South Country Barrel Futurity Kicks off Spring Season

Barrel racers headed to Cardston, Alberta this past weekend in the wake of a southern Alberta spring storm for the South Country Futurity and Derby. Despite the unsettled weather – and the resulting mud, the eighth annual kick-off to the Canadian Barrel Futurity season saw 44 futurity contestants and 59 derby entrants compete in the popular event.

Held at the Cardston Agriplex, the South Country Futurity featured two runs and an average in both the futurity and derby. (Due to stormy conditions in the days leading up to the event, producer, Monica Wilson, moved both long goes to Saturday. The finals ran Sunday, May 2). In addition to a host of prizes for event finalists, contestants competed for $7000. added money in the futurity and $5000 in the derby.

Blackfoot, Idaho cowgirl and 2009 NFR qualifier, Sue Smith and her Dash Ta Fame mare, Daisy Duke Dash earned the Futurity title with 2003 Canadian Champion, Raylee Edwards and Ms Kid Dee Dial (by Kiddin N Streakin) finishing in second spot.

Derby honours went to Carmel Wright of Roy, MT and her mare, Sweet Heart Special (by My Special Bear by Special Effort). Carmel also won both long goes on her seven year old mare. Reserve Derby champion was Mayerthorpe, Alberta horse trainer Buffy Romeo and Jig French Truckle (by RNJ Heckofafrenchman by Frenchmans Guy).

Oregon cowgirl, Chandra Eng and her gelding Honors French Jet (grandson of Frenchmans Guy topside and Jet of Honor on the bottom) had two amazing early Futurity runs winning both long goes. Unfortunately, she tipped a barrel in the short go.

Unofficial Futurity Results:

1   Sue Smith – Daisy Duke Dash

2   Raylee Edwards – Ms Kid Dee Dial (owned by Walter Quarter Horses)

3   Rayel Robinson – Swith Machine (owned by Suitor Quarter Horses)

4   Raylee Edwards – DJ Real Easy (owned by Walter Quarter Horses)

5   Elaina Black – Howes Aloded Shotgun (owned by Gayle Howes)

6   Nancy Csabay – Eyes of Freedom (owned by Tony & Nancy Csabay)

7   Chandra Eng – Honors French Jet

8   Carmen Pozzobon – SAQ Cow Boy Pine

9   Raelene Konzak – Royal Quick Wrangler

10 Sonda Marks – Deltas First Gamble

11 Maxine McKenna – Larks Last Reign (owned by Peggy Stojan)

12 Jon Ottun – Avistin

Unofficial Derby Results

1   Carmel Wright – Sweet Heart Special (owned by Rafter NZ Ranch)

2   Buffy Romeo – Jig French Truckle

3   Lisa Zachoda – Dynamite Perfection

4   Lana Bohnet – Sugars Top Cash (owned by Ross & Lana Bohnet)

5   Lynette Brodaway – Caught Me Streakin

6   Brandy McPhee – Serious Nitrous (owned by Brian & Brandy McPhee)

7   Traci Aipperspack – Odessa Playboy (owned by B & L Leavitt)

8   Joeleen Ottun – Dr Three Ohs Flit

9   Jill Miller – The Saga

10 Melissa Harding – Wy Not This Man (owned by Curtis & Melissa Harding)

11 Pam Morrison – Hot Disco Nights (owned by T & P Morrison)

12 Raylee Edwards – Buy Joe Easy (owned by Walter Quarter Horses)

Kudos to Monica Wilson and her team for hosting a terrific event once again. And special thanks to all of the sponsors who support the South Country Futurity & Derby. Congratulations as well, to Raylee Edwards, who had a very successful weekend on her Futurity & Derby horses… and who was this year\’s recipient of the Isabelle (Miller) Haraga Memorial award!

Complete results will be posted on http://www.canadianbarrelfuturites.com later this week.

Silver Sage Futurity & Derby runs next weekend (May 7-9) in Brooks, AB

More event photos below…