Pool C Is Off To A Record-Breaking Start At 2026 Calgary Stampede

The final pool of the 2026 Calgary Stampede's preliminary rounds is officially underway, with just two performances remaining before the Showdown Sunday field is finalized. Thursday afternoon delivered nonstop action, highlighted by a record-breaking run in barrel racing.

The biggest storyline of the performance came when Michelle Alley laid down a smoking 16.72-second run in the barrel racing, setting a new arena record. Her record was short-lived, however, with No.1-ranked Kassie Mowry recording a 16.68 just a few runs later. Mowry and her great horse, Jarvis, continue to lead the world standings race despite competing at only 13 rodeos so far this year. Hailey Kinsel ran a 16.78 for third, and Megan Mcleod-Sprague rounded out the top four with a 16.93.

In bareback riding, the performance win went to Luke Thrash with an 86-point ride, followed by Kashton Ford’s 84.50. Both Thrash and Ford are looking to secure their first NFR qualifications, with Thrash sitting ninth in the world and Ford on the bubble at No. 17.

Saddle bronc riding saw a tie at the top of the leaderboard between Ryder Wright and Kade Bruno, who each scored 88.50 points. Shorty Garrett finished just behind in third with 88 points, and Chase Brooks rounded out the top four with an 86.50. 

After battling a long recovery from a shoulder injury, Josh Frost made a big return to Calgary – topping the bull riding performance with an 89-point ride. TJ Gray continued his summer run hot streak with an 88.50 for second. No. 5-ranked Luke Mackey finished third with an 82.50.

Louisiana cowboys Macon Murphy and Zach Jongbloed split the performance win in the tie-down roping with a pair of 7-second runs. Shane Hanchey took third with a 7.8 and Pecos Tatum took fourth with a 7.9. Riley Duvall topped the steer wrestling leaderboard with a 4.2-second run, followed by JD Struxness’ 4.4 and Riley Reiss’ 4.6.

Hali Williams continued her dominant season in breakaway roping with a 2.4-second run. Williams sits atop the world standings leaderboard with over $96,000 won – over $20,000 ahead of the No. 2-ranked cowgirl. Madison Outhier claimed second in the performance with a 3.5, followed by Kinlie Brennise’s 3.8-second effort.

If this performance was any indication of the level of competition still to come, earning one of the final Showdown Sunday spots won't come easy. Follow along with Rodeo Roundtable each day for the latest Calgary Stampede results, standings, and stories as the "Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth" continues.