Hot Temperatures, Hot Action on Day One of the Calgary Stampede Rodeo
Calgary – The temperatures were sizzling and so were the performances in the opening round of action at the Calgary Stampede Rodeo. With more than $2 million up for grabs during the ten days of competition, contestants know they need momentum on their side.
Canadian saddle bronc rider Layton Green, from Meeting Creek, AB, claimed the $5500 paycheque for a spectacular 91.5 point ride on Calgary horse Stampede Warrior. It was the second time the two had met in five days.
“She rolled out of there today, and got it on right there,” said Green. “It was a great feeling, one of the best feeling rides ever. There’s not very many that feel that good, that jump that high in the air, and hang there for you. That’s what bronc riding’s about, and when you get the ones that feel like that, nothing in the world beats it,” he grinned. The 23-year-old had marked 87.25 points on the same horse, to win second overall at the Ponoka Stampede on Monday.
Topping Pool A competitors in the bareback riding was Texan Richmond Champion, making his 4th appearance at the Stampede. He was 89 points on Calgary Stampede horse, Twin Cherry.
“She tried to buck me off today but I got lucky, and she jumped back underneath me and gave me the opportunity to catch up, and make the bareback ride I was hoping to. You’ve gotta risk it for the biscuit, I guess!” said Champion, who was happy to claim his first ever bronze statue as a day winner, along with the $5500.
Cochrane steer wrestler Tanner Milan earned $5500 with a 4.2 second run, which was fastest of the day.
“I knew the steer left good, and I took a pretty aggressive start, and I caught up really good. He was just an excellent steer on the ground,” said the two-time Canadian champion. “It’s a great way to start off the Stampede.”
Ryan Jarrett, an Oklahoma cowboy and past Stampede champion, tied a calf in just 7.1 seconds Friday afternoon, getting him a step closer to returning for Showdown Sunday out of Pool A.
Utah’s Kimmie Wall and her homegrown mare Foxy rounded the barrel racing pattern in 17.35 seconds to take the first place prize money of $5500 in her event.
The best of the bull rides came from a Stampede newcomer, Jess Lockwood from Volberg, Montana. He was 87.5 points on a bull called Goose Bumps, to jump out to the lead in Pool A.
About the Calgary Stampede
The Calgary Stampede celebrates the people, the animals, the land, the traditions and the values that make up the unique spirit of the west. The Calgary Stampede contributes to the quality of life in Calgary and southern Alberta through our world-renowned 10-day Stampede, year-round facilities, western events and several youth and agriculture programs. Exemplifying the theme We’re Greatest Together; we are a volunteer-supported, not-for-profit community organization that preserves and promotes western heritage and values. All revenue is reinvested into Calgary Stampede programs and facilities.
See more at calgarystampede.com