(L-R): Norm Cuthbertson, John Down and Davey Shields Jr. After Being Inducted Into The Calgary Stampede Hall of Fame Class of 2026
Photo By Lauryn MacDonald
The Calgary Stampede honoured four Stampede legends at it’s annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony at the SAM Centre on Stampede Park in Calgary on July 10, 2026. The class of 2026 included Chuckwagon Driver Norm Cuthbertson, Sportswriter John Down, Bareback Rider Davey Shields Jr., and Equine Athlete G-65 Grated Coconut. Established in 1974 as the Pioneers of Rodeo, the newly branded Calgary Stampede Hall of Fame recognizes the people and animals whose extraordinary achievements have helped build the legacy of the Calgary Stampede and left a lasting impact on the sports of rodeo and chuckwagon racing.
Some people leave their mark on the Calgary Stampede through championships. Others through dedication and perseverance. Norm Cuthbertson accomplished all of the above.
Norm made his Rangeland Derby debut as an outrider in 1974 at just 17 years of age behind Ralph Vigen. He went on to win three Rangeland Derby Championships as an outrider with Tom Glass and Buddy Bensmiller before moving into the driver’s seat in 1990. Despite the tragic losses of mentors Richard Cosgrave and George Normand, Norm persevered to become one of the Stampede’s most consistent competitors. He qualified for multiple Championship Final Heats and made history by winning the Richard Cosgrave Memorial Trophy as Aggregate Champion three consecutive years from 2002 to 2004—a feat that still stands alone.
One of Norm’s greatest Stampede memories came in 1996 when he married his wife, Judy, in the barn area. While he won many awards on the track, he’ll tell you his greatest Stampede victory was finding Judy. After his driving career ended in 2008, Norm continued serving the Calgary Stampede as a respected judge. As a competitor, champion, official, and ambassador, Norm Cuthbertson has dedicated more than 50 years to the Calgary Stampede.
Since first covering the Calgary Stampede in 1982, John Down has become one of the most respected voices in chuckwagon racing. Through his work with the Calgary Herald, the Calgary Sun, and the Chuckwagon Radio Network, he has chronicled the sport and its people for more than four decades.
John earned the trust of competitors and fans through fair, accurate, and honest reporting. Whether covering the excitement of the Rangeland Derby, profiling legendary drivers, or sharing the stories behind the scenes, his work has reflected a deep appreciation for chuckwagon racing and its Western heritage. As a broadcaster, John brought the sport to life for listeners across the country, while his work with the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame has helped preserve and celebrate Alberta’s sporting history.
For more than 40 years, John Down has documented the history of chuckwagon racing with professionalism, integrity, and passion. As a journalist, broadcaster, and historian, his contributions have left a lasting impact on the sport.
Few athletes have dominated the Calgary Stampede rodeo arena like Davey Shields Jr. Through determination, grit, and exceptional talent, he built one of the greatest bareback riding careers in Stampede history.
After competing in steer riding and the Novice Bareback competition, Davey announced his arrival by winning the Calgary Stampede Aggregate Championship in 1994. He captured his first Bareback Riding Championship in 1996 before returning to Championship Sunday on several occasions.
Following a season-ending injury in 2001, Davey battled back to earn the Guy Weadick Award in 2003. He then cemented his legacy with one of the greatest runs in Stampede history, winning championships in 2005, 2006, and 2007. His 95-point ride aboard Grated Coconut in 2005 set a world record, and his four Calgary Stampede Bareback Riding Championships remain unmatched. He goes down as one of the greatest bareback riders ever to compete at the Calgary Stampede.
If pedigree produces champions, Grated Coconut was destined for greatness. Foaled on the Calgary Stampede Ranch in 1997 and sired by Wyatt Earp out of Coconut Roll, he became one of the greatest bareback horses in rodeo history.
Making his Stampede debut in 2002, Grated Coconut was named Top Bareback Horse as a rookie and went on to earn that honour five times in just seven appearances. He qualified for Championship Sunday every year he competed and became forever linked to one of the greatest moments in Stampede history when he carried Davey Shields Jr. to a world-record 95-point ride and the 2005 Calgary Stampede Bareback Riding Championship.
Grated Coconut made his final public appearance at the Stampede in 2010 and “went west” in January 2024 at the age of 27. Grated Coconut becomes the first equine athlete inducted into the Calgary Stampede Hall of Fame. His legacy of power, athleticism, and greatness will forever be part of Calgary Stampede history.
Congratulations to all four inductees for this well earned honor.
Billy Melville
