The world of Cuban rodeo is mourning the death of Michel de Granma, regarded as a legend of the discipline and holder of the national record of 98 points in bull riding.
The news was shared by the Facebook page «Rodeo Cubano», which bid farewell to him as "a legend of Cuban Rodeo of this era."
The animal lost its life on Friday after being struck by another bull known as El Verdugo de Granma during a fight.
"Yesterday, during a fight, he was hit by El Verdugo de Granma and, unfortunately, he did not survive," stated the post announcing his passing.
Michel achieved his historic score in a discipline where the maximum possible score is 100 points, and where the jury evaluates both the rider—who must stay on the animal for at least eight seconds with a single grip—and the bull, assessing its strength, agility, and ability to unbalance the competitor.
The record of 98 points was not without controversy. According to the same source, "it was, at the time, controversial and questioned by many, but those were the points awarded by the judges and subsequently validated by the Comisión Nacional de Rodeo." That official validation sealed its place in the history of the discipline.
"Your name and your 98 points will forever remain in the history of Cuban Rodeo," wrote those who bid farewell, as condolences poured in to your breeders from every corner of the island's cowboy fandom.
The Cuban cowboy community highlighted the animal's journey with a phrase that encapsulates its legacy: "Michel was bold, endured, and performed for many years. He earned his place among the greats and left a mark that will not be erased."
His death comes at a particularly difficult time for Cuban rodeo.
The shortage of quality bulls—powerful, leaping animals capable of sustaining large shows—is a growing concern in the cowboy community of the island.
"His departure represents a significant loss, particularly in these times of scarcity of quality bulls, when we so desperately need powerful, agile animals capable of delivering the great performances that keep the spirit of Rodeo alive," the publication warned.
The latest photograph of Michel shows him lying on dry ground, with his horns still visible, in an image that his followers received with deep sorrow.
The page called on the community to share photos, videos, and memories of the bull to create a collective tribute.
The loss of Michel adds to a year of mourning for Cuban rodeo. In July 2026, the discipline bid farewell to Carlos Mencía González "Negro Mencía", another of its great figures, with a moving funeral procession in Sancti Spíritus. The Cuban cowboy community is thus experiencing a streak of losses that deeply impacts its collective memory.
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