Jake Gardner has rocky experience at Calgary Stampede

CALGARY, ALTA. — The 2026 Calgary Stampede has turned into quite the experience for one Fort St. John local bull rider.

Jake Gardner, who has had solid results in 2026, including wins in Texas and in Cloverdale, B.C., failed to find his mark at “The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.”

His first ride on Friday, July 3, saw Gardner earn a re-ride while on top of a steer named Peek-A-Boo, with his second chance coming on the back of Ramblin’ Man.

Gardner was bucked off, finishing at the bottom of the standings. The top rider on day one was American Cooper James, with a score of 87.5.

His second ride, on Saturday, July 4, saw Gardner, who rode Highway to Heaven, bucked off the animal again.

Top ride during Saturday’s run was by American T. James, who rode a bull named Purple People Eater.

In his third and final ride on Sunday, July 5, Gardner drew a bull named Whistleblower.  Gardner earned a second re-ride, with top spot in Sunday’s session going to Hudson Bolton of Tennessee.

On his re-ride, riding Jaywalk, Gardner was bucked off yet again. 

His performances had him sitting in eighth spot in Pool A, out of advancing to the next round.

The Calgary Stampede’s Rodeo is one of the showcase’s premier events, with the winners of competitions set to earn a $50,000 cash prize.

The finals will be held on Sunday, July 12. Energeticcity.ca has reached out to Gardner for further comment.