FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — May 21st, 2024
Surrey, B.C. – There was no shortage of emotion and excitement in the finals at the 76th Cloverdale Rodeo. The day saw the highest score of the weekend in the Bareback competition, a ride-off in the Bull Riding event, a daughter winning the same Barrel Racing title her mom won in 2015, and a win for a Bronc Rider who started his rodeo career clowning with his family in the Stetson Bowl over 20 years ago. Each competition had a deep, often emotional, story emerge and fans couldn't have asked for [...]
Cooper Cooke Takes the Title with a 90-Point Ride
Monday's finals kicked off with the bareback competition. Riders were in top form, but none more so than Idaho's Cooper Cooke who scored 90 points – the highest score of the weekend in any category. The 21-year-old took home his first Cloverdale Rodeo championship and $29,150 in prize money between his Pool B winnings and the $25,000 winner's cheque.
"It's awesome, you know. To get out here, compete,…go have fun with all your best buddies in the world, it's awesome."
Kolby Wanchuk Wins in the Arena Where He Started
Arriving only minutes before his ride after what he called "a quick 15-hour drive" back from Miles City, Montana the night before didn't seem to affect Kolby Wanchuck's focus as he edged out Jake Clark by half a point to win the Saddle Bronc competition with a score of 88 points.
Kolby hails from Sherwood Park, Alberta, but the crowd cheered him on as they would for a hometown rider because the Cloverdale faithful knew Kolby started his rodeo career in this very arena. "I think it was this arena right here. Getting to grow up in this arena, watching them Kesler broncs buck here every year, 90-point rides, big scores. Made me want to do this…Every bronc rider's got a list. This one's been at the top of my list for a long time."
Vanessa Leggett Follows in Her Mother's Footsteps
When reigning Canadian champion Lynette Brodoway clocked a 15.81 second ride midway through the finals, it looked like her time could hold up for the win. That was until Vanessa Leggett blazed into the arena to the sound of Van Halen's "Panama" blaring over the PA. Riding in the 7th spot on her 8-year-old bay, Looker, the rider from Kamloops, BC, clocked a 15.74 to take home the title.
Vanessa's win makes her a second-generation champion at the Cloverdale Rodeo. Her mother, Julie Leggett, won this event in 2015. "I love following in my mom's footsteps. She is such an inspiration to me and everyone. I'm so excited to be here with her today… I just really wanted to do it today [to make her proud]."
Rugar Piva Takes the Title in a Ride-Off
Not to be outdone, the Bull Riding event brought the excitement to another level in the weekend's final event. Fort St John BC's Jacob Gardner had the standout ride amid stiff competition and hard-bucking bulls until Rugar Piva tied the top mark of 88 points in the last ride of the day. Officials conferred and decided the tie would be broken with a ride-off.
"I've been telling everyone this is my favourite rodeo of the year. Now it's really, REALLY my favourite."
2024 Cloverdale Rodeo Finals Results
### Monday, May 21st, 2024 – 2:00 pm
[Download Results – PDF](/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/CRCF-Rodeo-Finals-Results-240520.pdf)
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.
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**Media Resources & Images** [Media Image Folder – May 21, 2024 – Cloverdale Rodeo Finals](/drive/folders/148gs3qW7X5EACKrFE2TM0sTaADqwFmpc?usp=sharing)
**Event Location:** Cloverdale Fairgrounds 6060 176th Street, Surrey, British Columbia
**Media Inquiries:** Josh Miller Cloverdale Rodeo and Country Fair Email: [media@cloverdalerodeo.com](mailto:media@cloverdalerodeo.com) Phone: 250-308-6994 (direct)
**Social Media:** Instagram: [@cloverdalerodeo](/cloverdalerodeo/?hl=en) Facebook: [@CloverdaleRodeo](/CloverdaleRodeo)
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