Alona James And XF Tres of Heroine Make History At Pink Buckle Derby

It was a record breaking 2026 Pink Buckle Derby! Alona James and XF Tres of Heroine set the fastest record time for the barrel racing average in Pink Buckle history with a 33.081-second aggregate. The 2020 bay mare by Tres Seis and out of BP Mariahs Heroine, by Valiant Hero, carried James to the 1D win nearly three-tenths of a second ahead of the rest of the field.

The Pink Buckle Barrel Race is an equal payout 4D / Futurity / Derby / Youth for horses sired by Pink Buckle stallions. It is designed to dramatically increase the number and quality of barrel racing performance horses by promoting the Pink Buckle stallions and their offspring. 

Emily Beisel and Dashing Olie finished second with a 33.426-second aggregate. The 2018 palomino gelding, by The Red Dasher and out of Fire Water Flame by Fire Water Flit, has been traveling with Beisel for much of the ProRodeo season. This latest win in Guthrie, OK, sets a good precedent before they head to Las Vegas in December.

Kassie Mowry and Force The Goodbye rounded out the top three with a 33.546-second aggregate. Mowry and Jarvis have been one of the toughest barrel racing duos in recent years, having qualified for the 2025 NFR in the No. 4 position after competing at only 27 rodeos.

Top WPRA barrel racer Carlee Otero placed fourth aboard AM Regina George. The pair stopped the clock in a two-run aggregate time of 33.646 seconds. Rodeo fans can also expect to see this team compete in the Thomas and Mack in December. Otero also placed 16th with Blingolena after recording a 34.030-second aggregate.

Marne Loosenort and PT Love Tobea Blazin finished fifth with a 33.683-second average, followed by Kinley Follman and Talented Angel with a 33.713. Kaily Richardson and Girls Like You finished seventh with a 33.735, while Janie Freed and Megga Tron placed eighth with a 33.783.

Tricia Aldridge and Adios Pantalones finished ninth with a 33.836-second aggregate as they prepare for their second NFR appearance. The team has had quite the season in 2026 – after being sidelined due to injury, Adios came back strong in the second half of the rodeo season and qualified in the No. 15 position with $128,747.09 in WPRA earnings.

Molli Montgomery and Tres The Fire posted a 33.907-second aggregate to round out the Top 10 in Guthrie.

With an incredible lineup of talented riders and equine athletes, the 2026 Pink Buckle Derby was definitely one for the books. Congratulations to all owners, breeders, and riders – thanks to you, the future of barrel racing is bright.