Quesnel’s Kira Stowell, 11, came in second in Pee Wee Barrel Racing at the Smithers Rodeo on Aug. 26-27, missing the top spot by just 0.23 of a second.
She took home $101.40 for her second place win (with a time of 16.75 seconds), bringing her 2017 rodeo winnings to $1,264.16 so far. This total keeps Stowell in first place overall in the British Columbia Rodeo Association (BCRA) 2017 season standings.
The 2017 overall winner will receive a prize saddle.
Stowell came second in Smithers behind her cousin, Kaitlin Lulua of 150 Mile House.
In an earlier interview, Stowell said: “This season so far it’s been between me and my cousin Kaitlin… so when I get second I’m happy for her, and when I get first, she’s happy for me.”
Stowell will race in the North Thompson Fall Fair &Rodeo in Barriere over Labour Day weekend, her last rodeo before the completion of the season.
“I’m looking forward to having fun in Barriere. There will be a lot of different competitors. It’s always fun to race against new people,” said Stowell.
In addition to Stowell, nine other top Quesnel riders took home prizes in Smithers.
Quesnel’s Lane Cork and Denton Spiers tied for first place in the Bull Riding competition, and each took home $933.78.
Steve Lloyd came third in Tie-down Roping, winning $240.79 for his time of 14.5 seconds.
Quesnel’s Elijah Gordon, Clay Gordon and Eric O’Flynn shared first place in Junior Steer Riding. Each received a $160.89 pay out.
Dyson Leneve came second in Junior Breakaway, with his time of 3.8 seconds. He won $151.67.
And Kenzie Lloyd came sixth in Pee Wee Barrel Racing with a time of 23.51 seconds. She won $19.50 for her placing.
The BCRA season ends Sept. 4.