Hayle Gibson-Stillwell Shatters Calgary Barrel Racing Record Once More

Showdown Sunday wrapped up as the 2026 Calgary Stampede Champions were crowned. Today, the top 9 (3 from each pool) in each event came together for the first round. From there, the top 4 advanced to go after that $50,000. 

The barrel race has been a knife fight since the very beginning. In Pool C, we watched the arena record get broken twice. First, it was Michelle Alley with a 16.72. That record did not hold long, though, when the amazing Kassie Mowry and Jarvis posted a 16.68. Then it came down to Showdown Sunday. 

The barrel race had a star-studded lineup in the 9-man round. Any one of the ladies could have easily set that record on any given day; that's just how tough a barrel race it was. Mowry's record didn't even make it through the first round on that Championship Sunday when Hayle Gibson-Stillwell and her Palomino mare Piper ran a 16.56. 

The 2025 NFR Qualifier was first out on the ground on the big standard pattern and made it count. The excitement was unmatched as the crowd erupted and Hayle ran out of the arena with the biggest smile on her face. The top four who advanced to the final four were Hayle, Carlee Otero (16.70), Heidi Gunderson (16.68), and Hailey Kinsel (16.75). 

Carlee Otero would have set the record at 16.70, and Heidi Gunderson would have tied Kassie Mowry's record set in Pool C if it hadn't been for Hayle's quick run to start the day. Otero and Sly are having a comeback year. Gunderson is riding a very talented 5-year-old and made it all the way to the finals in Calgary. 

Not only did Hayle set the arena record at the Stampede but she also ran one of the fastest times in history on a standard pattern. 

Before the final four round, Hayle said, "I am speechless. I don't know what to say. Piper is just incredible. I did not think Kassie's record could be broken." She continued, "I am just thankful that Piper is mine and I get to jockey her.

As for preparing for that final round she said, "just going to go tell Piper she is champion, and let the cards lay how they may." 

Piper and Stillwell made their first NFR last year. Since they have been on fire in 2026 and have been winning in all setups, they won the American rodeo earlier this year. Before Calgary even began, Stillwell was sitting 3rd in the World with already over $112,000. Kassie Mowry and Emily Beisel were the only two ahead of her, and they both also made the 9 man round in Calgary. 

When it came down to the four-man round worth $50,000, Hailey Kinsel and Sister came out the champions, but Hayle and Piper ended up second overall. The large payday in Calgary will help Hayle get to her second NFR this year and have a chance at her very first gold buckle this December.