Calgary's Graves thrills home crowd

"Look at this bad boy," a grinning Graves said, checking out his championship bronze. He had that in one hand and a giant cheque for $100,000 in the other.

"This has been eluding me for a long time. I've been in the Calgary Stampede seven, eight times, but never won it," Graves said. "It feels pretty good."

His ribs, on the other hand, aren't feeling so good. Graves was battling torn cartiledge in his ribs all week but competed nonetheless.  

"Right now it's got Novocain in it, so it feels as good as it's going to feel. It's all worth it," he said. "But it's going to hurt a lot later.

"I was lucky to get out of here without really getting hurt."

Graves put up the fastest time in the preliminary round of showdown Sunday to earn a place in the top 4. He then delivered, edging the next-closest competitor by just 0.2 seconds.

The final competitor to go, his 3.8s time flashed on the screen and the crowd erupted.

"It was pretty cool," Graves said, grinning. "I've been waiting a long time for that."

He was one of seven Alberta natives to crack the final four on Sunday, but the only Canadian cowboy to take home the big prize.

In the women's barrel racing, 2008 Calgary Stampede champion Lindsay Sears of Nanton placed second ($25,000), Rana Koopmans of Lethbridge was fourth ($10,000) and bull rider Scott Shiffner of Strathmore tied for third ($12,500).

Steve Lloyd of Alix placed third in tie-down roping, earning $15,000. Justin Berg of Marwayne was second in the saddle bronc, a $25,000 purse, while Jim Berry of Rocky Mountain House received $12,500.

Graves, the big money winner, didn't have many plans for the big cheque.

"It's probably already spent. You rodeo, it goes fast," he said. "But right now I'm going to get me a Bud light beer over there real quick. I'm going to go see my family and buy some guys some drinks."  

Graves' $100,000 finish.

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