Ty Prescott fights in Calgary for PBR Canada Cup Series Pendleton Whisky Classic

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

For the third consecutive season, the Professional Bull Riding (PBR) Canada Cup Series Pendleton Whisky Classic was hosted in Calgary, on Oct. 23.

Returning to The Classic to fight for the bull riders, among whom are some of the best riders in the country, is Strathmore’s Ty Prescott. 

“I’ve been very lucky over the last five, six years,” said Prescott. “I’ve been voted in by these guys and it’s a pretty good feeling to know the top 30 guys in Canada put their faith in you to take care of them and be their bodyguard.” 

His participation at the PBR Canada Cup Series was by invitation, similar to many events he fights in. One such event includes the PBR Canada finals in Red Deer, scheduled for mid-November.

According to event officials, the Pendleton Whisky Classic plays a critical role in adjusting the standings of some of the top bull riders in Canada as the athletes chase after the PBR title and a $50,000 bonus.

For Prescott, it’s simply all about being back in the ring fighting and protecting the riders.

“I’m very happy it’s back to normal,” he said. “It’s been a wait with this COVID-19 stuff and it’s a little disheartening not having bull ridings, but it sure puts a smile on my face now that we’re back.”

Several events remain for Prescott throughout the remainder of the season to fight in, as well as a couple he has yet to have a confirmed invitation. 

As one might imagine, bull fighting is an occupation that doesn’t come without a host of risks to oneself, as that’s pretty evident in the job description. Prescott himself recently found himself on the wrong end of an angry bull.

“About two months ago I broke my fifth and seventh rib on the right-hand side at Lethbridge, about 10th bull out. That bull hit me in the chest, ran me over and broke my ribs,” he said. “That’s actually the first event in my whole life that I’ve ever left before the bull riding was over. They hauled me out in an ambulance and took me to the hospital and they made me sit out the next day.”

Against doctor’s orders, Prescott was back in the ring the following weekend for the Ponoka PBR.

“They didn’t really want me doing it but if we’re not out there we don’t get paid,” said Prescott.

“And I don’t like putting these guys’ lives in other people’s hands. I really like to try to do it myself and out here … I’m working with two of the best guys going. (There) probably isn’t any better than Tanner Byrne and Brett Manye.”

The bull that injured Prescott in Lethbridge, a small (by comparison) white bull known in the scene as Freaked Out, was also scheduled to be at the Pendleton Whisky Classic on Saturday. 

“He seems to have my number. He always seems to get me or come close to getting me,” said Prescott with a grudge. 

Over the course of the event, Prescott and his team would fight close to 50 bulls on Saturday night, something he said becomes something of an addiction, despite the danger.

“Once we’re done, we usually wish there was a few more because we like it and love it that much,” he said. “It’s not really a job … it’s something I crave to do all the time.”