Rod Hay is a 20X NFR qualifying saddle bronc rider; he also holds the record for the most Stampede titles as a 4X Calgary champion. Zeke Thurstion is a 2X World Champion, who holds the record for most consecutive wins at Calgary, taking the saddle bronc title there three years in a row.
We talk to both of these Canadian cowboys about their favorite memories and matchups from the Calgary Stampede, what makes it such a special rodeo, and what it means to win there as native Canadians.
On which of his wins was most memorable, Thurston says he will never forget the first — during which a three-way tie resulted in a ride off with Wade Sundell and Cody DeMoss. “Those are some pretty big names,” he says. “Especially at that time in my career, I was pretty green. So it was pretty special.”
On the feeling you get when taking the stage as a Calgary champion, Hay says, “Just even thinking about it right now gives you kind of goosebumps ... It’s a feeling like no other.”
Tonight is the finale of our 10 Nights of the 2019 Calgary Stampede, culminating in Finals Sunday. Don’t miss it at 8PM ET — before the rodeo action kicks off LIVE in Woodward, Oklahoma. For more on the Woodward Elks Rodeo programming, click here.
