By Kenneth Springer
1. Chayni ChamberlainAt last year’s American in AT&T stadium the crowd favorite was Senior Citizen June Holeman of Nebraska. This year it is likely to be from the other end of the age spectrum as 9-year-old Chayni Chamberlain, Stephenville, Texas leads the field of qualifiers. Posting the fastest time of The American Semifinals on Friday night, a 13.90 riding the 2001 gray gelding Dat Flowin Bunny, Chamberlain improved on her first go time of 14.006 by a tenth of a second.
2. Carmel WrightThe luckiest barrel racer at Friday night’s American Semifinals was New Zealand native Carmel Wright, Roy, Mont., who tipped the first barrel going into the turn. Lady luck was riding along, however, as the barrel righted itself to allow Wright and her sorrel speedster, Sweetheart Special, to post the evenings second fastest time of 14.005, the second fastest of the semis.
3. Lindsey McLeodLindsey McLeod, the 2014 National High School Rodeo Association barrel racing champion, rode Streakinflingindisco, owned by Highpoint Performance Horses to the third fastest qualifying time of 14.040. The win was worth $16,560 and guaranteed that Lindsey and Michele McLeod will compete in Arlington as the only mother-daughter team. Mom, Michele, earned her position at The American by finishing the 2014 regular season ranked among the top 10 in the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association.
4. Jane MelbyFourth place Jane Melby.
5. Callahan CrossleyFifth place Callahan Crossley.
6. Jackie Jatzlau Sixth place Jackie Jatzlau.
7. Destri DevenportSeventh place Destri Davenport.
8. Shelly AnzickEighth place Shelly Anzick.
9. Sharin HallNinth place Sharin Hall.
10. Adeline NevalaTenth place Adeline Nevala.
American Semifinals Barrel Racing Results: 1. Chayni Chamberlain, Stephenville, Texas, Dat Flowin Bunny, 13.902 seconds, $40,067; 2. Carmel Wright, Roy, Mont., Sweetheart Special, 14.005, $28,500; 3. Lindsey McLeod, Whitesboro, Texas, Streakinflingindisco, 14.040, $16,560; 4. Jane Melby, Burneyville, Okla., Eyema Rare Bug, 14.066, $9,773; 5. Callahan Crossley, Hermiston, Ore., Brownie Bi Bogie, 14.090, $5,429; 6. Jackie Jatzlau, Giddings, Texas, Imanonstop Fame, 14.104, $1,000; 7. Destri Davenport, Sandy Hook, Miss., Buddy Rose, 14.134, $1,000; 8. Shelly Anzick, Livingston, Mont., 14.153, $1,000; 9. Sharin Hall, Ardmore, Okla., Streaking Ta Fame, 14.229, $1,000; 10. Adeline Nevala, Sebeka, Minn., Ima Luck Maker, 14.242, $1,000.
Tickets for RFD-TV’s The American, presented by Polaris Ranger, and the PBR Iron Cowboy VI are on sale at the AT&T Stadium Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations and at americanrodeo.com .
