Canada

HAY & O’NEILL OUT; SEARS FINALLY CASHES CHEQUE
[Dec. 9, 2006]   By Darell Hartlen Editor Canadian Rodeo News

Calgarian's Gravy Train
[Dec. 8, 2006] Lee Graves wasn't about to disappoint his fans on Canada Night.

CANADA NIGHT IS ALRIGHT AT THE WRANGLER NATIONAL FINALS RODEO
[Dec. 8, 2006] Stock contractor Wayne Vold kicked things off this evening in Las Vegas with a heartfelt rendition of O Canada, part of what’s known as Canada Night at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

HAY STILL IN THE HUNT FOR WORLD TITLE
[Dec. 7, 2006] The saddle bronc riders had a rough go-round this evening in Las Vegas. They were matched up against the semi-eliminator pen at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, with five of the 15 cowboys getting bucked off. By Darell Hartlen Editor Canadian Rodeo News

TOUGH NIGHT FOR CANUCKS IN LAS VEGAS
[Dec. 6, 2006] The Canadians had a rough night in Las Vegas at the Thomas & Mack Center.
In front of 17,343 people, the Canuck cowboys and cowgirl were shut out of the money during the sixth performance of the 2006 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. By Darell Hartlen

Bronc Rider Making Hay
[Dec. 5, 2006] LAS VEGAS -- There aren't many 'firsts' for Rod Hay these days.

Unless you're talking about his placing.

WORLD’S TOP COWBOYS AND COWGIRLS ARE TOUGH ENOUGH TO WEAR PINK
[Dec. 5, 2006] This evening was also the third annual Tough Enough To Wear Pink night in support of breast cancer awareness. During the rodeo, Wrangler presented a cheque for $1 million dollars to the TETWP campaign. By Darell Hartlen

MISS RODEO CANADA ALUMNI 2007 CALENDAR ~ In Support of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation
[Dec. 4, 2006] A great idea for a Christmas gift.

Strong toehold places Albertan
[Dec. 4, 2006] LAS VEGAS -- Rod Hay knew he was hanging on by an inch. Sankey's Barn Dance jarred the Wildwood cowboy loose on the first couple of jumps. By SCOTT FISHER, CALGARY SUN

FOURTH ROUND FULL OF ACTION AT THE 2006 WNFR
[Dec. 4, 2006] Glen O'Neill (Didsbury, Alta.) was originally slated to ride Rafter G Rodeo Co.'s Annie Oakley, but was awarded the option of a re-ride after the flank fell off.
He was then pitted against Harry Vold’s Enrique, which resulted in another option when the horse didn’t perform at full capacity.
Unfortunately for O’Neill, there weren’t enough spares ready, so he’ll take his shot tomorrow, as well as riding the horse he gets assigned for the fifth performance. By Darell Hartlen

HAY MOVES UP IN SADDLE BRONC RACE
[Dec. 3, 2006] Round three saw the battles continue in Las Vegas this evening at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo as the top 118 cowboys and cowgirls in the world fight for the right to be named 2006 world champion.
In the saddle bronc event, it was either money or dirt for the seven cowboys who drew Canadian stock.
Eight-time Canadian champion Rod Hay (Wildwood, Alta.) won the round on Kesler Championship Rodeo’s Coffee Break. Their 87.5-point match-up was worth $16,022, enough to move him into fifth place in the world standings. By Darell Hartlen Canadian Rodeo News

Hay tops field on night 3
[Dec. 3, 2006] Rod Hay didn't relax for a second.

But it was exactly the kind of Coffee Break he needed.

The Wildwood cowboy took top spot in Round 3 after spurring out an 87.5 on Kesler's Coffee Break.

DAVIS RIDES PAINTED SMILE TO VICTORY
[Dec. 2, 2006] Round two of the 2006 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo saw the race for world titles heating up this evening in Las Vegas at the Thomas and Mack Centre.
The roughstock cowboys had the eliminator pens this evening, which proved to be both exciting and challenging for them.
Jess Davis (Payson, Utah) and Wes Stevenson (Kaufman, Tex.) rode a pair of Kesler Rodeo Co. horses to the top two spots in the bareback event.
Davis was 86 points on the superstar mare Painted Smile and Stevenson was 80 points on Sports Select. By Darell Hartlen Canadian Rodeo News

Graves shut out of cash in round one
[Dec. 1, 2006] The defending champ didn't have the start he wanted. But he wasn't complaing. Calgary's Lee Graves spiked his steer in 4.5 seconds on the opening night of the National Finals Rodeo.