Feb. 25, 2003

2003 Tulsa Winter Spectacular

Alona shown below in 2001 World Championship

Alona James, of Ada, Oklahoma left no doubt when she clocked a flawless run of 16.845 seconds at the 2003 Tulsa Winter Spectacular riding Pals Deck Bug. There were 882 barrel racers entered. The closest was Tanya Steinhoff , at nearly three-tenths of a second off, with a time of 17.138. In barrel racing . . . that’s a big gap.

Alona James was not done. She also won a fifth in the 1-D riding Joyous Eyes with a 17.336, a horse owned by Delores Hill. So the question is this.

Who is Alona James?

Alona, age 21, is a trainer in Ada, Oklahoma and Pals Deck Bug is owned by Rex Nelson of Kingston North Carolina. The Ada Oklahoma trainer knew she was making a good run.

“ I was nervous. He was running so strong, I was just trying to keep the barrels up. When I saw my time I knew it was going to take a great run to beat him. I had a hard time catching my breath when he was finished.”

James has been riding Pals Deck Bug for about two years. She simply calls him Pal, but he’s been more than a pal to Alona. They’ve been at the top before. He won a go-around at the Oklahoma World Championship Futurity in 2001, and placed third in the second go. A tipped barrel in the finals cost them a top finish. Pal and James also won second at the 2002 Ft. Smith Derby.

Pal is by Pals Top Deck and out of a mare named Te Te by Bugby Bugs Alive in 75. Rex Nelson purchased him from a coming 3-year old on the advice of Jr. Follin and his wife Theresa.

Alona runs Pal in a short-shank, broken-mouthpiece bit, and no tie down. Not one to brag, she says he is easy to ride.

“He runs the same trip every time." Alona smiles as she reflects on Pal's style "I really fit him well and he knows what to do - I just hang on.”

This winning combo will be competing next at the Speedhorse Silver Cup in March and will attend the Major Futurities in 2003.

Though young, Alona is quick to spread praise and great appreciation to Rex Nelson whom she has known since a child for giving her the opportunity to ride Pal and to Mrs. Hill for letting her ride Joy.

The respect from Nelson is mutual. “Alona is not only a good barrel racer but a good hand. She has started two-year olds for us and ridden the young ones for us. She’s real good girl and I’m happy for both of us.”

"And I couldn't do without Mom's help of course." she grins.

Written by:
Gail Mattern c/o Barrel Horse World.com

Pal's Breeding Pedigree Chart