Kinsel and Sister Take Rd. 1 at 2024 Wrangler NFR

By Ann Bleiker

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – The 2024 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Teton Ridge in Las Vegas kicked off after much anticipation on Thursday, December 5 and this marks Hailey Kinsel’s eighth year to run down the alleyway at the Thomas and Mack.

“I’ve been waiting all day to run barrels,” stated four-time world champion Kinsel. “I think we all have, you know, that’s just the thing. We were all sitting back there talking like, okay, let’s just get to round one and it was good. It was exciting because I knew I was first out. I obviously had an advantage and so this was a day to go for it, and we went for it.”

            She did indeed take advantage of being first out after coming in ranked No. 1 in the WPRA Barrel Racing World Standings. She set the bar at 13.38 seconds with Carlee Otero coming closest to her time at a 13.55, with NFR rookie Abby Phillips capturing third in a time of 13.63 seconds. Kinsel was aboard her famous yellow mare – DM Sissy Hayday known around the United States as Sister.

            “It felt great,” stated the Cotulla, Texas cowgirl of winning the first round. “I mean, my horse was so shifty, like she placed her feet just right, and she got a little tight at the third. If I ride honest, she’ll be honest.”

            It doesn’t hurt that Sister really does love the Thomas and Mack and the fans love her.

            “There is something special about this building, mainly just we’ve had, you know, so much good days here. And I think she knows that. I think, you know, the energy is good, not just for me, but for her also,” stated Kinsel.

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. Tiany Schuster is the only one in the field that has won this title before, winning it in 2020 when the NFR moved to Arlington, Texas, and the last time she qualified for the NFR.

            Second round action gets underway, Friday, December 6 at 5:45 p.m. PT LIVE on the Cowboy Channel.

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.