Three Cowboys Double Down for Back-to–Back Wins
Calgary – Once cowboys get the feel of winning at the Calgary Stampede, it’s hard to give it up. That was evident in the second rodeo performance of the Stampede when three contestants claimed their second trophy bronze in two days.
Tanner Milan was one of those, winning the $5500 prize for first in steer wrestling for the second straight day. The two-time Canadian champion caught his steer in just 3.4 seconds, which was tops in a speedy round of action, moving him to the lead in Pool A Steer Wrestling with $11,000 won.
“The steer was known to be a little slower, so I was happy to have him,” explained Milan. “I just had to see a bit more (head start) on him, and it worked out perfect. The steer didn’t run like the other ones, and gave me a chance to catch up a lot quicker.”
Mark it a double win for Jess Lockwood in the bull riding as well. The young Montana cowboy tied onto a bull called Chrome for an 89 point adventure. “That bull was really, really good around there, and ended up going both ways,” he bubbled. “I knew he would, so I was trying to be real patient. I couldn’t ask for a better bull.” When Lockwood dismounted and got away, he tossed his helmet some fifty feet in the air to celebrate. “Yea, whenever I make a pretty good ride like that, I give an ol’ bucket toss,” he chuckled.
Like Milan, Lockwood leads Bull Riding competition $11,000.
The other two-time winner was tie-down roper Ryan Jarrett of Oklahoma. With a single swing of his loop in Round 2, he caught his calf and posted a 7.7 second score. But Texan Cade Swor was able to get the job done in the same time, so the two split the prize money, netting $5000 apiece, but they both got a bronze. Jarrett leads his pool with $10,500 won.
Barrel racer Kassie Mowry of Texas ran away with the biggest barrel racing cheque of the day ($5500) on a horse she’s only been riding for a month, called Rocco.
“I definitely wanted to take advantage of my first spot out,” said Mowry. “The ground felt really good. I switched shoes on him, and I felt like it really held him when he put his feet, so it was a good move.”
Mowry picked up $5500 for the win, but Oklahoma’s Emily Miller earned second placed money for the second day in a row, so she’s leading Pool A Barrel Racers with $9000.
The $5500 first place cheque in the saddle bronc riding went to Allen Boore of Utah, for an 87 point ride on Sergeant Whitney. But Day One winner, Layton Green, placed third on Saturday, so he’s the overall leader in Pool A with $9000.
J.R. Vezain of Wyoming got his first Calgary cash of 2017, with a top placing 87.5 point bareback ride on a Calgary horse called You See Me. He got some extra motivation from a chuckwagon driver behind the chutes, helping cheer him on.
“Darcy Flad is a friend of mine, and he’s a pretty electric fella. He always likes helping us out, and he’s gets real excited and pumps me up,” says Vezain. He gets the $5500 for first, but Richmond Champion finished second, so he is out in front overall with a $10,000 total.
Tier 2 Junior Steer Riding wrapped up Saturday, with Tristen Manning of Edson posting 148.5 points on two rides to win the title. Tier 2 features younger, less experienced riders on cows not quite as tough, to help ease the youngsters into the competition.
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