A lifetime in the making: Jamie Laboucane wins first Rangeland Derby title at Calgary Stampede

A dream that began when he was six years old became reality Sunday as he captured his first Rangeland Derby title

Jamie Laboucane has waited a lifetime for this moment. A dream that began when he was six years old became reality Sunday as Laboucane captured his first Rangeland Derby title at the Calgary Stampede. “I’m still taking it in.

I kept calm and composed until I crossed that finish line. Then it kind of hit me, and I’m just trying to hide the emotion right now,” an excited Laboucane said. Laboucane was one of the week’s strongest drivers, posting the fastest time on five of the 10 nights of racing.

That success gave him plenty of confidence heading into the Dash for Cash. “I was feeling really confident going in tonight,” said Laboucane. “That outfit, I’ve only lost one race.

The nerves were there for sure, but I loved it.” Laboucane executed another flawless figure eight around the barrels, got off to a quick start and never looked back. “I was just excited.

I was ready to go for it, and when that horn blew, I knew we had a shot. What a feeling when I got the rail and got to the front,” said a jubilant Laboucane. Laboucane had reached the Dash for Cash before, finishing runner-up in both 2024 and 2025.

This time, he used those experiences to finally claim the title. “I have the right group of horses. That’s all there is to it.

Last year I drove nearly as good, but my right leader wasn’t ready for the big time, and maybe I wasn’t,” Laboucane said. “We came with the right horses this time. Everything clicked, and it all came together.”

Laboucane’s family has been involved in chuckwagon racing for nearly 50 years, and he gives them much of the credit for his success. “This is a family affair. My dad, my brother-in-law — we’ve been going down to the States picking up horses.

We all work together. We talk and throw ideas around,” said Laboucane. “With my dad’s 45 years, my 20 and my brother-in-law’s 16 years, I’ve got an excellent group of coaches sitting behind me.

I wouldn’t be here without my family.” Laboucane and his Panorama Advisory Group outfit posted the fastest time of the night, stopping the clock in 1:10.12. He was quick to credit his outriders for helping make this victory possible.

Kale Lajeunesse and Hayden Motowylo have been with me for a long time. We’ve been through a lot together, and those boys rode unreal. I’m so proud of them,” said Laboucane.

When he crossed the finish line and realized he was the 2026 Calgary Stampede champion, Laboucane let out a roar that echoed throughout GMC Stadium. “That’s a lifetime worth of Stampede coming out of me. I’ve gone from sitting in the stands as a little kid to outriding, then driving.

This is a bucket-list dream come true and an unreal feeling,” Laboucane said. Asked about his plans to celebrate, Laboucane said he and his team intended to savour every moment. “We’re going to celebrate for sure.

This only happens every so often, so I’m going to enjoy it.” AROUND THE BARRELS Although he wasn’t able to repeat his Rangeland Derby victory from 2019, Logan Gorst (International Petroleum Group) captured the Richard Cosgrave Memorial and Safety Award along with a $30,000 bonus. The award goes to the driver with the fastest cumulative time over 10 nights among competitors who complete the week without taking a penalty.

Gorst has now won the award in back-to-back years. Rory Gervais captured the ATCO Outrider Award for the second straight year and earned a $2,000 cheque. It was also Gervais’ fourth victory in the award since 2022.

Trey MacGillivray finished second and Nolan Cameron placed third, with each receiving $1,000. Cruise Bensmiller won the Orville Strandquist Memorial Award as the top rookie driver and earned an additional $4,000. Vigen, Laboucane and Glass each had horses recognized with Equine Athlete of Excellence Awards.

Vigen’s left leader, Grayson, and Laboucane’s left wheeler, Ghost, were honoured, along with Glass’ right leader, Proud. Rae Croteau’s left wheeler, Appreciated, Logan Gorst’s outrider, Easter, and Obrey Motowylo’s outrider, Goji, also received awards. Email: sknox@postmedia.com

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