Makenzie Mayes, 2025 Rookie of the Year, turned a dominating performance into over a $100,000 payday and the Maverick Award at the first ever New Orleans Hondo Rodeo Fest.
The Hondo Rodeo Fest took on New Orleans, Louisiana for the first time ever in Caesars Superdome. Contestants showed up in every event, claiming huge prize money and Hondo Rodeo titles.
For the second time in a row, the $50,000 Maverick Award, given to the top overall money earner across all rodeo events, has gone to a barrel racer.
This time, it was Mackenzie Mayes.
Inside Caesars Superdome, Mayes put together three great runs. Riding “Rousey” (Chicado Moon), the 22-year-old cowgirl came out strong winning Rounds 1 and 2 and immediately putting herself in control of the barrel racing.
From there, it became about just finishing with consistency. She added another strong run in the finals, even in the tight setup inside the Superdome to secure a second place finish worth $7,500, which ultimately sealed the deal.
Her times, two 13.5s and a 13.6, were enough to edge out 18x NFR Qualifier and 3 time World Champion Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi for the aggregate title by just four tenths of a second.
That win added another $20,000. All together, Mayes walked away with $51,500 from the three rounds and the average.
A Barrel Racing Trend Emerges
The Maverick Award has quickly become one of the most talked-about pieces of The Hondo format. This award is a $50,000 bonus with one winner in all events combined. Barrel racers are owning it so far.
In November, in Phoenix at Chase Field, Lisa Lockhart took home the bonus after winning her second back to back Hondo Rodeo Fest Title. The award stayed in the barrelrace, but this time, it was Mayes that came out on top.
Part of what makes it even more impressive is the format of this rodeo. The Hondo is invite-only with no easy spots given out. Makenzie has obviously earned her way into this prestigious event, and is competing against the best of the best.
The roster is just a handpicked group of the best in the sport, all competing in a high pressure and high payout environment.
Mayes didn’t just hold her own, she completely dominated on the biggest of stages and walked away with over $100,000 on one weekend. The 2025 Rookie of the Year continues to prove she belongs in these moments, where execution and consistency matter most. She is after her first Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualification this year after just barely missing it in 2025, her rookie year.
The stakes don't get much higher than the Hondo Rodeo Fest, and when the stakes get high, the barrel racers keep showing up.