Chaos erupted in saddle bronc riding at GMC Stadium during the Calgary Stampede on Thursday, July 9, 2026, when an initial three-way tie was broken by a half-point deduction. Three competitors—Shorty Garrett of Eagle Butte, S.D., Kade Bruno of Challis, Idaho, and Ryder Wright of Beaver, Utah—each scored 88.5 points, setting the stage for a dramatic resolution.
Review Changes Outcome
After a review, officials deducted half a point from Garrett, dropping him to third place with 88 points. Bruno and Wright were declared co-winners, splitting the $12,500 first-place prize equally at $6,250 each. Garrett received $4,500 for third place.
“You gotta have a good start, but this is Calgary,” Garrett said. “Anything can happen. You know, you got to show up every day and do your job, so getting a good start helps. But, uh, we got two more days.”
Steer Wrestling Highlights
In steer wrestling, Riley Duvall of Checotah, Okla., posted the fastest time of the day, marking a strong start to Pool C competition. Duvall’s family has a long history at the Stampede: his uncle, Roy Duvall, won the steer wrestling title in 1967, and his father also competed in Calgary.
“I mean, I’m probably the fifth Duvall to compete here, which is crazy,” Riley said. “It’d be awesome to win 60 years after my uncle. Yeah, that would be great.”
Bull Riding Success
Bull riding saw six riders complete the required eight-second ride. Josh Frost of Randlett, Utah, posted the highest score of 89 points, earning $7,000. TJ Gray of Dairy, Ore., finished second with 88.5 points, taking home $5,500.
Other Winners
In bareback riding, Luke Thrash of Texas scored 86 points aboard Cracker Jack to win $7,000. Macon Murphy of Keatchie, La., and Zack Jongbloed of Iowa, La., tied for first in tie-down roping with runs of 7.0 seconds, each earning $6,250. Hali Williams of Comanche, Texas, won breakaway roping with a time of 2.4 seconds, collecting $7,000.
Canadian Competitors Struggle
Pool C featured only four Canadians across all rodeo events, and none placed in the money. Orin Larsen of Inglis, Man., scored 80.5 points in bareback, one point shy of the payout. In saddle bronc, Tyrel Roberts of Drayton Valley, Alta., managed 80.5 points, while Dawson Hay of Wildwood, Alta., was awarded a re-ride but failed to score due to a double grab. Garrett Green of Meeting Creek, Alta., was disqualified in bull riding for a slap.
