Burbank wins at Eastern Fair, continues hot streak

CROWNPOINT

After hitting the rodeo season hard for a number of years, Robert Burbank knew that he needed some time off. The Gallup saddle bronc rider admitted that he was tired. Consequently, he stopped competing competitively at the start of this year’s rodeo season.

But since his return in mid-June, Burbank has won five titles, including last weekend’s Diné Bi Eastern Fair in Crownpoint.

“I thought I needed a break,” he said. “It helped me get re-energized.”

Supported by his new burst of energy, his 71-point win on Sunday afternoon helped Burbank earn his fourth consecutive title in Crownpoint.

“The Eastern Fair has been really good to me,” said Burbank, who rode “Syntax” in a rematch of last year’s rodeo for a $710 paycheck.

“Everywhere I’ve seen him he bucks,” he said of his draw.

In the bareback event, Ed Miles Harvey stayed focused on his draw – “Wild Card” – and finished with a 72-point ride despite getting some props from rodeo announcer Kyle Tom.

“All I was thinking about was my form,” said Harvey, who collected $606 for his efforts. “I was ignoring what Tom was saying before my ride. I just stayed focused on what I was doing.”

After missing the Eastern Fair last year, Lake Valley, N.M. cowgirl Rhonda Padilla made she sure got entered for this year’s event.

“I live just north of here so this is like my hometown rodeo,” she said.

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