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AQHA World Show in Oklahoma City Barrel Racing Finals - Sunday Nov. 6
Click Picture for larger version
Rare Fred was rare indeed at the AQHA World Show in Oklahoma City. He was the only gelding of the four champion barrel horses. (see picture to right)
The mares lead the way into the winner circles with the first World Title going to the Jud Little Ranch and Jr. World Champion Horse Flitin Firin Cash. The 4 year old mare ran second on the ground and clocked a 16.723 for the victory. “I trusted the horse to take care of herself, she is wise, I just let her work”. said Kassie. Kassie’s other mount, Shebe Firin for Cash placed second with a 17.063. Cash not Credit stamped his trademark on the 7/8 sibling mares. Both have the fluid, low headed, smooth style of turning produced by the super stallion “Cash Not Credit”. “Shebe was a total natural to train but she likes to do things her way, she is very smart. Flitin Firin Cash was also natural. Nothing bothers Flitin, she is an easy, smooth mover." Kassie explained. The mares share a paddock at the Little Ranch and will be sharing a trailer enroute to the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas where Cassie qualified for the NFR with the two young mares. Flitin Firin Cash also won $4,334.08 at the 2005 Quarter Horse Congress for second place average win. With Kassie as Jud's trainer and jockey, Cash not Credit has been the rule at the Little Ranch. Rare Fred and his petite jockey Mary Burger, thrilled the crowd with an almost perfect “first” run for the Sr. Title. Mary was a crowd favorite as she ran home to the time of 16.677. Like Kassie, Mary ran second on the ground. With one more rider to go it looked like Mary would be the next Sr. World Champion. But 19 year-old Whitney Baker hadn’t made her run yet.
With a flawless run, Whitney's beautiful mare, Rods Last Ladybug, brought a roar from the crowd as she raced home from the third barrel. When her time was displayed the crowd grew quiet. With a time of 16.777 the mare had tied for the championship with Rare Fred - right down to the hundredths of a second. Several minutes passed before the announcer clicked on the microphone and proclaimed both horses would run again for the title. The tractors started their engines to begin working the ground one last time. “I had pulled the saddle off Fred." Mary said. " I barely had time to put his boots on and trot a few circles before it was time to run again.” Always a class act, Mary calmly ran first.
“ I just tried to run clean. I knew I was close to the third barrel so I put my hand down to help. That might of cost me a bit.” The crowd sensed another great run. Mary's time was 16.8. Whitney followed and turned a perfect first and second barrel. “She just ran out of air after the second barrel” said Whitney. The mare made an honest hit on the third, just brushing the barrel over with her hip as she left. Rare Fred carried Mary Burger to their 4th AQHA Sr. World Title.
Even more amazing, It was the fifth run of the weekend for Mary as she had completed the Prairie Circuit Finals at the Lazy E on Friday and Saturday. Mary left Guthrie with the title of Prairie Circuit Champion - then turned south on I-35 and headed for the State Fair grounds and the AQHA World Barrel Race.
Riding 11 head a day has kept Mary a top competitor. A legend in the sport of barrel racing, she always has a kind word of encouragement and never hesitates to share a moment to chat with fellow competitors. Whitney bought Rods Last Ladybug through Kim Thomas in January 05. The mare was the 2004 AQHA Jr. World Champion and came close to repeating a title. “I’ve been riding with Kim for two years. When she called me and told me to try out a nice mare I didn’t hesitate”. “I rode her once and knew she was the one”.
Whitney plans on entering WPRA Rodeos in 2006. She would like to qualify for the Texas Circuit Finals in 06. “It’s a good feeling to run with Rare Fred and Mary” said Whitney. “She is such a nice a lady and a class act”. Although Whitney didn't go home as the Sr. World Champion, she displayed the grace of a champion as she accepted the Reserve World Title.
And
the fans were treated to a rare finish . . . literally.
AQHA
World Show Gallery - Click below for larger image
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