Calgary Stampede rodeo opens with 210 competitors chasing history
Utah's Stetson Wright won day-money in saddle-bronc riding Friday, eyeing a triple crown of PRCA titles never achieved before.
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The Calgary Stampede rodeo is under way. Friday's opening day brought 210 of the world's top cowboys, cowgirls and wrestlers to GMC Stadium, with skill and entertainment that didn't disappoint the spirited crowd.
Utah's Stetson Wright, the world's top cowboy, won day-money in saddle-bronc riding and finished fourth in bull riding — a busy day for the 26-year-old. Wright is pursuing something never done before in rodeo circles: winning the triple crown of Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association titles, involving two roughstock events and the all-around cowboy award. He's currently tops in the world standings in saddle bronc and second in bull riding.
"That Championship Sunday here? That doesn't make me nervous, because you made it there," Wright said. "But these first three rounds, they make you nervous, because you want to get to Championship Sunday. So to kick it off in round one and get a win, it kind of lightens the load."
Canadian bull-rider Jordan Hansen of Okotoks called the Stampede his favourite event. "I've been to lots of events in Canada, U.S. and all over, and it's near and dear to my heart just being that close to home," Hansen said.
Alberta also found a winner Friday: Kyle Lucas of Carstairs tied with Montana's Haven Meged for the day's fastest tie-down roping time at 7.8 seconds, each pocketing $6,250. "It's a lot of hometown feeling," Lucas said. "Here in Calgary, when they say, 'He only lives 20 miles up the road,' it seems like everyone gets behind me."
