CALGARY — A pair of Canadians advanced to Sunday’s tie down roping final after taking first and second place at the Calgary Stampede on Wild Card Saturday.
Al Bouchard of Scandian, Alta., finished first in 7.3 seconds while Curtis Cassidy of Donalda, Alta., placed second in 7.9.
After eight days of competition, the top four money winners from each pool automatically advanced to Showdown Sunday after Friday’s events. The remaining six competitors in each pool competed on Wild Card Saturday, with the top two advancing to Sunday.
Canadians also advanced in bareback, saddle bronc and steer wrestling.
Dusty LaValley of Bezanson, Alta., scored a day-best 86 points in bareback and Clint Cannon of Texas came in second. Clint Laye of Cadogan, Alta., finished third while Matt Lair of Calyey, Alta., placed fourth.
Pincher Creek, Alta., native Dustin Flundra took first place in saddle bronc with a score of 86.50 points. Texan Sterling Crawley was second with 85 points.
Pouce Coupe, B.C., native Clayton Moore was best on the day in steer wrestling in 3.3 seconds. Bray Armes of Texas and Straws Milan of Cochrane, Alta., tied for second place in 4.1.
Brazilian Joao Ricardo Vieira scored 87 points to finish first in bull riding. American L.J. Jenkins also advanced to the final with a second-best score of 83. Tanner Byrne of Prince Albert, Sask., placed fourth with 80.50.
In women’s barrel racing, Americans Fallon Taylor and Lisa Lockhart placed first and second with times of 17.21 and 17.27 seconds, respectively. Kirsty White of Big Valley, Alta., finished last out of the 11 competitors in 18.15.