Records were falling and scores rising on day six of the Calgary Stampede Rodeo
– Records were falling and scores were rising in an exciting day of rodeo action for the sixth performance of the Calgary Stampede. Dawson Hay is working on building his legacy, and it’s not taking him long to make a big impression. The young bronc riding sensation from Wildwood, Alberta teamed up with a horse called Trail Smoke for a 91.5 point score.
“I don’t know if it’s sunk in yet,” said Hay. “He makes you work for it. You know if you get him rode, you’re probably going to be in the pay window. That seems to be the horses I win on – the ones you’re not really sure you’re if you’re gonna ride or if they’re just gonna flat buck you off.” With back-to-back victories, Hay is the runaway leader in Saddle Bronc Pool B, with his $11,000 tally.
Barrel racers continue to rave about the ideal ground conditions at this year’s Stampede. On Day 5, the previous record of 16.99 was tied. But Day 6 saw it shattered. First, Jennifer Sharp came out and flew through the field on her horse Smooch, stopping the clock in 16.96 seconds. Moments later, fellow Texan Hailey Kinsel and her horse Sister had their turn, bettering by three one hundreths of second for the win.
“I feel bad,” insisted Kinsel, the defending Calgary champ. “I hugged Jennifer after. I had told her when she came out ‘good job’, and we were all pumped up, because she made an awesome run. I just hope everyone remembers that TWO records were broken today.” Kinsel tops the Pool B earnings, at $11,000, followed by Sharp at $9000.
Wyatt Denny was pleased to get Garden Party in Wednesday’s pen of bareback horses, and the Nevada man impressed the judges to the tune of 87.5 points.
“I’ve been on that horse twice. Every time I’ve been on him he has a different trip but he still feels just electric, sends your feet. It’s just one cowboys can really show their riding style off on.” While Denny cashed in for $5500 Wednesday, leading Pool A standings is Tanner Aus, who tied for second and now has $9500.
They broke the seven second zone in Tie-Down Roping Wednesday, when Canadian champion Shane Hanchey sped through his catch, toss and tie, in just 6.9 seconds.
“That was a good calf,” credited Hanchey, who hails from Louisiana. “It was the same calf (Matt) Shiozawa had yesterday. When Logan (Bird) texted me and told me I got that calf, I started jumping up and down. That calf will be here for the Final Four, I can just bet that. It’s part of rodeoing, you’ve got to draw good.” Tuf Cooper leads Pool B with $9000 so far, followed by Hanchey with his $7000 tally.
The first place Steer Wrestling bronze was nearly in Kyle Irwin’s hands in the first day of Pool B action, until the last man out, his traveling partner Tyler Waguespack snatched it away from him. On Wednesday, the tables turned, Irwin was last man to wrestle a steer, and he wowed the crowd when he got the job done in 3.5 seconds, fastest by a tenth in a swift round.
“I knew I had a chance on that steer. But you’ve got to go fast if you want to win any money here. I like it whenever the pressure’s on, and you’ve gotta go fast, ‘cuz you get to let it all hang loose,” said Irwin, another Louisiana competitor. Irwin is way out in front of Pool B bulldoggers, with $10,000 already in his jeans.
Stampede first-timer Jose Vitor Leme of Brazil emerged the number one man in bull riding, marking 88.5 on a bull called Big Red. With the help of translator Andre Portes, Leme explained he didn’t know much about the bull.
“It went away from my hand and it worked out pretty good. I made a nice ride on him,” he said. “He tried to throw me to the outside most of the time and I really had to try hard. I’m very happy for everything, and I hope to keep doing the great job to make it to the Final.” Leme and Sage Kimzey are tied at the top of Pool B, with $7000 apiece.
*Courtesy of the Calgary Stampede
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 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 celebrates our western heritage, cultures and community spirit. All revenue is reinvested into Calgary Stampede programs and facilities.
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