FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — May 17th, 2026
Surrey, B.C. – Under beautiful blue skies and in front of another sold-out crowd at Jamie Rogers Arena, Saturday's Pool A Go Round 2 competition delivered everything fans have come to expect from the Cloverdale Rodeo: world-class rides, dramatic moments, and elite competition from some of the best cowboys and cowgirls in the sport. From lightning-fast barrel racing runs to a 90-point saddle bronc performance that brought the crowd to its feet, the energy inside the Stetson Bowl matched the perfect weather.
Fans who couldn't secure a seat for the sold-out Saturday afternoon performance still had an opportunity to catch every second of the action through the Cloverdale Rodeo's official live stream. Full replays of Saturday's Pool A Go Round 2 competition, along with previous rodeo performances from the weekend, are available on the Rodeo's website, giving fans a chance to follow their favourite riders and relive the biggest moments from Jamie Rogers Arena.
→ [Watch live streams and replays](/rodeo/live-streams-and-replays)
BC sweep in Ladies Barrel Racing
British Columbia competitors swept the top three spots, with 2024 Cloverdale Rodeo champion Vanessa Leggett charging to the win in 15.87 seconds. The Maple Ridge cowgirl vaulted herself into the overall lead and secured her place in Monday's finals with a smooth and aggressive run. Fellow British Columbians Lane Wills and Taylor Cherry were right behind her at 15.95 and 15.99 seconds, making it a dominant day for the home province in the Stetson Bowl.
First 90-point ride of the weekend
The saddle bronc riders brought the crowd to its feet with the first 90-point ride of the weekend as Kade Bruno, wearing number 91, almost equalled his back number when he delivered a spectacular 90-point performance aboard Boss Feeds Miscrient. Kolby Wanchuck followed closely with 88.5 points on After Party, locking in his trip to the finals after winning go round 1, while veteran Ben Andersen added another strong ride with 88 points aboard Hullabaloo. Four-time world champion Zeke Thurston also delivered a strong ride.
McAllister sets the bar early
Bareback riding featured another tightly contested round, highlighted by Trapper McAllister setting the bar early in the competition with an 86.5-point winning ride aboard a perennial CFR horse, Blue Bananas. McAllister edged out Ty Taypotat, who matched up with Reservation for 85 points, while Alberta's Ethan Mazurenko rounded out the top three with an 83-point performance on Second Wind. With several riders now separated by only fractions of a point in the aggregate standings, the race to Monday's finals is shaping up to be one of the weekend's most competitive storylines.
Gardner claims his second straight win
Bull riding once again proved unpredictable and dramatic under the Saturday spotlight. Jacob Gardner claimed his second win in a row with an impressive 86-point ride on Bonito, reinforcing his reputation as one of Canada's premier bull riders and fully guaranteeing his spot in Monday's finals with a total of $6,250 won in the competition to date. In this kind of form, he will be the one to beat as the riders vie for the $25,000 prize on Monday. Jordan Hansen stayed close behind at 84.5 points.
Looking ahead to Pool B
Attention now shifts to Pool B, with a fresh slate of competitors set to take to the arena during Saturday night's performance at Jamie Rogers Arena. The second half of the invitational field will battle through their opening go-round under the lights before returning Sunday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. to wrap up pool play and determine which athletes advance to Monday's championship finals at the 2026 Cloverdale Rodeo.
Highlights from Saturday's competition
About the Cloverdale Rodeo and Exhibition Association
Established in February 1888 to promote and encourage agricultural development in the Lower Fraser Valley, the Cloverdale Rodeo and Exhibition Association is the non-profit organization that manages the world-famous Cloverdale Rodeo & Country Fair held every year on the May long weekend at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds in Surrey, British Columbia. As one of British Columbia's largest and most anticipated annual events, the Cloverdale Rodeo & Country Fair delivers thrilling rodeo action, incredible entertainment, and a celebration of agriculture and community.
Event Location: Cloverdale Fairgrounds, 6060 176th Street, Surrey, British Columbia
Media Inquiries: Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair — media@cloverdalerodeo.com
Social Media: Instagram: @cloverdalerodeo — Facebook: @CloverdaleRodeo
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