Photo by Billie-Jean Duff
Edgar Durazo had met Vold Rodeo’s 398 VJV Whiskey Hand before. The Mexican born bull rider made the most of that association by scoring 89.5 points to win his third consecutive CFR go-round and maintain the lead in the bull riding in commanding fashion.
“I’ve been on this bull four times,” Durazo explained. “I won Ponoka this year with 90 points on him. He’s a bull that’s been to the PBR Canada Finals, the NFR and CFR. He’s outstanding and I was really excited when I knew I had him.”
The former PBR Canada Finals champion is a goal-setter. But his decision – made early in 2019 to qualify for the Canadian Finals Rodeo – wasn’t easy. He worked hard to fill his permit, purchase his full card and qualify for his first CFR. Along the way, the 28 year old earned the CPRA Permit, Rookie and Season Leader awards.
The other events in go-round three were no less exciting. 2019 bareback titleist, Richmond Champion, marked 88.25 points on Northcott-Macza’s 2019 Horse of the Year, 118 Stevie Knicks. Champion leads the aggregate after three solid placings. Team ropers Matt Sherwood (two time world champion) and CFR rookie, Hunter Koch, clocked an arena-record-tying 3.7 second run to win their second straight go-round and move to second in the aggregate and first overall. Another Finals rookie, Blair Smith, roped in 7.8 seconds to pick up his first round-win buckle (and $10,530). The win moves the second generation cowboy from fourth to second in the aggregate with three performances to go. Wainwright steer wrestler Ty Miller (who last appeared at a CFR in 2010) dogged his steer in a rapid 3.5 seconds to earn the win while Abilene, Texas barrel racer, Angela Ganter, clocked a 14.543 second run from last spot on the ground to take home the top cheque. First time qualifier, Logan Hay bounced back from a pair of buck-offs in rounds one and two of the saddle bronc event to win the third round with a sensational 86 points on Outlaw Buckers’ celebrated Lunatic Party.
The novice events wrapped up tonight after three rounds of action with second generation cowboy, Chett Deitz securing the Bareback title. The Milo, Alberta hand enjoyed a consistent CFR showing with two go-round wins and a second place cheque for his efforts. Deitz pocketed $3200 in CFR earnings and $9210 for the year. Australian Lachlan Sheppard came into CFR with a commanding lead then added $1660 by virtue of two second place finishes – earning the 2019 Novice Saddle Bronc Championship and $9283 in season earnings.
Defending steer riding champion, Tristen Manning, was the only competitor to ride in his event in round three. The Yellowhead Country athlete extended the lead he had coming into the Finals and now sits well out front with $10,385 overall, with a $5000 lead, and one performance to go in that event.
For complete results, see rodeocanada.com
The fourth performance of CFR ‘46 gets underway at 7:00 pm tomorrow night.
Courtesy of the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association
About the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association
The Canadian Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA) with headquarters in Airdrie, Alberta is the
sanctioning body for professional rodeo in Canada. The CPRA approves 55 events annually with a total payout exceeding $5.7 million. The organization holds their premiere event – the Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) – at Westerner Park in Red Deer, AB, October 29 – November 3, 2019 and will oversee the Finning Pro Tour Finals September 1 in Armstrong, BC and their inaugural Maple Leaf Circuit Finals November 27-30, 2019 at the Canadian Western Agribition in Regina, SK. Follow the CPRA on Twitter and Instagram @prorodeocanada, ‘Like’ Canadian Professional Rodeo Association on Facebook or online at RodeoCanada.com.
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