Hundreds threw their name in the hat and ran their hearts out, but on Saturday, March 11 all bets are off: the top five from the Contender Series will go head-to-head against the top five professionals in the world agaisnt the highest odds to make up the field of The American Rodeo barrel racers.
What’s at Stake?
For the athletes who advanced through The American Contender Series—meaning a series of contests from their local regions, to surviving The American Contender Finals at Globe Life Field—there’s a chance at $1.1 million.
For the top five professionals who qualified by way of the 2022 WPRA World Standings, the maximum prize is $100,000.
Why the difference in potential payout?
The American Rodeo on March 11 pays a maximum of $100,000 for the event win, but there’s a sidepot wil $1 million for Contender athletes. Any contenders that win their respective event automatically get a piece of that sidepot and split it with any other Contenders who win. So, if one of the five barrel racing Contender qualifiers wins The American Rodeo and professionals win in the other seven events, they will go home with $1.1 million.
How Do I Watch The American Rodeo in 2023?
Meet the Contenders
Tamara Barnhart
Hometown: Athol, Idaho
Horse: Guys Sweet Design
Sherry Cervi
Hometown: Marana, Arizona
Horse: MP Ray Of Fame
Latricia Duke
Hometown: Bellville, Texas
Horse: DM High Roller “Vanilla Wafer”
Bayleigh Choate
Hometown: Fort Worth, Texas
Horse: Hail To Be Famous “Dash”
Be Water: Bayleigh Choate Talks Rookie Season Rollercoaster
Jimmie Smith-Tew
Hometown: McDade, Texas
Horse: A Valiant Nicky “Nicky”
The “Accidental” Denver Champions: Jimmie Smith-Tew and A Valiant Nicky
Who are they up against?
Looking to offset the Contenders’ chances at $1.1 million are the top five athletes from the 2022 WPRA World Standings. Click to learn more about each barrel racer.
* Denotes 2022 The American Rodeo Champion
