The stage is set for the Sunday Showdown at the Ponoka Stampede.
A cool and windy Sunday afternoon saw Semi-final action, with the top-12 of the week returning to compete for the top four spots and entry into the Showdown.
First up, Bareback. With four qualified rides, Kade Sonnier, with his score of 49.5, led the pack although Kody Lamb was hot on his heels a half-point behind. In a tightly-packed top-four, Orin Larson was in the mix only a point behind Sonnier while Ty Breuer rounded out the top four with his ride of 87.5 points.
Heading to the timed event end, the cowboys ran in the Tie-Down roping event.
Due to both a first-place tie and a third-place tie, five cowboys will be saddling up for the showdown Sunday night. Zack Jongboed and Beau Cooper tied for first place with runs of 8.8 seconds each. Bo Pickett picked up the second place position with a run of 9 seconds, and Ty Harris and Joel Harris both tied for third with runs of 9.1 seconds.
Staying in the timed event end, Professional Steer Wrestling was up next.
J.D. Struxness punched his ticket into the finals with a quick run of 3.4 seconds. Riley Wakefield secured his spot in the top four with a run of 4.1 seconds. Third place was a draw with Marc Joiner and Riley Reiss each making 5-second runs.
After the intermission, it was back to the chutes for Professional Saddle Bronc.
Zeke Thurston secured his spot in the showdown with a ride of 89.25 points. Kolby Wanchuk ended up making his way through with a ride worth 88 points. Third place went to Sage Newman with 87, and Chase Brooks rounded out the top four with 86.25 points.
After Saddle Bronc, it was back to the timed event end with Team Roping.
Paul Eaves and Erich Rogers secured their spot in the final four with a run of 5 seconds flat. Ponoka brothers Keely and Logan Bonnett tied for second place with Jake Clay and Kollin Vonahn each with a run of 5.8 seconds. Rounding out the top four were Dawson and Dillon Graham who put in a run of 5.9 seconds.
Staying in the timed event end, the top 12 barrel racers of the week tried to get into the top four; Paige Jones earned the fastest run of the day with 17.48 seconds. Bobbi Henderson earned the second-fastest time with 17.61 seconds. Lisa Lockhart and Dona Kay Rule tied for third place at 17.64 seconds.
Closing things out at the chutes, three bull riders qualified for the Showdown. Nick Tetz earned 87.75 points for the top spot, Coy Robbins picked up second place with 85.75 points, and Lonnie Phillips was the only other rider to pick up a qualified ride and 84 points.
The Showdown goes at 6:30 p.m. on July 2.
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