Carlee Otero and AM Regina George delivered one of the fastest runs ever clocked inside the Thomas & Mack Center on Friday night, posting a 13.20 to win Round 9 and set a new go-round record. The victory marked Otero’s third round win of the 2025 NFR, solidifying the 7-year-old mare’s status as one of the brightest young stars in the sport.

Team Equinety athlete, Otero made the decision to switch back to Regina at the last minute, a call shaped by conversations with fellow competitors after Friday’s barrel practice.

“I didn’t go to practice today,” Otero said. “After all of the stuff last night and the (ground problems), I was just thinking, ‘I’ll run Twix. She stands up on anything.’ But then I got out here and talked to the girls, and hearing what practice felt like, I thought, ‘They fixed it. They want us to go put on a good show.’ So I better get on my number one. And it worked out really good.”

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Precision to the First Barrel

Regina George attacked the pattern from the start, and Otero credited a slight riding adjustment — and a very hands-on coach — for the seamless first turn.

“My husband told me, ‘I don’t want to see you touch that horn until you get to that barrel. You ride two hands up the pen,’” Otero said. “He was reminding me in the alley: two hands, two hands. So I did, and it worked. Now I have to tell him he was right.” 

The Warmup Routine Behind a Record Setter

Otero keeps Regina quiet and focused with a simple, repeatable warmup that centers the mare without overworking her.

“I long trot and then lope about seven to 10 circles each direction,” she said. “I do a few laterals, then I get off and hand walk her until it’s time. If I get on too soon, she feels my energy and I feel hers. This way it relaxes both of us.” 

WPRA Rising Star is Rising Higher

Earlier this week, Regina George received the WPRA Rising Star Award, given to the top up-and-coming horse making its first NFR appearance — and voted on by the top 15 barrel racers.

“That award is once in a lifetime,” Otero said. “For our fellow barrel racers to recognize how phenomenal she is….especially during a year with horses like (Adios Pantalones) here, it means everything She’s showcased herself and proved she can run in any kind of setup and any kind of pressure here.”

Regina’s confidence, Otero added, is as undeniable as her speed.

“She has some swagger,” Otero said. “She’s mellow and nice to be around, but the way she walks — she struts a little bit. She definitely has that Regina George mentality.” 

A Horsewoman Building Another Star

This isn’t Otero’s first time developing a winner — but Regina’s emergence has brought a new wave of motivation.

“It feels so good,” she said. “It keeps me motivated for the years to come and keeps me in the saddle and feeling young. As long as I have them coming up and as long as I’m healthy, y’all are just going to be bombarded with me.” 

Victory Lap No. 3

And yes — the joy hasn’t faded.

“Just as sweet as the first,” Otero said. “I don’t think they ever get old. We’re the top 15 horses in the world. They’re really hard to win out here.”

With one night left in Las Vegas, Carlee Otero and AM Regina George have already written one of the defining stories of the 2025 NFR — and they’re not finished yet.

Round 9 NFR results

• 2025 NFR Barrel Racing Results, World Standings Updates