Also Sold in Campo Grande: 50% Ownership of the Legendary PBR Champion’s Son
Mandraque, the bull of the year at the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) national finals in Barretos, was sold at auction for R$ 712,500 to Black Demon Genetics and energy drink brand Toro Loko, in partnership with BR Bananinha. The five-year-old bull, previously owned by breeder Wilsinho Salarolli from Bragança Paulista (SP), will join the roster of rodeo bulls at the BR Bananinha company in São Sebastião do Paraíso (MG).
The auction took place on Sunday (Nov. 3) during ExpoGenética 2024 in Campo Grande (MS), at the 1st Estrelas da PBR Auction, which showcased the genetics of some of the most prominent bulls in Brazilian rodeo arenas. The most expensive bull sold in Brazil was Acesso Negado, purchased at another auction last year for R$ 1.087 million by Cia. Tércio Miranda for a rodeo bull genetics investment project.
In addition to Mandraque, the auction also saw the sale of 50% of the calf of the legendary American bull Woopaa, known for his intense battles with world champion José Vitor Leme in the PBR’s elite division. Woopaa retired in 2023 after earning three of the highest scores in PBR history, including a record-breaking 98.75 points achieved with Leme.
The calf will remain in the United States at the ranches of breeders Laramie Wilson and Hookin W Ranch, where it will participate in major youth competitions. The buyer was Fazenda Guavirá Poty and Companhia de Rodeio Caio Duarte.
Other lots at the auction included calves with the genetics of famous past bulls and an embryo carrying the genetics of the award-winning bulls Bandido, Agressivo, Europeu, and Reza a Lenda, which sold for R$ 43,500. However, most lots were not sold due to low bids, with the animal owners opting to place defense bids.
During the auction, the Bull Housing project was officially introduced. A collaboration between Saturno and PBR Brasil, this groundbreaking initiative in Brazil allows investors to purchase rodeo bulls without needing to own other animals or have the logistical infrastructure to take the bulls to events. Saturno handles the accommodation, care, training, breeding, transportation, and event participation for the bulls.
“The genetics of rodeo bulls is in high demand in Brazil, thanks to breeders and investors who believe in and dedicate themselves to this market. Our first Estrelas da PBR Auction proved this. It’s a market in full expansion, growing and developing more and more,” said Adriano Moraes, three-time world champion and CEO of PBR Brazil.
