It was a tough night for the riders that competed in the Cochrane Classic Bull Riding event on Saturday night (August 17).

Thirty of the world's best riders came to Cochrane with hopes of winning big, but it was fairly evident who was in control.

Organizer, Jason Borton, shares the bulls definitely won out this year. "The bull power was there for sure. Holy cow, they bucked a lot that night."

Although many of the riders didn't have success, the event itself was a complete win. Attracting their largest crowd to date, Borton was thrilled. "I thought it was absolutely a great show. We lucked out on the weather and the crowd was great. I don't know exact numbers yet, but this had to be my biggest show. It just keeps on growing with being a part of the fair."

The event, unfortunately, started off on the wrong foot though, with one of the flag girls breaking her ankle off the get-go. "Her horse wasn't quite used to all that excitement. There is a lot of things going on there with big crowds and the bull riders; it can be a pretty exciting place for a horse."

Despite the shaky beginning, Borton says it is a good reminder that anything can and does happen. "Sometimes, unfortunately, stuff does happen, but she'll be able to ride her horse again and it will all be good."

On a positive note, shares Borton, the event is still considered a favourite amongst the riders and Bull Riders Canada. "I spoke to Jennifer and she loved it. I talked to lots of the bull riders, and they agree that this is one of the best bull rides they go to all year and they love coming to Cochrane. The riders want to do good here because there is so much money on the line."

While initially, Borton predicted a Brazillian rider would claim the top spot; Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan's, Cody Coverchuk claimed victory. "He came to ride that night and rode both of his bulls. He walked away with just under 5,000 dollars as well as the championship belt buckle."

With next year being the Cochrane Classic's big '2-0 Anniversary', Borton says there will be lots of exciting things happening. "We'll have unreal crowds for that and we'll be planning something big for next year, that's for sure."

Giving thanks to the community at large, volunteers, and all the sponsors, Borton says it is not possible without them. "The community gets behind it and sponsors get behind it; it's not just a local event anymore. People are starting to know about it from faraway places and it's just getting bigger."