“We started out slow, and it was a reality check. ‘You’re going to have to work,’” Lockhart recalled of her self-motivation after placing out of the money in the first round and hitting a barrel in the second. “Then I got a check – and it was a small one – but you can’t be greedy. At this level, it’s anybody’s day. You just roll with it and love today.”
Of her recent inauguration into the Million Dollar Cowgirl club, an achievement she reached with her fourth place finish in last night’s performance, Lockhart said, “It put things in perspective. It makes it that much more sweet; it’s an elite group and I’m extremely honored.”
Louie is a 9-year-old buckskin gelding by Beibers Oakie out of Lady Kaweah Cash, by Judge Cash. The gritty team from Oelrichs, S.D. currently sits third in the average with $63,409.44 in 2012 NFR earnings.
Of Louie’s pre-race mood, Lockhart said, “He was a little wound up tonight, more than he has been the whole entire time. At that moment, you’re thinking, ‘Okay, this could be really good or this could be really bad,’ and I guess he was really good. He was kind of pawing back there a little bit and a little more anxious that he has been.”
Lee Ann Rust, Stephenville, Texas, cruised SS Streakers R Us (“Harley”) to a second place finish in their personal best Thomas and Mack time of 13.88 seconds. Mary Walker, Ennis, Texas, and Perculatin (“Latte”) continued their charge to the world title, finishing third with a 13.90. From all appearances and mathematical calculations, Walker has her first Women’s Professional Rodeo Association World championship sewn up with $233,301 and change to her credit. Should she hang onto second in the average that check alone is worth $37,986.78 and Walker’s lead over second-ranked Pozzi is already $39,077.57. With one round remaining, and Walker solid in the average, there is simply not enough money left for Pozzi, who is ranked 12th in the aggregate, to win overtake her.
Brenda Mays, Terrebonne, Ore., and Judge Buy Cash (“Jethro”) and Christy Loflin, Frankton, Colo., and HPQ Smokin Rascal (“Rascal”) tied for fourth with identical times of 14.24. Christina Richman put the thought of going back to Glendora, Calif., empty-handed to rest, pulling a sixth place check on Julie Julie Julie with a time of 14.29. Richman is also in position to claim an average check at the end of tomorrow night’s 10th and final performance. Mays overtook Kissimmee, Florida’s Kaley Bass in the aggregate when Bass tipped the third barrel.
Barrel Racing Results – 9th Go Round:
1. Lisa Lockhart 13.66 $18,257.21
2. Lee Ann Rust 13.88 $14,429.09
3. Mary Walker 13.90 $10,895.43
4/5. Brenda Mays 14.24 $7,656.25
4/5. Christy Loflin 14.24 $4,711.54
6. Christina Richman 14.29 $2,944.71
Wrangler NFR Barrel Racing Average Standings:
(Through 9th Go Round)
1. Brenda Mays, Terrebonne, Ore., 127.67/9 (+1)
2. Mary Walker, Ennis, Texas, 129.51/9 (+1)
3. Lisa Lockhart, Oelrichs, S.D., 130.20/9 (+1)
4. Kaley Bass, Kissimmee, Fla., 130.73/9 (-3)
5. Nikki Steffes, Vale, S.D., 133.22/9 (no change)
6. Christina Richman, Glendora, Calif., 141.41/9 (+2)
7. Trula Churchill, Valentine, Neb., 142.40/9 (-7)
8. Christy Loflin, Franktown, Colo., 144.18/9 (+8)
9. Lindsay Sears, Nanton, Alberta 144.93/9 (-9)
10. Benette Barrington-Little, Ardmore, Okla., 146.36/9 (-1)
11. Lee Ann Rust, Stephenville, Texas, 150.72/9 (+2)
12. Brittany Pozzi, Victoria, Texas, 151.25/9 (no change)
13. Kelli Tolbert, Hooper, Utah, 154.43/9 (-2)
14. Carlee Pierce, Stephenville, Texas, 165.35/9 (no change)
15. Sherry Cervi, Marana, Ariz., 116.84/8 (no change)
*Indicates shift in average placing from previous round.
WPRA World Championship Standings:
(Through 9th Go Round)
1. Mary Walker (G) Ennis, Texas $233,301.79
2. Brittany Pozzi Victoria, Texas $194,224.22
3. Carlee Pierce Stephenville, Texas $186,064.62
4. Lindsay Sears Nanton, Alberta $185,644.56
5. Lisa Lockhart Oelrichs, South Dakota $135,870.76
6. Sherry Cervi Marana, Arizona $130,263.05
7. Kaley Bass Kissimmee, Florida $124,562.97
8. Kelli Tolbert Hooper, Utah $109,324.15
9. Lee Ann Rust Stephenville, Texas $92,948.39
10. Benette Barrington-Little Ardmore, Oklahoma $92,638.43
11. Brenda Mays Terrebonne, Oregon $90,927.57
12. Nikki Steffes Vale, South Dakota $89,666.27
13. Trula Churchill Valentine, Nebraska $84,629.46
14. Christy Loflin Franktown, Colorado $65,746.99
15. Christina Richman Glendora, California $63,816.78
