RODEO NEWS

Calgary Stampede – One for the Record Books in 2026

By Ann Bleiker

If you weren’t a barrel racing fan before the 2026 edition of the Calgary Stampede, one could bet if you watched just one round of the 10-day event you became a big fan after an electrifying performance by the best in the WPRA. Many have said and posted that it was the best barrel race they have ever witnessed, proving when you combine phenomenal ground with top jockeys on some of the best equine athletes in the business, it will be magical.

Four-time world champions Hailey Kinsel and Sister have had many magical moments in their careers including a 2018 Calgary Stampede title. They now have two Calgary Stampede titles after the duo stopped the clock in 16.80 seconds during the Final Four on Showdown Sunday. They edged Hayle Gibson Stillwell and Piper in a 16.81, Carlee Otero and Sly with a 16.83 and Heidi Gunderson on Casey with a 17.20.

“This is incredible and something every athlete dreams of,” stated an emotional Kinsel about standing on the Calgary Stampede winner’s stage for the second time in her career. “She (Sister) won this for me in 2018 and to still be riding her today is a testament to her and God’s plan. She truly loves this rodeo because of everyone behind the scenes that makes it so amazing for us. We are so thankful this is really the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth because of the people behind the scenes.”

This year’s Calgary Stampede saw three new arena records set with Gibson Stillwell topping that list in the 9-man round on Showdown Sunday with a 16.56 aboard her horse Piper. Two-time and reigning world champion Kassie Mowry had the record coming into 2026. Then Michelle Alley on Lipstick N Stilettos, making their first appearance at the Calgary Stampede broke it before Mowry reclaimed it with a 16.68 but it will be Gibson Stillwell with the record until at least the 2027 edition.

Mowry and Jarvis, who claimed two round wins in Calgary, was just shy of making the four-man field finishing Sunday with a 16.83 landing fifth. Kinsel and Sister captured the last qualifying spot for the Final Four resulting in the last gunners out on Sunday and as they say, “they saved the best for last.”

All totaled Kinsel returns to the States with $66,250 and will be looking for that fifth gold buckle come December.

For only the second time in Calgary Stampede history a women’s breakaway roper was awarded the title and $50,000. Shelby Boisjoli Meged got the inaugural title in 2025 but in 2026 the title went to Cheyanne McCartney, who dominated from the first swing to the last.

“It feels incredible and doesn’t feel real yet,” said McCartney when asked how she felt to be standing in the winner’s circle. “It feels amazing to rope here and I said when I got here, I just wanted an opportunity to rope today for a chance at this great money. That last calf was the best calf I ran, and I just really wanted to not beat myself. I wanted to make sure I scored good and got my rope on the calf. It all worked out today.”

WPRA breakaway ropers put on a show North of the Border with ropers having to have a 3.2 or better out of the 9-woman round to make the Final Four. McCartney would finish in a tie with Macy Young for the fourth and final spot but with the tiebreaker being based on total money won, McCartney earned that spot.

Much like Kinsel, McCartney didn’t let the opportunity pass her by. Unlike Kinsel though, McCartney set the pace amongst the breakaway ropers going first and making everyone else try to catch her. Cadee Williams, who won the semifinal round on Sunday, would come the closest finishing in a time of 3.4 seconds.

McCartney added $68,500 to her 2026 earnings to punch her ticket to the Wrangler WPRA National Breakaway Finals that will take place this year at Will Rogers Coliseum in Fort Worth, Texas, Dec. 18-19. Prior to Calgary earnings being added McCartney was 13^th with $50,594. She more than doubled her yearly earnings after running five calves in Calgary.

July is shaping up to be a memorable one in WPRA history.

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