Back-to-Back Wins for Kinsel at the Wrangler NFR

By Ann Bleiker

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – Rinse and repeat that is what four-time WPRA World Champion Hailey Kinsel is doing thus far in her eighth trip to the 2024 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Teton Ridge in Las Vegas. Coming off the opening night win where she was top of the ground, she rode her way back to the winner’s circle with a 13.48 second run as the 14th gunner out on night.

“Well, I really wasn’t expecting her to go that fast,” stated Kinsel. “Truthfully, I knew I had a great run to build off of. I knew she was confident so having another solid run was the goal. I wanted to keep her confidence up but wasn’t sure it would feel like once we hit the ocean waves going in. But on the first barrel she stayed so inside the ruts, I don’t think it mattered and frankly, everywhere else, she was really tight, so I don’t think the ruts affected us maybe as much as the other ladies tonight.”

            With back-to-back wins Kinsel of Cotulla, Texas, has now pocketed $77,374 and easily leads the average with 26.86 on two runs. Abby Phillips of Marshall, Texas, is making her first appearance at the Wrangler NFR and she finished sixth tonight with a 13.66 but is second in the average with a two-run time of 27.29.

            Kinsel is chasing her fifth world title and if she is able to accomplish that feat, she would move into second just behind the legend Charmayne James with the most barrel racing world titles won in the WPRA. James has 11 and did so with two horses but the ProRodeo Hall of Fame horse Scamper carried her to 10 straight. Kinsel has won all hers on a future Hall of Famer DM Sissy Hayday “Sister”

            “That’s the most special thing to me that it’s not just that I’m able to do it but then I’m able to put her in the same position,” stated Kinsel about comparing the championship form of Sister and Scamper. “For her to have the career she has had, I am truly blessed. I’m sure Charmayne felt the same way that the horse has made it that much sweeter.”

In addition to the NFR money the ladies are also competing for the Jerry Ann Taylor Best Dressed Award presented by the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame. Fans can vote nightly at www.wpra.com. Making her first appearance at the Wrangler NFR but bringing the color on night No. 2 was Ashley Castleberry sporting the lime green aboard her 11-year old grey gelding Skyy Blue that she calls Sky.

Third round action gets underway, Saturday, December 7 at 5:45 p.m. PT LIVE on the Cowboy Channel.

Rd. 2 results: 1. Hailey Kinsel, Cotulla, TX, 13.48 seconds, $33,687; 2. Kassie Mowry, Dublin, TX, 13.51, $26,624; 3. Tiany Schuster, Krum, TX, 13.53, $20,104; 4. Ashley Castleberry, Montgomery, TX, 13.62, $14,127; 5. Andrea Busby, Millsap, TX, 13.65, $8,693; 6. Abby Phillips, Marshall, TX, 13.66, $5,433.

Rd 1 results: 1. Hailey Kinsel, Cotulla, TX, 13.38 seconds, $33,687; 2. Carlee Otero, Perrin, TX, 13.55, $26,624; 3. Abby Phillips, Marshall, TX, 13.63, $20, 104; 4. Andrea Busby, Millsap, TX, $14,127; 5. Ashley Castleberry, Montgomery, TX, 13.75 $8,693; 6. (tie) Leslie Smalygo, Skiatook, OK and Shelley Morgan, Eustace, TX, 13.84, $2,7167 each.