Kelsey Howard, Payton Askins and Kathleen Menard locked in the top three average spots out of the Challenger Barrel Racing Semifinals Wednesday at Cowtown Coliseum, earning a place in the Women’s Rodeo World Championship Showdown Round at AT&T Stadium.
Howard, of Sallisaw, Oklahoma, led the pack with a 40.316-second aggregate time on three runs. She set the pace early with a 13.444 to win Round 1 and followed up with a 13.492 and a 13.38 in the semifinals — good for third in the round and a $1,250 bonus. Her combined effort earned her $7,250 in total payout, including the $3,500 average win check.
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The INFR qualifier was aboard the 2018 mare Shes Fab N Fly, by View Me Flying out of Fabulous In Diamonds by Smashing In Dashing.
Payton Askins, from Shawnee, Oklahoma, advanced on both consistency and speed. She clocked a 13.627 in Round 1, a 13.582 in Round 2, and delivered the fastest time of the semifinals with a 13.27 to secure the round win and a $3,000 payday. With a 40.479-second three-run average, she finished second overall and added $6,500 to her week’s total.
Her equine partner of choice for competition was Reys Little Light, a 2012 mare by Stylish Rey out of Foolish Little Chic by Smart Chic Olena.
Kathleen Menard, representing Ocala, Florida, rounded out the top three with a 40.879 on three runs. She picked up $1,500 for the third-place average check and earned another $2,000 for placing second in the semifinal round with a 13.324 — her fastest run of the week.
The 2019 mare Straight Ta Fame was Menard’s choice for WRC competition. She is by Mulberry Fame and out of Straightfromwhoville by Perfect Possibility.
The three women will now represent the Challenger division inside AT&T Stadium on Friday, May 17, alongside the Pro and Limited qualifiers. Each has a shot at the Women’s Rodeo World Championship’s $60,000 winner’s purse and a place in history on one of rodeo’s biggest stages.
