CALGARY (Staff) – The Calgary Stampede’s half million dollar rodeo got a little richer.
For the first time this year, women’s barrel racing will be included in the final showdown for the $50,000 prize in each of six rodeo events.
Canada Post signed on as sponsor for the showdown held on the last day of the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede. Other years, prize money ran just over $26,000 for the first nine days of the Stampede.
The Canadian Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association has 69 barrel racers registered. An office spokesperson said more than the usual 50 entries are expected this year as the women race for North America’s heaviest rodeo purse.
Each event will allow a maximum of 96 entrants for contests that include chuckwagon racing, calf roping, bareback, saddle bronc, bullriding and barrel racing.
