8 to 12 weeks.

The ageless warrior, who turns 47 this year, announced at the Express PBR Classic in Oklahoma City earlier this season that he will close the curtain on his bullfighting career at the 2006 PBR World Finals, October 27 through November 5 in Las Vegas, Nev. Smets had planned to continue to work through the 2006 PBR Built Ford Tough Series season with the World Finals being his final appearance.

One member of the fearless PBR Dickies Durabullfighters team, Smets earned the nickname "Kamikaze Kid" early in his career for his skill and daring moves in the arena. Smets' enthusiastic demeanor and longevity, not to mention his selfless determination to deliver lifesaving exploits week in and week out for season upon season, will leave a lasting legacy in the industry.

For more information on Rob Smets and his progress, please contact Denise M. Abbott at 719 471 3008, ext. 3144.

To send your wishes to Rob Smets CLICK HERE

May

02-03

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253.00

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Jean Fernandes Pereira

245.25

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Marcus Mast

231.50

Apr 26 - 27, 2025

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Keyshawn Whitehorse

264.25

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263.50

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Brady Fielder

262.50

May 8 - 11, 2025

Fort Worth, TX

May 14, 2025

Fort Worth, TX

May 15, 2025

Fort Worth, TX

May 17 - 18, 2025

Arlington, TX

Nov 14 - 15, 2025

Tucson, AZ

Dec 6 - 7, 2025

St. Louis, MO

Dec 12 - 13, 2025

Manchester, NH

Dec 27 - 28, 2025

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Jan 9 - 11, 2026

New York, NY

Jan 16 - 17, 2026

Milwaukee, WI

Jan 30 - Feb 1, 2026

Sacramento, CA

Feb 6 - 7, 2026

Salt Lake City, UT

Feb 13 - 14, 2026

Pittsburgh, PA

Feb 20 - 21, 2026

Jacksonville, FL

Feb 28 - Mar 1, 2026

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Mar 7 - 8, 2026

North Little Rock, AR

Mar 14 - 15, 2026

Louisville, KY

Mar 21 - 22, 2026

Indianapolis, IN

Mar 27 - 29, 2026

Albuquerque, NM

Apr 10 - 12, 2026

Sioux Falls, SD

Apr 24 - 25, 2026

Tacoma, WA

Catch the Reno-Tahoe Invitational on OLN