Massive $850,000 Barrel Race Comes to Abilene

A barrel race that pays out life-changing money in every division and is open to everyone, including NFR qualifiers, is happening in Abilene, Texas.

The Texan Barrel Race will be hosted in Abilene, Texas, Oct 16-20 and the payout is out of this world.

30-year veteran western event producer Chris Woodruff has been putting on events in Las Vegas during the National Finals Rodeo such as the All In Barrel Race, Country Christmas (the trade show in Las Vegas), Cowboy Marketplace, Rodeo World at Resort's World and is now bringing his talents to Texas.

This unique barrel event is open to anyone of all skill levels to enter and compete. Times will be broken up into five divisions (get a in-depth view into the divisions of barrel racing here).

Every competitor entering gets two runs, which means they get two chances at the massive payout. Not only is money being awarded but gorgeous buckles and beautifully crafted saddles will also be awarded to the winner in each division.

Even though competitors run twice, each run is counted and it is not an average. 

$100,000 is the payout for the winner of the entire race and first division. Winning this amount of money in one race is almost unheard of, especially open to any age horse and rider. 

Life-altering money is awarded not only to the first division but all the way through to the fifth division, with a prize amount of $30,000.

"I want to make someone rich, these athletes deserve it," said Woodruff.

This is the race to watch as some familiar faces will competing. 

Three-time world champion, Hailey Kinsel, will be running as well as Kassie Mowry, Jordan Briggs, and Wenda Johnson. All of these phenomenal competitors qualified for the NFR this December. 

Not only are there NFR qualifiers but futurity champions such as Pete Oen and Ashley Schafer. 

Also tiny but mighty, nine-year old Dusky Lynn Hall is entered, as well as Kylee Scribner who is partners with 4M Equine Ranch that just purchased $1.5 million in horses at the record breaking Pink Buckle Sale.

Now here's everyone's chance to run with the greats, and yes, entries are still open!

Woodruff is taking a huge monetary risk but it's one he's comfortable making.

"It's worth it. Our industry needs this. I am guaranteeing the $850,000 payout even if I don't break even. Barrel racing needs this".  

For all the information including draws and full payout as well as enter up check out there website.

First Place Payout in each Division at the Texan Barrel Race

1. 1D Champion $100,000
2. 2D Champion $75,000
3. 3D Champion $50,000
4. 4D Champion $40,000
5. 5D Champion $30,000

2nd Through 12th Place Payout in All Divisions

1. 2nd $20,000
2. 3rd $15,000
3. 4th $10,000
4. 5th $5,000
5. 6th $4,000
6. 7th $3,000
7. 8th $2,000
8. 9th $1,500
9. 10th $1,500
10. 11th $1,500
11. 12th $1,500