The baddest bulls and bravest blokes are back this month for the 18th annual Cochrane Classic Bullriding on Aug. 18. For the second year, the event will pair up with the Cochrane Fair - taking place at the Ag Society grounds Aug. 17-19. "We're bringing real outlaw bucking bulls ... it's the biggest BRC event of the year," said Cochrane Classic founder, organizer and retired bullrider Jason Borton of the Bull Rider Canada-sanctioned event that will feature thrills and spills. "We're going to have 30 bullriders and bring the top six back, so there will be 36 rides that night," said Borton. Entries will open Monday, with cowpokes from around the globe turning up to vie for the $10,000 purse that will divide the winnings among the top four spots. Borton said he is excited to continue to work with the Ag Society. In previous years, the event had run at the Lions Rodeo grounds, the Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre and the Cochrane Arena. Good weather lends to the success of the outdoor event, but last year's solid turnout did not see dwindling crowds with the change in location. The annual event, with title sponsor Cochrane Dodge this year, boasts a crowd into the thousands that continues to grow. Tying off the night will be the popular Bow River Band, who will take the tent stage Aug. 17 and 18. Advance tickets will see savings of $10/ticket, with the $30/adult ticket fee earning you entry into the fair grounds. Seniors and students ages 5-17 years get in for $20/ticket. The event starts at 7 p.m. with the dance to follow. Beer gardens are on site. Online sales at cochranefair.com charge a processing fee per ticket, which can be avoided by purchasing advance tickets at Drycleaning by Dave or Tony's Western Wear. Bucking Horse Futurity The seventh annual Foothills Bucking Horse Futurity will premiere at the Ag Society grounds on Aug. 17. Jimmy Richards, founder and organizer of the event and from the long-standing Richards ranching family, said he is looking forward to the new partnership with the Ag Society – given his recent relocation to south of Hanna. Due to logistics imposed by his move out of town, Richards had not planned on producing the event this year – which used to run at the Lions Rodeo grounds. He was approached by the Ag Society and decided, with the added help, he would be able to keep the tradition going. Richards tipped his hat to the Lions Club for its support over the years. "We'll be taking entries right up until the day of, but we're anticipating 40 to 50 broncs from 10 to 15 different contractors," said the stock contractor. The World Futurity Association-sanctioned event will feature two and three-year-old horse classes and a variety of rider classes to include amateur and professional bronc riders. The evening, which begins at 6 p.m., includes a range of entertainment such as mini buckers, sheepdog herding, mini-chuckwagon races and trick riding. Advance tickets are $20 plus a processing fee, which earns you entry into the fair grounds. Tickets are available at cochranefair.com.
