Posted by By Heather Miner
GLEN ROSE, TEXAS – The Dinosaur Classic Barrel Race hosted competitors of all levels in Glen Rose, Texas, this past January. The event was also one of the last chances for top athletes to qualify for The American Rodeo, coming in March. Spectators packed the stands over three days to watch more than 1,700 competitors make their runs, despite the chilly temperatures.
1D Futurity Champion Kassie Mowry, riding Force The Goodbye, was also the Friday Open Champ on Sir Epic and 5th in the Derby on Sand In My Socks. The rider was 4th in the American in 2020. In 2021, Mowry became the first competitor to qualify two horses for The American. From Dublin, Texas, the athlete qualified this year for The American on Famous Ladies Man in a time of 14.772 at a previous event.
Loni Kay Lester finished out of the money on two mounts but qualified for The American on Mercy She’s Fabulous, aka Grace. The sorrel mare posted a time of 14.815.
Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi finished 15th in the Futurity, 36th in the Derby and also qualified for The American. (read more about Brittany here)
The 1D Derby Champion, Sherry Gamboa, posted a combined time of 29.757 on two riding Starrin Baby Rose. Saturday and Sunday Open Champions were London Gorham, on Fortunes Flame, and Megan Burrus, on Paw Patrol, respectively. Gorham previously scored the fastest American qualifying time of 14.577 on the same mount, as well as qualifying on XV Watch Me Rock in 14.980.
The Dinosaur Classic is part of Better Barrel Races, established in 2003, which organizes hundreds of competitions each year throughout the country. Known for its rich purses, this year boasted it’s richest yet with $20,000 in added winnings.
About the Author
Lillian Landreth is a freelance writer and editor. She particularly enjoys writing about rodeo and the extraordinary people and animals who make the lifestyle fascinating. The author of more than 1,000 stories, her writing has appeared in the Rodeo News; The Ketchpen, published by the Rodeo Historical Society and National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; and local newspapers. She is also working on her first novel. When she’s not writing, Lily enjoys riding with the Snake River Stampeders night light drill team, coaching the EhCapa Bareback Riders, a PRCA specialty act, and teaching horseback riding lessons. She makes her home in Southwest Idaho with her entrepreneurial husband, their dog, horse, and cows.
PARTNERS IN BUSINESS
