Race to $1 Million: Central Region Barrel Racers Set Sights on American Rodeo 2025

Barrel racers kicked off their race to the richest payday in Western sports, The American Rodeo 2025, with the first Central Region qualifier held in Glen Rose, Texas.

The 2024 American Rodeo has yet to happen, but that doesn't stop these barrel racers from thinking ahead to next year. At the Somerville County Expo Center in Glen Rose, Texas, the first Central Region American qualifier took place on Jan. 27. The stands were full of barrel racing fans eager to watch the 35 racers give a go to make it to the next step toward the massive $1 million American Rodeo bonus. 

Due to the number of entries in the qualifier, only the top five cowgirls would earn a spot at the 2025 Central Region Semifinals, and it was an absolute knife fight. The sheer speed, talented jockeys and horsepower were incredible. The crowd was on the edge of their seat with every turn. 

Nearing the end of the race, the second to last drag, an incredible four out of five athletes positioned themselves in the top five overall, including the ultimate winner, Taylor Gessley.

Gessley and her horse, TS Bullyfrosted Fame, laid down a stunning run of 14.760 seconds. This was their second time qualifying for an American Semifinals, a goal Gessley set for this year.

"Tonight's run, I went in with a clear mindset, knowing that I had worked hard on a few things that we had been struggling with," said Gessley. "This mare has been such a dream come true; that's why her barn name is Dreamer."

Coming in second, not far behind Gessley, was Emma Abbott on Elm Creek Chrome with a 14.868 second run. Abbot has an impressive resume, having already competed in prior American Semifinals, and after today's run, she secured her spot to run in another.

Running the final sub-15 second run was Jett Petkovich on her cutting-bred mare, Lady Jazarell, "Z." This dynamic duo qualified in this very same arena this past Fall but just missed making the short round of the American Northern Region Central Final when a tipped barrel took away hope. 

"I was running against the best of the best at the semifinals, but my friend reminded me I earned my spot here, too. That comment hadn't left my mind," said Petkovich. "I entered for the Glen Rose qualifier while still at the semifinals. My horse, God, and support system got me here, so I wanted to get back as soon as possible."

Petkovich found Redemption, qualifying in the third spot for the Central Region Semifinals.

In the fourth position was Jennifer Driver on Brookstone Jo with a 15.051. Rounding out the final qualifying spot was a tie between Alyssa Urbanek-Wade and Elly Lout. Both barrel racers will advance on to the Central Region Semifinals.

For complete results and payout for the Glen Rose American Central Region qualifier, please visit uwinmore.com.