Months of preparation paid off for two friends from Lloydminster, Saskatchewan who took the top prizes in the Calgary Stampede's 2019 Junior Steer Classic.

On Sunday, July 14, the Grand Champion Steer title was won by 19-year-old, Braydon Thompson, wining $5,000 in prize money and a $12,000 scholarship.

Thompson put in a lot of hours to get his winning steer ready for show.

"He lives in a barn during the day so that doesn't wreck his hair," Thompson explained about his steer's care routine. "Plus, I rinse him every day for 30 minutes in cold water."

Judge Brigham Stewart from Washington says the Grand Champion steer had enough muscle and shape, and also carried himself the best.

"The way he handled his muscle on the move, his skeleton and held himself together on the standstill, he was incredible."

The Reserve Champion Steer title was won by 20-year-old, Toby Noble, who earned himself $3000 in cash and an $8,000 scholarship.

The top two steers are auctioned off at the show to raise funds for future scholarship winners, with the Grand Champion Steer and Reserve Champion Steer selling for $15,500 and $3,500, repsectivley.

The annual competition sees youth ages 9 to 21 compete for scholarships and prizes after qualify for the Stampede show earlier in the week at Summer Synergy in Olds.

 

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