Hailey Kinsel Shatters Arena Record; Tuf Cooper Steals No. 1 at National Western Stock Show Rodeo

Blazing Barrels

In the toughest set of barrel racers thus far, it was Hailey Kinsel who shined bright. The palomino mare, DM Sissy Hayday, came to Denver with a pep in her step and a gleam in her eye. On Thursday afternoon, the duo of Hailey and Sister entered the arena for the first time in 2024, and when they came back across the timer, they had set a new arena record.

The previous record of 14.69 seconds had been held since 2002 by Tammy Fischer and her well-known partner, Round Pen. In the eighth performance this year, Chelsea Moore from Rose Hill, Kansas, stopped the clock at 14.68 to set the new record. Moore still holds down the first position in the second round of competition, but her arena record didn't last long.

Kinsel is now the proud new record owner with a smoking 14.63 clicks of the clock. The record that had been in place for 22 years was broken not once but twice so far this year -- a testament to the horsepower and talent of today's barrel racers.

The field was locked and loaded with barrel racers and capable horses. This particular set included four-time world champion Hailey Kinsel, three-time world champion Brittany Pozzi-Tonozzi, 2023 Montana Circuit Champion Tayla Moeykens, and NFR qualifiers Molly Otto and Carlee Otero. That's a stacked lineup, and not an easy task to be in the top three to move on to the semi-finals.

When the ladies finished their runs, Kinsel came out the victor with a 29.41 on two. Finishing out the top three to move on to the semi-finals were McKenna Coronado at 29.58 and Brittany Pozzi-Tonozzi with a 29.87.

Tie Down Triumphs

The tie-down ropers brought the heat as well with a strong set of contenders. With just a quick glance at the day sheet, one knew things were about to get rapid in Denver. Tuf Cooper, the 15-time NFR qualifier and 4-time world champion, along with 5-time NFR qualifier and world champion Shad Mayfield, highlighted the field of ten ropers.

Mayfield kicked off the tie-down roping in the evening performance and held true to his nickname of "Money Mayfield." The fast hands went 7.7 seconds to combine with his first round 7.5 for a 15.2 second average time and the top of the leaderboard.

Bodie Mattson from Sturgis, S.D., who is currently ranked 14th in the world, backed in the box second and tied one in 8.4 seconds to add to his 7.8 in the afternoon for a smoking 16.2 seconds on two.

The very next roper, Chance Thiessen, came armed with an 8.1-second run in the first round. Staying consistent, the Elk City, Okla. cowboy was smooth and fast at 8.0 seconds, just edging Mattson for the second-place position.

Two ropers later, Tuf Cooper, who won more than $151,000 at the NFR, rode in the box and made the task look easy, tying his calf in 7.1 seconds -- the fastest time seen in the entire rodeo. Not only did he take over first in his set with a total of 15.1, but he also took over first place overall in the second round. Mattson had just watched his chance to advance slip away.

Without question, it was the toughest round of tie-down roping in the 2024 National Western. Cooper, Mayfield, and Thiessen will see their way into the semi-final competition to be held on Saturday, Jan. 20, in three different performances.

On a day when the timed events kept everyone on the edge of their seats, the barrel racers and tie-down ropers took center stage. The action continues Friday, Jan. 19, with the final set of ten contenders in each event who will set the field of semi-final qualifiers.