May 20, 2025
Airdrie, AB
2025 is a pivotal year for Brock Radford.
The talented Dewinton, Alberta bull rider has battled injuries over the last few seasons but looks to be back to the form that took him to five CFR qualifications (he was unable to compete at the 2023 CFR due to injury).
An 88-point performance at the 105th edition of the Falkland Stampede on the May long weekend is the latest step forward in the return to the elite level of bull rider that the third generation cowboy enjoyed prior to 2021 when his knee first started giving him trouble. An earlier win came at Coleman, AB earlier this month.
The Falkland win came on the back of the Macza Rodeo bull 811 Rock Salt And Nails. The combination of a healthy Radford and an big athletic tan bovine netted Macza $1671 and moved him from 12th in the early 2025 Canadian standings to 10th.
“I’ve known Willy (Macza) since we were kids riding steers and we have a little fun rivalry going when I get on their bulls. This bull was really good, into my hand and just a lot of fun.” Radford said.
After getting some surgical repair of a meniscus last June, Radford tried to come back, but with the other leg overcompensating for the knee, there were groin issues and finally the 29-year-old (he’ll turn 30 in a week) had to “wave the white flag” and shut down for the remainder of the 2024 season.
“It just feels great to ride without any pain,” Radford commented “It feels good to feel good.”
And if Radford can avoid repeated appointments with the Pro Rodeo Sport Medicine Team throughout the 2025 campaign, the Falkland success might just be a harbinger of more good things to come as he strives to first get back to the CFR and then take a run at a Canadian title.
“It’s stepping stones,” Radford noted, “but those are definitely goals for this year.”
Other solid performances at Falkland included Sawyer Erickson’s 86-point win in the bronc riding on Macza’s Texas Tough for $1518, a final performance 8.8 second run in the tie down roping by Shane Smith for a $2475 reward and Taylor Cherry’s smoking 16.13 second run for $2575 in the barrel race.
More winners included Helena bareback rider Samuel Petersen (86.5 on 64 OLS Tubs Side Show for $144), steer wrestler Straws Milan (4.2 seconds for $2324), team ropers, Denim Ross and Kavis Drake, (4.4 seconds for $2286) and breakaway roper Shaya Biever (2.6 seconds, $1945).
The novice saddle bronc riding was won by Sam Flaherty who put up a 74 point ride for $302 while Ryder Topolinski topped the steer riders with 73 points for $442.
For complete unofficial results head over to rodeocanada.com
Next CPRA action will feature the first SMS Equipment Pro Rodeo Tour stop of the season at Buffalo Lake Metis Settlement May 23-25.