Lambert Takes Aim

Zane Lambert is no stranger to competing on the big stage. The 27 year-old has qualified for the PBR World Finals twice and the PBR Canada Finals six times. But there’s one year-end dance that has so far eluded the Ponoka, Alberta bullrider.

“That would be super cool if I can make it to the CFR this year.”

After wins in Medicine Hat and Bruce, Alberta this past weekend, Lambert may be on his way to Edmonton this November for the first time. The weekend started with a 92 point trip on Kesler’s Whiskey Jack at the Wrangler Pro Tour stop in “The Hat”.

“I’ve been waiting to draw him since I had him two years ago at the Medicine Hat spring rodeo,” grins Lambert. “He turned back to the right just like he did before and he suited me just right. That’s what I’ve been looking for. That’s what gives you the boost to get to the finals.”

Then on Sunday, the former Manitoba cowboy was 81.5 points at the 100th Bruce Stampede to pick up another first place cheque. His weekend earnings of $3,724 unofficially moves Lambert into the 12th and final CFR spot in the new CPRA standings.

“I need to get another 9 or 10 thousand to qualify. Just need to keep my chin tucked and my hand closed, get a few day money cheques and another couple of wins and we’ll be there.”

Ironically, Lambert didn’t win a dime at either of the two CPRA-sanctioned bullriding-only events in Oyen and Cochrane, Alberta. It was Tanner Byrne who captured the title at Saturday’s Cochrane Classic. The Prince Alberta, Saskatchewan cowboy won the most bullriding money on the weekend ($5,845). Scott Schiffner ($4,574) and Kyle German ($5,491) split the championship at the 15th annual White Lightning Dodge Pro Cowboy Crunch on July 24th.

There appears to be no way to slow down Morgan Grant. The 24 year-old won another $6,455 on the weekend in the tie-down roping and steer wrestling. In fact, the Ontario-born cowboy walked away from Medicine Hat with victories in both events.

“First time I’ve ever won two events at one rodeo,” a beaming Grant said shortly after collecting a $932 cheque for splitting 3rd in the roping in Bruce. “I still need to win some more in the steer wrestling. I’d really like to make it (to the CFR) in two events.”

Grant, who was 21st in the Canadian bulldogging standings heading into the weekend, has won over fifteen thousand dollars in the two events in July.

Bareback rider, Matt Lait won his second straight tour rodeo. His 82 point ride on Kesler’s Forget Me Knott in Medicine Hat paid the Cayley, Alberta cowboy $2,583 as he attempts to keep pace with Kyle Bowers and Jake Vold atop the leaderboard.

Other big winners from the weekend include saddle bronc rider, Luke Butterfield ($1,900), steer wrestler, Trygve Pugh ($2,792), barrel racers, Bennette Little ($3,083) and Lee Ann Rust ($2,151), team ropers, Tate Kirchenschlager and Will Woodfin ($2,324 each) and All-Around qualifier, Jeremy Harden ($1,436 SW; $732 SB).

It’s another busy week for Pro Rodeo Canada competitors with stops in High Prairie, Alberta (July 30- 31), Strathmore, Alberta (Aug. 2-5), Abbotsford, BC (Aug. 2-4) and Grimshaw, Alberta (Aug. 3-4). Bullriders will head to Camrose for the annual ‘Bulls for Breakfast’ event during the Big Valley Jamboree (Aug. 1-4).

~Information provided by the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association