Breeders Challenge Athletes Stand Out at Golden Buckle Barrel Race
The barrel racing industry has witnessed a surge in the popularity of incentives. Ranging from smaller, local programs to nationwide competitions that distribute millions of dollars in cash and prizes annually, barrel racers are now competing for unprecedented purses. However, there's a catch: only horses sired by one of the stallions listed on an exclusive roster of nominated studs are eligible for these events.
One of the high-dollar incentives is the Breeders Challenge, hosting multiple qualifiers nationwide within large barrel racing super shows featuring futurity, derby, open, senior and youth classes. Riders who qualify during these races earn the opportunity to participate in the $1.15 million dollar-added finale in Fort Worth, Texas. This incentive stands out for its one-time nomination fee for foals, not yearly, with the nominator receiving a percentage of winnings once the foal competes.
The 2024 barrel racing season kicked off with the Breeders Challenge qualifier held Jan. 11-13 at the Golden Buckle Barrel Race in Waco, Texas. While the race welcomed all horses and riders, it also featured the Breeders Challenge qualifier. Interestingly, the top three horses in the Golden Buckle Open Futurity were also the top three in the Breeders Challenge.
Michelle Alley from Madisonville, Texas, secured the futurity championship by piloting Lipstick N Stilettos, by RR Mistakelly out of Seis Caress. She claimed over $17,000 in winnings and qualified for the Breeders Challenge Finale.
In hot pursuit, Dale Long and Saaul Good, by Winners Version out of Wild FrenchLady, not only secured their Breeders Challenge qualification but also earned the Futurity Reserve Championship.
Gaining rapid recognition, Tricia Aldridge and her palomino stallion, Adios Pantalones, clinched the third spot. Aldridge added $16,000 from this race to their career earnings, reaching an impressive total of $112,246 in just 12 runs.
A standout moment in the weekend occurred in the Derby, where MJ Segers Fast Lane, though ineligible for the Breeders Challenge incentive, made headlines. Ridden by Brandon Cullins, the mare set an arena record of 15.493 in the second round, securing victory and earning over $2,000.
Despite a downed barrel in the first round, the mare, owned by Grant and Rayel Little, showcased the continued legacy of the Littles in owning, riding, and producing exceptional horsepower. The mare is sired by the ever-popular stallion, The Goodby Lane.
For full results from the Golden Buckle Barrel Race, visit goldenbuckle.us.
