ProRodeo Sports News - August 18, 2023

Mr. Clutch Wanchuk nabs key win in Sentinel Butte HOME ON THE RANGE CHAMPIONS RIDE

SENTINEL BUTTE, N.D.

BY BRADY RENCK, Special to ProRodeo Sports News K olby Wanchuk does not hide from expectations. It’s just part of being Canadian. This season has not unfurled as scripted, but the saddle bronc rider remains hopeful of securing his third Wrangler National Finals Rodeo berth. There’s pride in that accomplishment and where he’s from. “Shoot, bronc riding in Canada is big. There are a whole bunch of programs available. It’s quite the system. There are so many good former riders who live up there and help,” said Wanchuk, who hails from Sherwood Park, Alberta. “There are practice pens a guy can go to everyday and so many great amateur rodeos. The programs are a huge help to the young guys to get you to ProRodeos, to get you around the top guys and around rank young horses.” At 27, Wanchuk has lived this dream, finishing eighth in the PRCA | RAM World Standings in 2022. He’s pushing to return to the sport’s biggest stage with a furious finish. Ranked outside the top 20, he needs to stay hot, and he kept percolating at the Home on the Range Champions Ride in Sentinel Butte, N.D., on Aug. 5. He posted impressive scores, walking away with a saddle, rifle, and spurs for his 181.5 points on two-head. “This win comes at the right time for us. This place, Home On The Range, it is such a cool event. There is so much history here, so many great bronc riders,” Wanchuk said. “It is special.” The victory came with a $14,980 payday, providing rocket fuel to Wanchuk’s race over the final six weeks. Wanchuk started the rodeo off right on Muddy Creek Rodeo’s Bugsy. Wanchuk posted a 90.5-point ride. “He’s a big stud. I got to get on him at the NFR last year. He came out and got stronger and stronger with every jump. It’s all a guy can ask for,” Wanchuk said. “He had me working for sure. But it worked out.” To clinch the victory, Wanchuk needed another stellar ride, given the competition from Damian Brennan (178.5), Brody Cress (178) and Sage Newman (177.5). He embraced the pressure, showing the type of poise that has defined the past three years of his career. He netted a 91-point trip on J Bar J’s Straight Moonshine, a favorite horse of so many bronc riders. “I got on him in Xtreme Broncs Finals in Rapid City (S.D.) last year. I had some good luck there. I had a 90.5 there. I am a big fan of the horse. I had a little bit of a wild start. It took me some time to get caught up. He was strong and kept coming back for more,” Wanchuk said. “He’s awesome. He has a big, long mane on him, and he tries as hard as he can every time.” This season has been a grind. A slow start has left Wanchuk chasing his goals deep into the summer and fall. The sense of urgency is real, but his background has prepared him for this push. “Getting there is what it is all about. The NFR is a learning experience. It’s 10 days of the best in the world and going up against the best in the world,” Wanchuk said. “The lesson I learned is that you must treat it like any other rodeo. It can go really good or really bad fast on you. You just have to do what you can do.”

Alaina Stangle photo A rematch with J Bar J’s Straight Moonshine led Kolby Wanchuk to the pay window with a 90.5-point ride at the Home On The Range Champions Ride in Sentinel Butte, N.D.

ProRodeo Sports News 8/18/2023

ProRodeo Sports News 8/18/2023

ProRodeo.com

ProRodeo.com

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