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Layne MacGillivray wins first Rangeland Derby title at Calgary Stampede

Jul 17, 2023 | 10:57 AM

CALGARY – On the final night of the Rangeland Derby at the Calgary Stampede Layne MacGillivray showed why he’s the reigning World Professional Chuckwagon Association champion.

MacGillivray earned his first Rangeland title Sunday, winning the championship heat in a time of 1:13.24, narrowly beating four-time champion Kurt Bensmiller at 1:13.58. Ross Knight, a finalist for the first time, came in at 1:14.55.

MacGillivray has twice before been on the winning team as an outrider for Hughie Sinclair in 2000 and 2004. Outrider Brendan Nolin won his third straight title and Trey MacGillivray won his first.

Before taking the track on Sunday, Layne MacGillivray was awarded the Guy Weadick Award.

The award is given annually to the one chuckwagon or rodeo competitor who best represents what a cowboy stands for and embodies the spirit of the Calgary Stampede. It’s based on ability, appearance, showmanship, character, sportsmanship and cooperation with other cowboys, the arena crew, the media and the public. It’s the first time that a chuckwagon driver received the Guy Weadick Award and won the Rangeland Derby in the same year.

READ MORE: Four Canadians prevail in Calgary Stampede rodeo finals

Other Rangeland Derby Award Winners

Richard Cosgrave Memorial Aggregate/Safe Drive Award: Kurt Bensmiller

Orville Strandquist Memorial Award/Top Rookie Driver: Wade Salmond

Outstanding Outrider Award: Rory Gervais

Equine Athlete of Excellence Awards: Chanse Vigen’s “Max” (Champion Right Leader); Darcy Flad’s “Honor” (Champion Left Leader); Ross Knight’s “Widget” (Champion Right Wheeler); Jamie Laboucane’s “Marshmallow” (Champion Left Wheeler), Layne MacGillivray’s “Mailbu” and Kurt Bensmiller’s “Fever” (Champion Outriding Horses)

The WPCA Pro Tour goes to High River for the Battle of the Foothills starting July 21.