Jamie Laboucane flies to the finish and wins Rangeland Derby chuckwagon races at the Calgary Stampede on Sunday, July 12, 2026. Photo by Mike Drew/Postmedia

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Jamie Laboucane has waited a lifetime for this moment.

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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.

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“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.

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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.

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“I was feeling really confident going in tonight,” said Laboucane.

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“That outfit, I’ve only lost one race. The nerves were there for sure, but I loved it.”

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Laboucane executed another flawless figure eight around the barrels, got off to a quick start and never looked back.

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“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.

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Jamie Laboucane blows kisses with wife Dana to the crowd as he wins Rangeland Derby chuckwagon races at the Calgary Stampede on Sunday, July 12, 2026. Photo by Mike Drew/Postmedia

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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.

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“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.

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“We came with the right horses this time. Everything clicked, and it all came together.”

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Laboucane’s family has been involved in chuckwagon racing for nearly 50 years, and he gives them much of the credit for his success.

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“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.

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“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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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“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.

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Asked about his plans to celebrate, Laboucane said he and his team intended to savour every moment.