October 4, 2024 l Edmonton, AB
They call the third performance of a five-performance rodeo ‘moving day’, and Sherwood Park, Alberta’s Kody Lamb made a huge move Friday night at CFR 50. The talented bareback rider has waited ten years to finally match up with the superstar bucking horse F13 Virgil of C5 Rodeo. The wait was worth it as the two combined to set a new Canadian Finals record score of 92.25.
“He was what I expected; he was really heavy, but he rode so well,“ the long lanky cowboy, who writes and records his own country songs, acknowledged. “I’ve ridden him hundreds of times in my mind. I’ve thought about him every day for years so there were no more preparations to do. I just had to show up and do the job.”
The first CFR go round win and the first 90 point ride in Lamb’s career have propelled the five-time CFR qualifier to the lead in the aggregate and the standings with two performances remaining in CFR 50, both of them tomorrow as part of championship Saturday.
While it may have been Kody Lamb’s first 90-point score, the saddle bronc riding go-round went to someone very familiar with receiving that impressive mark. With a score of exactly 90 points, four-time Canadian and World Champion Zeke Thurston took his second victory lap in three nights, this time aboard Duane Kesler Championship Rodeo’s seven year old bay horse 75 Miscreant. Because of an un-Thurston-like score in Thursday’s second go-round, the Big Valley superstar finds himself in the middle of the field in the aggregate, but he holds a comfortable cushion in his pursuit of his fifth consecutive Canadian title.
While carrying Thurston to the go-round win, Miscreant earned a share of the Saddle Bronc Horse of the Night title with the ultimate sweet pen horse, Big Stone Rodeo’s multiple time CFR – NFR bay mare 711 Rubels. These two share more than the night’s top horse honour, they were both born and raised by the Cooper Clan at Senlac, SK.
Coming into the third performance, Fort St. John, B.C.’s Stephen Culling had been consistent in making a pair of mid four second steer wrestling runs, but with only five performances comprising this year’s CFR, he knew he needed to take his shot. Being last to compete in the field of steer wrestlers allowed Culling to know what he needed to do. The veteran threw his steer in a rapid 3.3 seconds to earn the victory. Culling remains in contention for the aggregate, and could play the spoiler role on the final dat, with an outside chance at a Canadian title. He also rides Tanner Milan’s superstar steer wrestling horse Eddie, who has now taken a cowboy to the top spot on consecutive nights.
With a slew of fast times in the breakaway roping already on the board when she rode into the box, Ponoka’s Macy Auclair gave herself a moment to remember on her birthday. The two time CFR qualifier set a new CFR and Canadian Record with a blistering 1.5 second run. Despite winning the first round and placing on night two, Auclair hadn’t been completely happy with her performances, and reached out to her mentor, who happens to have experience at roping calves in record times. “I cut a new rope, and set up a Facetime today with Cody Ohl while I roped the dummy. After that conversation, I just tried to keep it pretty simple, keep my mind right and stay calm, and it worked out.”
Over the last two performances, barrel racer/breakaway roper Bradi Whiteside has been on the right side of the results as the only two-event female competitor. After taking the top spot in the breakaway roping on night two, she followed up with a go-round win in the ladies barrel racing with a 13.81, the fastest time of the week so far. Despite being a bit behind the top end of the event for a year end title, Whiteside is in contention for the aggregate win.
Despite a slight hiccup in round two with an uncharacteristic no-time, redemption came for the young team roping tandem, Kavis Drake and Denim Ross. The pair broke through the four second barrier with a 3.9 second run, which proves that being fast comes from being smooth. Earning their second victory lap after a win on opening night, both contestants have moved to the top of the team roping standings, with Ross overcoming the enormous lead held by Jeremy Buhler coming into the finals. With only 4 teams earning a time on all three steers, the young ropers have a chance to move up in the aggregate standings if they continue their winning ways.
In another tough round of tie down roping, an athlete familiar to winning CFR go-rounds stepped up to the plate. Stettler’s Beau Cooper made an ultra-smooth 7.5 second run. The talented cowboy stands at the top of the aggregate. With over $38,000 available on championship Saturday, Cooper still has a shot at the title race, especially after an unexpected miss by Haven Meged.
When rodeo doesn’t seem to be going your way, sometimes you just need a chance to reset. And a re-ride on Vold Rodeo’s 938 Haunted Creek proved to be just what Mexico’s Edgar Durazo needed. Hanging on to reach the whistle on the tight spinning gray bull, Durazo earned the win with an 85.5 point ride. Getting a chance to show his stuff worked well for Haunted Creek as well, as he earned the Vold firm the Bull of the Night buckle.
CFR rookie bull rider William Barrows has made the most of the opportunity to replace injured competitor Jared Parsonage at CFR 50. The lone competitor to cover all three bull, Barrows is in a solid position going into championship Saturday.
Novice Events:
Coming in as season leader in the Novice Bareback Riding, young Hughenden cowboy Jace Lomheim left nothing to chance, completing the sweep of the 3 rounds of novice competition with his highest score of the week, 81 points on C5 Rodeo’s -44 Sesame Street. And in the Novice Bronc Riding, Devon Hay, the youngest brother of the trio of third generation bronc riders, bounced back on Outlaw Buckers’ snappy roan horse W42 Comeback Red for an 82.5 point ride
Water Valley’s Havana Aarsby, the only female competitor in the field of junior steer riders covered her first brahma cow of the week for a 74.5 go-round winning score.
See rodeocanada.com for complete unofficial results.
Just two CFR 50 performances remain (11:00 am and 6:30 pm, Saturday, October 5).
Additional happenings on Day Four:
The Canadian Country EXPO – Edmonton EXPO Centre
The best of country living comes together at the Canadian Country Expo – 165,000 sq. ft. of the finest exhibitors assemble under one roof. Enhance your #YEG CFR experience by shopping the diverse array of exhibitors and products that ensures there’s something for everyone! Did we mention that this event is free to attend?
Hooey Canadian Youth Rodeo Championship
The future of Canadian rodeo is on full display at the Canadian Youth Rodeo Championship, hosted at the Canadian Country EXPO. This thrilling competition features young rodeo talents from across the nation, competing in a variety of events, including Barrel Racing, Pole Bending, Steer Riding, Breakaway Roping, Goat Tying, Team Roping and Tie-Down Roping.
The championship is divided into age groups, ensuring that participants compete against their peers while gaining valuable experience in a professional rodeo setting. With events designed to test speed, skill, and precision, the Canadian Youth Rodeo Championship is a premier platform for the next generation of rodeo stars to earn recognition at a national level and showcase their dedication to the sport.
Rodeo Week in the Square
Downtown Edmonton is buzzing with excitement as Rodeo Week takes over Churchill Square, offering free, family-friendly, western-themed entertainment and activities. As part of the celebration of the Canadian Finals Rodeo, everyone is invited to embrace the spirit of the West right in the heart of the city!
Bring the whole family to enjoy a petting zoo featuring adorable farm animals, get a unique caricature drawn, or sport some cowboy-themed temporary tattoos. For those looking to try their hand (or feet) at something new, there will be line dancing lessons from 12:30–2:00 p.m. – perfect for getting into the rodeo spirit!