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Ponoka barrel racer wins on Night 3 of Canadian Finals Rodeo in Red Deer

For the first time in her career, Shelby Spielman got to do a victory lap at the Canadian Finals Rodeo.
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Ponoka’s Shelby Spielman rides her horse Hot Donna during the ladies barrel racing event on Night 3 of the Canadian Finals Rodeo at at Peavey Mart Centrium Friday. (Photo by Sean McIntosh/Advocate staff)

For the first time in her career, Shelby Spielman got to do a victory lap at the Canadian Finals Rodeo.

The 24-year-old finished first with a time of 14.087 in ladies barrel racing during the CFR’s third performance at Red Deer’s Peavey Mart Centrium Friday night.

“I was joking with a friend before we ran today that I’ve never got to do a victory lap at the CFR, so maybe God was looking out for me or I just had luck on my side. I don’t know which one,” she said.

Spielman, riding her horse Hot Donna, finished third on the opening night with a time of 14.206 and second during the second performance with a time of 14.268.

Originally from Texas, Spielman now calls Ponoka home. She rodeoed in Canada the past three summers before moving to Ponoka and getting engaged to a Canadian. The move to a colder climate hasn’t been too much of a challenge, she said.

“When you’re surrounded by good people and getting to do what you love, it makes the move pretty easy,” said Spielman.

She grew up on a cattle ranch back in Texas.

“I’ve been on a horse all my life and barrel racing was just another event that you did. I actually used to like to rope a lot more than I did running barrels, but the tables turned and here I am,” said Spielman.

Spielman said she’s going to stay focused as the CFR continues Saturday and Sunday.

“I’m just going to keep going one run at a time. If it goes good I’ll be excited and if it doesn’t I’ll work on it the next run,” she said, adding “it’s pretty awesome” to have this event so close to her new home.

“I actually went home this afternoon and hung out for a bit and I think it helps to get back in your regular environment. Then you’re refreshed and ready to go.”

Taylor Manning was second in 14.128 and Lacombe’s Justine Elliott was third in 14.160. Elliott leads overall standings with three performances left by less than $200.

CFR PERFORMANCE 3 RESULTS

Edgar Durazo had a magical bull ride, scoring a 92.25 to win round 3.

Dantan Bertsch won round three of the bareback, with an 88.75 on Black Feathers. He leads the overall standings with the victory.

In the saddle bronc, Kole Ashbacher bested defending champion Zeke Thurston with an 88.50 on Wild Cherry. Ashbacher was just a quarter of a point better on the night, while Thurston still has a huge lead in the overall standings.

In tie-down roping, Sundre’s Riley Warren had the best showing of the night with an eight-second flat takedown. He’s second in the overall, but just four dollars behind Clayton Smith for top spot.

Justin Miller was the man to beat in the steer wrestling, posting a 3.7 to earn the round 3 win. The legendary Cody Cassidy leads the overall, by almost $6,000 over Miller.

Tyrell Roberts won the novice saddle bronc and Grady Young captured a victory in steer riding.

Performance four is set for 12 p.m. Saturday afternoon, with the second round of the day at 6 p.m.



sean.mcintosh@reddeeradvocate.com

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Quentin Branden, of Barrhead Alta., competes in the steer wrestling event on Night 3 of the Canadian Finals Rodeo at at Peavey Mart Centrium Friday. (Photo by Sean McIntosh/Advocate staff)


Sean McIntosh

About the Author: Sean McIntosh

Sean joined the Red Deer Advocate team in the summer of 2017. Originally from Ontario, he worked in a small town of 2,000 in Saskatchewan for seven months before coming to Central Alberta.
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