Pool A Qualifiers have been Determined for Stampede 2017 After Monday’s Rodeo Action
Calgary – You’d be hard pressed to find a more excited person anywhere on Stampede Park than Kirsty White. The cowgirl from Big Valley and her horse Racey ran first Monday and flew through the pattern in 17.33 seconds, a time no one could touch. It’s her first Stampede daily bronze trophy and as a ‘local’, it means so much to be able to capture such an honor here.
“I can’t even believe this is happening,” exclaims White, still breathless after many congratulatory hugs. “Go Canada! I love Calgary! It’s my home province; it’s two hours from my house. Everybody identifies so big with Calgary,” proclaims White of her Alberta upbringing and it’s short distance from the city in which she has already succeeded so much in.
To have earned a win, placing her right through to Sunday, is like a dream come true for White.
“This is my first time. This is a total career high. This rodeo is really hard to qualify for, and then to actually have a good week when you’re here, is just icing on the cake. It’s so surreal. I’ve never even won a go-round before,” says White, humbly.
White ended up second in Pool A ($15,000) while Oklahoma born, Emily Miller’s consistent placings put her on top of the race ($16,000). Also qualifying in the barrel racing were Kimmie Wall ($13,000) and Nellie Miller ($10,500).
Steer wrestler Jason Thomas had been playing second fiddle to Tanner Milan’s incredible week. But the Arkansas cowboy got his Stampede bronze Monday for a 3.5 second run, on his way to being the highest money earner of Pool A with his $19,000 total.
“It’s been a good four days, that’s for sure. They placed on him the first time out, and I knew he was a good, honest steer. I just had to get out of the barrier, and make a good run,” says Thomas.
Other steer wrestling qualifiers joining Thomas from Pool A were Milan ($16,500), Riley Duvall ($12,000) and catching the last place paycheque Monday, Brock Butterfield ($9,000).
Stampede first-timer Jess Lockwood of Montana thrilled fans and claimed his third Stampede bronze in the bull riding, with a spectacular 90.5 point ride on a bull called Blue Stone.
Lockwood topped the Pool A bull riders ($16,500), followed by fellow qualifiers Ryan Dirteater ($14,000), Brazilian Joao Ricardo Vieira, ($11,500) and Garrett Smith ($10,000).
It was deja-vu in the tie-down roping, when Shane Hanchey snagged first place for the second straight day, and he did it with the identical time of 6.7 seconds.
“It seems I’ve won a little bit over the last two days,” says Hanchey. “I did what I set out to do. If you’d have told me after round two that I was going to win $11,000 in my group and advance, I’d have probably said you were darn crazy. It just feels good to be back for Sunday,” adds Hanchey.
Ryan Jarrett was the high man among the Pool A qualifiers ($15,500), followed by Hanchey, followed by Cory Solomon ($9,500) and Marty Yates ($8,000).
It was another double day win in the bareback riding, as Caleb Bennett added to his collection of Stampede day award bronzes. This time he was 87.5 points on a young Calgary horse called Zastron Acres.
Richmond Champion managed to keep up his placing streak, and wound up first in Pool A ($14,833), followed by Bennett. Alberta cowboy Ky Marshall also had a consistent week of winning, and will be straight through to Sunday ($11,000) along with Canadian champion Jake Vold (9,000).
In the saddle bronc riding, Utah’s CoBurn Bradshaw had the ride of the day when he turned in a textbook spur ride on Calgary’s showy Shoshone Mountain, for 86 points. The $5500 helps his bank account, but he’ll get another opportunity to earn some money when he returns for Wildcard Saturday. Advancing from Pool A are Layton Green ($13,000), Clay Elliott ($12,000), Allen Boore ($10,250) and Taos Muncy ($9,000).
Pool B qualifiers begin their Calgary Stampede 2017 competition on Tuesday, July 11.
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 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 celebrates our western heritage, cultures and community spirit. All revenue is reinvested into Calgary Stampede programs and facilities.
See more at calgarystampede.com