By Bailey Nahrgang
Special To Ropers Sports News

 SHANDON, CALIF. – We all know the saying “If you build it, they will come.” Well, in the sport of barrel racing, it goes something more like “If you add the money, and the prizes, get the ground just right and have good weather – they might show up”, and show up they did! Spurr Ranch, nestled in the quiet town of Shandon, California was host to the largest one day race California has seen in many years. The 2015 Spurr Ranch Barrel Challenge presented Nutrena boasted over 500 entries and a payout in excess of $70,000 as a part of the West Coast Barrel Racing Association. In conjunction with the Barrel Challenge, Spurr Ranch was host to the 2015 California Circuit Divisional Finals for the top 12 card holders, permit holders and juniors for the fourth consecutive year. The event was held Nov. 6-8.

Friday evening, as the sun set and the temperature dropped, the competition heated up as 326 contestants raced against the clock in the $500 added open 5D Warm Up race. As the race ended, atop the 1D leader board was the talented Darleen Alves riding her 10-year-old mare Nic N Shine better known as Nicolette. Alves’ time of 16.551 earned her $792 for their efforts. Nicolette was purchased from top trainer and NFR qualifier, Jerri Mann. Darleen attributes most of her success to Mann’s training. Running hot on Darleen’s heals were the likes of the talented Katie Pascoe on JR Naughty Jet with a 16.576 and Shelby Tuck on Bullion Dollar Bay who clocked a 16.594. The 2D honors went home to Sherrie Jones on Streaker Shoots Six ($604), the 3D to Kim Brown on Savannahs Showdown ($587), the 4D to Jaycie Branch on Bar Bug Ike ($499) and the 5D win went to Doreen Drummond on Music To My Ears ($352).  Alves would like to say a special thank you to her husband, her father and her children for being her largest supporters.

Saturday’s Barrel Challenge offered up some the best ground conditions to all of its 510 entries, compliments of the Black Widow Arena Groomer and the efforts of the owner of Spurr Ranch, Dave Spurr. The sub-seventeen second runs began rapidly by only the third run of the day. However, when rider #212 entered the arena, the competition became real. Angie Hardin of Cottonwood, California and her ultra-compact 14.2 hand horse, Smartys Real Rock, also known as Cajun, clocked a 16.373 on a flawless run that left everyone with goosebumps. Hardin and Cajun earned the top Open 1D check in the amount of $1,852. “This little horse runs hard and can rate even harder. It can be a challenge to make clean back to back runs. My goals were pretty simple, ride hard to each barrel and bump my outside rein as I got there, keep him square and elevated in his turn. He was pretty honest in both runs (Friday and Saturday) and that seems to be coming with age!” said Hardin. “The ground conditions speak for themselves...500-plus runs in one day without the slightest bobble. Spurr Ranch provides that safe and fast ground we all crave”. 

This Cottonwood team made their 800 mile round trip to Spurr Ranch worth every mile, as their open time also carried over to the 2nd annual Sweet 16 Invitational Slot Race, placing them 1st in the 1D for another check in the amount of $1,692. The pair took home more than $4,200 in total, a Weatherby PA-08 Upland Shotgun and a Sweet 16 Benchmark Buckle for their efforts over the weekend. Angie would like to thank the following individuals for their help and support: Cathy Ruda, Equine Acu/Myo Therapist, Sam Willis, Equine Chiropractic and Dr. Jeff Jones, DMV.

The Barrel Challenge 2D win belonged to Carollann Scott of Agua Dulce aboard Fit To Race cashing in $1,646. Lodi, Calif.’s own, Jamey Wells and her steed Smokin Lady Yellow tied for the win with Noel Cosca from Friant, CA riding Red Hot Howie, both earning $1,296 each. Benny Maddox and Wrangler’s Biankus from Sherman oaks won the 4D for $1,166 and the 5D was won by Dustie Christensen on Remedys Sunshine Kay of Bakersfield, Calif., for a $823 pay day.

High money winner on the weekend belonged to Katie Pascoe of Morro Bay, CA riding her home grown 6-year-old Blazing Jetolena gelding, JR Naughty Jet. The duo banked $4,371 dollars on the weekend, placing second in the warm up race, second in the Barrel Challenge, second in the Sweet 16 Invitational Slot Race, first in the WCBRA Average and taking home the top honors in the 2015 WPRA Permit Finals as well. Katie was awarded a Cactus Saddlery gift certificate presented by Marguerite Happy of the WPRA CA Circuit for the fast time of all the WPRA Finals (Divisional, Permit and Juniors) with her 16.407.

“The Spurr Ranch crew is famous around here for putting on incredible events. The Barrel Challenge was no exception. It’s evident that the entire crew cares deeply for the sport of barrel racing, the contestants, and their equine partners. The ground was safe and consistent throughout the barrel race. The awards were amazing, the amount of money added was awesome, and to top it all off, everybody at Spurr Ranch is always extremely pleasant and accommodating. I feel very fortunate to have had such a good weekend, and I’d like to give a sincere ‘thank you’ to all of the people who made that happen. To all of the sponsors, barrel setters, gate people, etc., you are very much appreciated!” states Pascoe. “One of my favorite things about attending their races is watching everyone support each other and cheer on each other. It really is like a small community out there, and I think I speak for everyone when I say I appreciate having such a great place to go.”

Spurr Ranch would like to congratulate all who joined in the 2015 Barrel Challenge. We would also like to thank the title sponsor of the Spurr Ranch Barrel Racing Productions, Nutrena accompanied by an extensive list of additional sponsors and fans of the barrel racing industry that have made this all possible. Keep a lookout for a full 2016 race schedule coming soon. 

Saturday Barrel Challenge

1D: 1. Smartys Real Rock, Angie Hardin, 16.373, $1,852. 2.  JR Naughty Jet, Katie Pascoe, 16.407, $1,646. 3. Spookdeville, Caitlyn Wood, 16.431, $1,334. 4. Nic N’ Shine, Darleen Alves, 16.514, $900. 5. Cash Gato Boogie, Makaela Memmott, 16.514, $900. 6. Shameless Fame, Lacey Lockard, 16.521, $617. 7. Fiestas Mojo, Tona Andrade, 16.538, $515. 8.  Hip Wrangler, Julie Martin, 16.559, $463. 9. Marthas Bullion, Ricci Karkula, 16.568, $412. 10. Flashy French Girl, Kelli Nichol, 16.581, $360. 11. Sheza Indian Tart, Sara Clinton, 16.614, $309. 12. In The Sky Bar, Bailey Nahrgang, 16.618, $278. 13. Chip It Dee Bar, Kaitlyn Mckemy, 16.648, $257. 14. Famous Scarlett, Ruth Haislip, 16.675, $236. 15. AR Freckles Moken, Suzanne Williams, 16.678, $206.

2D: 1. Fit To Race, Carollann Scott, 16.873, $1,646. 2. Dakota, Laura Ward, 16.880, $1,463. 3. Dinero Made Me Famous, Kathy Petska, 16.888, $1,052. 4. Easy Dah Bug, Danielle Shumate, 16.888, $1,052. 5. Pic N Sandichex, Courtney Cline, 16.889, $686. 6.  Jettin Angel, Jandee Smart, 16.893, $549. 7. Beats My Fancy, Shelby Sullivan, 16.894, $457 8. California Coolranger, Taylor Rogers, 16.931, $412. 9. Twisted Professor, Haliegh Grant, 16.940, $366. 10. Flittabuster, Katie Drosihn, 16.956, $320. 11. Mr. Senbar Tough King, Suzanne Williams, 16.962, $274. 12. CM Legacy, Sami Jo Morisoli, 16.965, $247. 13. Quadrant Cash, Kali Coleck, 16.975, $229. 14. Savannahs Showdown, Kim Brown, 16.983, $210. 15. Nic A Shay, Allie Howard, 16.988, $183.

3D: 1. Smokin Lady Yello, Jamey Wells, 17.374, $1,296. 2.  Red Hot Howie, Noel Cosca, 17.374, $1,296. 3. Peves Southern Siete, Savannah Robertson, 17.375, $991. 4. Huggybare’s Joy, Tiffany Ewald, 17.378, $667. 5.  Winter Star Peppy, Taylor Arakelian, 17.378, $667. 6. Gold Mines Quien, Caitlin Loomis, 17.379, $419. 7. Paint Mea Poco Annie, Leslie Davenport, 17.379, $419. 8. Flitterrific, Karlee Wesney, 17.380, $343. 9. Fishermans Wharf, Amber Bustamante, 17.381, $305. 10. Smokin Chic Olena, Briana Benavidez, 17.418, $267. 11. Sticky Stoney, Saul Lozada, 17.427, $229. 12. Dragon, Kristen Martucci, 17.434, $206. 13. Real Genuine, Nikki Neal, 17.441, $183. 14. Smoke, Anne Jones, 17.441, $183. 15. Fairlea Boone Jewel, Rachel Dewar, 17.442, $152.

4D: 1. Wranglers Biankus, Benny Maddox, 17.878, $1,166. 2. KC’s Easy Streak, Emilee Nolan, 17.882, $1,037. 3. Stryder, Mattea Beld, 17.885, $842 4. Duck Duck Deuce, Amy Smith, 17.906, $648. 5. 50 Shades Of Gray, John Algire, 17.910, $400. 6. JJ Freakin Frenchman, Kathy Woolley, 17.910, $400. 7. Sienna Roo, Christine Flock, 17.910, $400. 8. Cream Of The Hay, Betty Grohl, 17.912, $292. 9. That’s My Buddy, Colleen Smith, 17.913, $259. 10. I Wish I Were A Star, Alisha Perret, 17.916, $227. 11 Gus, Campbell Cole, 17.919, $194. 12. Henrys Ceegar, Rhonda Pensinger, 17.920, $175. 13 Senorita Ike, Jackie Knutz, 17.940, $162. 14 Lacys Wrangler, Katie Davis, 17.941, $149. 15. Roxie, Raylene Beeson, 17.945, $130.

5D: 1. Remedys Sunshine Kay, Dustie Christensen, 18.377, $823. 2. Indy Pendant Girl, Janis Hedrick, 18.379, $732. 3. Tess, Cheri Graves, 18.381, $595. 4. Tru Little Diamond, Maia Kight, 18.382, $457. 5. Decolour Of Dawn, Ashley Robertson, 18.390, $343. 6. TM Cashin Hi, Shelby Sullivan, 18.394, $274. 7. Six Moons Bullion, Aubree Karkula, 18.411, $229. 8. Fl Jay Starlite, Shaylee Baxley, 18.414, $206. 9. Frosted My Glass, Linda Travis, 18.415, $1823. 10 Top Notch Vaquero, Laurie Riolo, 18.430, $160. 11. Grey Bull, Marguerite Happy, 18.442, $137. 12. Party Boy, Teresa Hill, 18.443, $123. 13. R.D.K. She’s Fancy, Luisa Solomon, 18.482, $110. 14. Tangle Ridge Flyer, Jesselyn Engler, 18.482, $110. 15. ICR Dandy Dixon, Deb Mann, 18.487, $91.

Sweet 16 Slot Race

1D: 1. Smartys Real Rock, Angie Hardin, 16.373, $1,692. 2. JR Naughty Jet, Katie Pascoe, 16.407, $1,410. 3. Spookdeville, Caitlyn Wood, 16.431, $1,128. 4. Nic N’ Shine, Darleen Alves, 16.514, $705. 5. Cash Gato Boogie, Makaela Memmott, 16.514, $705.

2D: 1. Dont Play With Smoke, Jen Rose, 17.074, $1,128. 2. Whizn By Olena, Samantha Hornberger, 17.081, $940. 3. Charge It To Serrina, Denise Madsen, 17.086, $752. 4. Double Down Dashin, Kristen Holt, 17.087, $564. 5. GBA Impressive Command, Cynthia Williamson, 17.142, $376.

Friday Open

1D: 1. Nic N’ Shine, Darleen Alves, 16.551, $793. 2. JR Naughty Jet, Katie Pascoe, 16.576, $566. 3. Bullion Dollar Bay, Shelby Tuck, 16.594, $491. 4. Button Down Cash, Casey Mathis, 16.639, $415. 5. Smartys Real Rock, Angie Hardin, 16.644, $378. 6. AR Will He Tell, Linda Vick, 16.721, $302. 7. Famous Names Only, Meagan Kautz, 16.761, $245. 8. Frenchmans Royal Guy, Ruth Haislip, 16.772, $227. 9. Stormys Mando, Kristen Holt, 16.846, $208. 10. Blaze Can Fly, Lori Carr, 16.892, $151.

2D: 1. Streaker Shoots Six, Sherrie Jones, 17.070, $604. 2. Call Me Captain Jax, Kristin Stephens, 17.070, $604. 3. Shes A Brisco, Bailey Nahrgang, 17.076, $436. 4. DTF Rose Ta Fame, Charleen Ornellas, 17.086, $369. 5. Pic N Sandichex, Courtney Cline, 17.097, $336. 6. Amos Is Famous, Sis Buttrey, 17.115, $268. 7. KA Peppered In Fame, Kelly Strohmenger, 17.120, $218. 8. Johnnie Lightning, Charleen Ornellas, 17.141, $201. 9. NF Frenchmans Brucey, Charlene Jespersen, 17.160, $1845. 10. Mr. Senbar Tough King, Suzanne Williams, 17.161, $134. 

3D: 1. Savannahs Showdown, Kim Brown, 17.557, $587. 2.  A Streakin Spark, Sage Massey, 17.586, $419. 3. Art N Dandee, Sammie Jo Wurm, 17.589, $364, 4. Delta, Madison Munson, 17.591, $308. 5. LDS Unleash The Chics, Betty Valencia, 17.605, $280. 6. Apollo, Shelbi Thall, 17.617, $224. 7. Red Hot Howie, Noel Cosca, 17.626, $182. 8. Beats My Fancy, Shelby Sullivan, 17.629, $168. 9. JJ Pack Yawls Stones, Melissa Shomaker, 17.631, $154. 10. Cornerbandit, Fallon Ruffoni, 17.644, $112.

4D: 1. Bar Bug Ike, Jaycie Branch, 18.055, $499. 2. Call Me Tommy Tomboy, Lizz Rutherford, 18.063, $333. 3. Fancy Like A Diamond, Raven Araujo, 18.063, $333. 4.  Firen Pass, Syd Wheeler, 18.068, $262. 5.  Roxie, Raylene Beeson, 18.084, $214. 6. Wranglers Biankus, Benny Maddox, 18.084, $214. 7. Oakies Last Diamond, Cassidy Stephenson, 18.086, $154. 8. Top Notch Vaquero, Laurie Riolo, 18.091, $143. 9. Bondalena Bar Flit, Ashley Robertson, 18.095, $131. 10. Chance, Shelly Pelowski, 18.108, $95.

5D: 1. Music To My Ears, Doreen Drummond, 18.565, $352. 2. IZ Ikes Drift Frosty, Mary Ward, 18.585, $235. 3. Bar Frenchman, Mishael Mcdougal, 18.585, $235. 4. Six Moons Bullion, Aubree Karkula, 18.598, $185. 5. Tess, Cheri Graves, 18.606, $168. 6.Trixie, Rhonda Gomes, 18.612, $134. 7. That Thing You Do, Nickalus Fonzi, 18.624, $109. 8. TR Little Diamond, Maia Kight, 18.651, $101. 9. Shimmer, Nichole Wyant, 18.655, $92. 10. Indy Pendant Girl, Janis Hedrick, 18.661, $67.11

Saturday Youth

1D: 1 Spookdeville, Caitlyn Wood, 16.431, $192. 2. Cash Gato Boogie, Makaela Memmott, 16.514, $162. 3. Leaving Promises, Karlee Wesney, 16.797, $133. 4. Lenas Lil Prize, Mia Prichard, 16.834, $103.

2D: 1. Twisted Professor, Haliegh Grant, 16.940, $159. 2 Flittabuster, Katie Drosihn, 1.6.956, $133. 3. Ruby, Chelsea Rogell, 17.020, $106. 4. Whizn By Olena, Samantha Hornberger, 17.081, $80. 5. Peppys Double Concho, Katie Angelo, 17.203, $53.

 3D: 1. Cornerbandit, Fallon Ruffoni, 17.457, $136. 2. Poco Pop Miss, Lauren Hayman, 17.485, $113. 3.  Lola, Carissa Cuellar, 17.494, $90. 4.  Maggie, Fallon Ruffoni, 17.530, $68. 5. Delta, Madison Munson, 17.540, $45.

4D: 1. Topper, Amelia Lancaster, 18.531, $118. 2. Mr JB 061, Regan Blair, 18.726, $98. 3. Peppys Seven Bar, Miranda Castro, 18.764, $79. 4 TJSDouble Drifter, Tera Capaldi, 18.810, $59. 5. Casual Flair, Kylie Blackmore, 18.842, $39

Saturday Senior

1D: 1. Famous Scarlett, Ruth Haislip, 16.675, $203. 2. AR Will He Tell, Linda Vick, 16.682, $122. 3. Frenchmans Royal Guy, Ruth Haislip, 16.744, $81.

2D: 1.Red Horses Cant Jump, Lyndee Stairs, 17.216, $182. 2. Ima Top Pardner, Marguerite Happy, 17.305, $109. 3. Two Links Tofirewater, Lyndee Stairs, 17.339, $73

3D: 1 Mucho Bueno Leo, Sharon Edstrom, 17.729, $155. 2. Me Sompin Fast, Debora Akin-Townson, 17.853, $9. 3. Mark The Paige, Kathy Langston, 18.053, $62.

4D: 1. Headeroffathepass, Debbie Hicks, 18.780, $135. 2. Happy, Pat Robertson, 18.879, $81. 3. Fenway Park, Debora Akin-Townson, 18.916, $54.

WCBRA Average

1D: 1. JR Naughty Jet, Katie Pascoe, 32.983, $343. 2. Smartys Real Rock, Angie Hardin, 33.017, $286. 3. Nic N’ Shine, Darleen Alves, 33.065, $229. 4. Spookdeville, Caitlyn Wood, 33.377, $172. 5 AR Will He Tell, Linda Vick, 33.403, $114.

2D: 1. Jettin Angel, Jandee Smart, 34.067, $305. 2 Streaker Shoots Six, Sherrie Jones, 34.098, $254. 3. Double Down Dashin, Kristen Holt, 34.113, $203. 4. NF Frenchmans Brucey, Charlene Jespersen, 34.176, $153. 5. GBA Impressive Command, Cynthia Diane Williamson, 34.325, $102.

3D: 1. Red Hot Howie, Noel Cosca, 35.000, $254. 2. Mega Sugar, Haliegh Grant, 35.015, $212. 3. Premium Desert Smoke, Janette Sundstedt, 35.021, $169. 4. White Lighting Fever, Kristen Rogers, 35.059, $127. 5. Dash Of Native, Michelle Sullivan, 35.061, $85.

4D: 1. Wild Cherry Chex, Chloe Gray, 35.984, $216. 2. I CD Cat, Jessica Townsend, 35.992, $180. 3. Miracle Lane, Sara Bilderback, 35.993, $144. 4. Chicks Beduinolena, Robin Cary, 36.015, $108. 5. Cream Of The Hay, Betty Grohl, 36.132, $72.

5D: 1. Flashem N The Bar, Traci Branch, 36.988, $153. 2. Six Moons Bullion, Aubree Karkula, 37.009, $127. 3. Tru Little Diamond, Maia Kight, 37.033, $102. 4. Indy Pendant Girl, Janis Hedrick, 37.040, $76. 5 Tornado Kid, Casey Mathis, 37.107, $51.

WPRA Divisional Finals

1. Famous Scarlett, Ruth Haislip, 16.675, $481. 2. AR Will He Tell, Linda Vick, 16.682, $398. 3. Stormys Mando, Kristen Holt, 16.712, $315. 4. Shes A Brisco, Bailey Nahrgang, 16.811, $232. 5. Too Smart To Shine, Cheri Graves, 16.859, $149. 6. Jettin Angel, Jandee Smart, 16.893, $83

WPRA Divisional Permit Finals

1. JR Naughty Jet, Katie Pascoe, 16.407, $406. 2. Nic N’ Shine, Darleen Alves, 16.514, $336. 3. AR Freckles Moken, Suzanne Williams, 16.678, $266. 4. Parkers Secretary, Sarah Miller, 16.715, $196. 5. Tivios Custom Gage, Amanda Stallins, 16.761, $126. 6. Made Me Wild Bill, Kailee McNelis, 16.862, $70.

WPRA Divisional Youth Finals

1. Spookdeville, Caitlyn Wood, 16.431, $304. 2. Copper Locks, Cooper Wills, 17.283, $252. 3. Flitterrific, Karlee Wesney, 17.380, $200. 4. IBA Red Hot Dream, Halee Harrison, 19.197, $147. 5. Famous Names Only, Meagan Kautz, 21.666, $94. 6 Flittabuster, Katie Drosihn, 21.857, $52.

Katie Pascoe and JR Naught Jet were the high money winners of the weekend, taking home over $4,300. (Deb Mann Photography)