It was a tough day for bull doggers on the second day of rodeo action at the 88th annual Ponoka Stampede, but the junior roughstock competition and dazzling infield entertainment kept things lighthearted for spectators.
Several steers proved slippery, resulting in several wrestlers walking away with a no-time.
Bull Dogger Riley Wakefield from O'Neill, NE, rallied after a 15.3 time in his first run to post the second-fastest time of the day at 6.9 seconds with his horse Tank on Tuesday, June 26.
Wakefield told former rodeo royalty turned sideline reporter Alicia Erickson that while Tank isn't very friendly to be around, he "does his job."
After a tough run he said he regroups before getting back in the box and thinks about how he can get it done better next time, he said.
After his run Wednesday, Wakefield was sitting at fourth in the average.
James Struxness from Perrin, Texas, managed to rassle his steer and would have tied for fourth with Wakefield, but got a 10-second penalty for breaking the barrier, giving him a heart-breaking 16.9 final time.
After Day 2, steer wrestler Layne Delemont is at the top of the leader board with 12.5 after two runs, followed by Pacean Deleeuw at 12.8, Jonny Webb at 16.9 and Wakefield at 22.2.
READ MORE: DAY 1: 88th annual Ponoka Stampede off to a roaring start
Saddle Bronc rider Zachary Dallas, fresh off a win at the Outlaw Buckers and Oil Kings Bronc Match in Weyburn, Saskatchewan, posted a 87.5 point ride, having drawn PTS 955 Enigma.
The rookie of the year hails from Las Cruces, Alta. He'll return to the bucking shoot on Monday, July 1, for his second run.
Day 2 of the Ponoka Stampede was seniors' day.
Seniors (65+) received discounted pricing to the afternoon pro rodeo performance.
Infield entertainment was provided by John Payne, A.K.A,, The One-Armed Bandit, four-time Canadian Rodeo Act of the Year, Piper Yule, and the junior roughstock competition.
READ MORE: Funny, fast and flying: Infield entertainment set for Ponoka Stampede
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