Barrel racers traveled to Louisiana for a chance to win big at the Coushatta Casino. It wasn't the slots they were gambling on, but rather barrel racing horses.
The Kinder Cup Barrel Race in Kinder, La., held Feb. 6-11, was an exhilarating week of barrel racing in Cajun country. This race is a fan favorite amongst many barrel racers. Being connected to a casino with access to a steak house, Louisiana cuisine, and live bands is definitely an experience that sets it apart from other barrel races.
"It's such an enjoyable race. These producers are amazing, so good, and they make it stress-free," said Danyelle Campbell. "Everyone stays close here, whether it's in a living quarters or at the casino, so we all get to catch up. Last year, I came and didn't win a penny and still had so much fun."
Campbell won more than a penny this year at the Kinder Cup on her home-raised gelding, Big Shoes Ta Fill by Dash Ta Fame, out of Gingham Dunagress. The dynamic duo won over $22,174 in futurity earnings alone.
Chloe Gray and her fiery mare, Heavenly Red, also known as Karma, ended the weekend on a high note. This mare is sired by the $7 million stallion, JL Dash Ta Heaven, out of a daughter of the great Rene Dan Jet. This team laid down a blazing time of 14.812 in the Derby race, winning $3,274. They also won the Derby average, winning $5,084. Gray carried over her time to the Open race along with the Adult and Sweepstakes side pots, banking another $6,792. On just one run, this team took home $15,151. This did not include any of the incentives or bonus money.
Gray was the Kinder Cup's high-money earner, winning $60,000 in earnings on all of her horses.
Fan-favorite stallion Adios Pantalones and Tricia Aldridge ran in Kinder as well. This palomino by Tres Seis out of French Bar Belle just keeps showing up and showing he has the "it factor." This team led round one of the futurity for a little over 100 runners with a 14.964 and ended up 3rd. In the second round, Adios had a nasty trip but recovered, finished out strong, and they were 11th in the average.
Aldridge ended up raking up right at $17,000 at Kinder, bringing their lifetime earnings to $130,291.19 in just 15 runs, with only $169,708.81 to go until they hit their goal of $300,000.
"Adios is feeling good even after his stumble. He got a complete spa day on our one day off, and he seems happy and ready to kick off the Royal Crown," said Aldridge, who's already headed out west for the next big race, the Royal Crown Futurity and Open.