Oct 2, 2024 – The wait is over! The 50th annual Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) officially kicked off today at Rogers Place, bringing together the best rodeo athletes, loyal fans and an electric atmosphere that only Edmonton can deliver. Running from October 2 to October 5, this year’s CFR promises to be bigger, bolder and more exciting than ever before.
As thousands of rodeo enthusiasts gather to celebrate the culmination of Canada’s rodeo season, Day One of CFR did not disappoint. The stakes are high, as competitors vie for national titles and a share of the lucrative prize pool.
Day One Rodeo Action:
Performance one of milestone CFR 50 saw two defending Champions kick off the five performance Finals in stand-out fashion.
Although not at the top of the steer wrestling standings coming into CFR 50 in Edmonton, Provost, Alberta’s four-time Canadian Champion Scott Guenthner leaped into that position after night one after throwing his steer down in a go-round winning time of 3.8 seconds. Despite having his own steer wrestling horse in Edmonton for his traveling partner Landon Beardsworth to use, the option to climb aboard Curtis Cassidy’s multiple time Steer Wrestling Horse of the Year, Tyson, worked out well for Guenthner.
What a difference a year makes. Big Valley, Alberta’s saddle bronc riding superstar Zeke Thurston stunned he crowd into silence when he was bucked off in the first round at CFR 49. But the four time World and Canadian Champion who never shies away from a big moment on the biggest stages wasn’t about to let history repeat itself. Coming to Edmonton as the season leader earned Thurston the right to compete at the end of his event setting up a first-round matchup that saw the Big Valley, AB superstar climb aboard the solidly built six-year-old Calgary Stampede chestnut F-38 Freedom Express, Thurston again proved to be the man to beat, matching the bronc jump for jump to put up a spectacular score of 89.25.
There were several solid runs in the first round of the tie down roping with Wimborne’s Shane Smith distancing himself from the pack putting everything together in a crowd pleasing 7.4 second run. With as tough a group of competitors as there’s ever been at a CFR, the round could be a precursor of exciting and fast times ahead.
Despite contestants taking on the eliminator pen on opening night, Jake Stemo made a statement in the bareback riding at Rogers Place. Having drawn Northcott Yule’s eight year old bay mare 633 Broken Arrow, Stemo spurred his way to an 86.75 score for the go round win. The Ponoka, AB native who currently calls Calgary home qualified for the Finals in 11th place (in a twelve-man field), but the $11,100 first place cheque will no doubt help him work his way up the standings.
Any fears about the abbreviated timeline to construct the rodeo arena inside Rogers Place were put to rest after the first performance of barrel racing. Yellowhead County’s Taylor Manning bested the field with the only sub 14 second run of the night, crossing the finish line with a blistering 13.90 second time aboard her great horse Archie.Â
The opening round of team roping proved to be challenging for some of the competitors, but young guns Kavis Drake and Denim Ross were ready when their time came, coming tight with a timely 4.2 second run. The dynamic duo proved that having a combined age much lower than many of the rest of the field of team ropers would not hold them back.
On a tough night of bull riding that saw only two qualified rides, Red Deer’s Ashton Sahli proved equal to the task aboard Vold Rodeo’s 018 Destination Unknown with an outstanding 88-point score that earned him the first-place cheque and a well-deserved fireworks display that accompanied his victory lap in the final event of night one at the CFR’s return to Edmonton.
With a tough field of breakaway ropers showing why they deserve the chance to compete in every round of the Canadian Finals Rodeo, the fastest run of the night was made by Ponoka’s Maci Auclair with a rapid 1.8 second time.
Novice and Junior Events:
- Maple Creek’s James Perrin took round 1 in the novice saddle bronc with a 81.5 score aboard Macza Pro Rodeo’s ageless gray +2 Big Surprise.Â
- Hughenden’s Jace Lomheim rode Outlaw Buckers’ blue roan veteran horse V142 Blue Wings for a 78.25 score to take the opening round in the novice bareback riding.
- Davis Young of Leader, SK made a stylish ride in the junior steer riding to take top spot with a 75.5 score.
For complete unofficial Day One results, click here.Â
What to see on Day Two:Â
The Canadian Country Expo is the premier destination for Western Lifestyle enthusiasts, offering a captivating blend of traditional and modern Western activities. Held in conjunction with the Canadian Finals Rodeo, the Expo expects to draw a large and diverse audience who appreciate the enduring appeal of the Western way of life. Taking place at the Edmonton EXPO Centre from Oct. 2 to Oct 6., CCE is an event that visitors and Edmontonians alike do not want to miss.
Tailgate Party in Ice District Plaza, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Before each rodeo performance, the action starts at the CFR Tailgate Party! Enjoy performances by Country Music Alberta artists, strolling entertainers and visit interactive displays. Prep for the upcoming performance by watching rodeo highlights and cheers to a great night ahead in our all-ages beer garden.