By Kathy Branco
Special To Ropers Sports News

The 60th Chowchilla Western Stampede Barrel Race was a huge success with 295 Open entries, a one-day payout of $31,827 and beautiful sunny weather on Saturday, March 18.

The race started with the opening honoring the memory of our two honorees, Dan Branco, nine-time NFR qualifier and Stampede founder who passed in November 2015, along with Dean Flenniken, first woman in California to put on a barrel futurity, who passed in October 2012. This year for the opening we had on hand our two Chowchilla Stampede Co-Grand Marshals, Paty Mandrell and Charlene Jespersen. First Co-Grand Marshal Mandrell is managing editor of the Chowchilla News where she has worked for the past 26 years. Paty is a dear friend to the Stampede and has always given special attention to promote the Stampede’s western lifestyle and help keep the Stampede alive. The second Co-Grand Marshal is Charlene Jespersen, who is every barrel racer’s hero and our first 1958 Chowchilla Stampede Barrel Racing Champion. It was a pleasure to have these two fabulous ladies join us to make our opening ceremony special.

The Dan Branco Memorial Open 4D Barrel Race went off without a hitch as 295 competed for the $5,000 added purse where Katie Pascoe of Morro Bay, Calif., aboard JR Naughty Jet ran a smoking 17.435, winning the Stampede buckle, a travel safety bag and a check for $1,167. The 2D champion was Kristen Weaver Brown of Temecula, running a 17.951 winning the Stampede buckle and $1,012. 3D champion was Lita Scott of Reno, Nevada, running a 18.436 on Don’t Judge My Jets, winning the Stampede buckle and $895. The 4D champion was Kristen Rodgers of Modesto, riding Safari By Moonlight running a 19.438 winning a buckle and $817.

The Dean Flenniken Memorial 2D Futurity Barrel Race side pot had 42 runners competing for $3,500 added cash. The Stampede started the race with the first year competition futurity colts to showcase all the up and coming barrel horses.  The 2017 champion is Erin Ricotti from Escalon, Calif., running a 18.039, riding HG Shameless, and winning the Stampede buckle and $1,340. Erin hit the jackpot as the futurity side pot pays back 100 percent to the futurity riders. The 2D Futurity champion was Angie Hardin of Cottonwood, Calif., running a 19.207, riding Smarty’s Chic winning the Stampede buckle and $893.

The Dean Flenniken Memorial 2D Derby side pot had 41 runners competing for $1,000 added cash. The 2017 Derby champion is Michelle Silva from Salinas, running another smoking fast run of 17.537 aboard her horse Samson, winning a buckle and $549. The 2D Derby champion was Denise Madsen of Arroyo Grande, Calif., with a time of 18.592 aboard her horse, Charge It To Serrina, winning the buckle and $366. 

This year the Stampede had a two-day high money winner, Open money only, horse/rider combo average. The open horse/rider combo had to place both days and the average high money winner received a beautiful $4,000 Jeff Smith Cowboy Collection Trophy Saddle. The 2017 High Money Horse/Rider champion was Michelle Silva aboard Samson. 

Our sponsors as always are a huge part of our Stampede and we can’t thank them enough for calling and volunteering to donate to the race. Many thanks go out to: Betty and Junior Muzio, Lori Meneses Leather, Hall Ag Management, Stacy and Todd Hampton, Harvest Supply Inc., C-N Futurity Charleen and Nathan Ornalles, Janel Flook and KS Cash N Fame, Ropes Galore, Lewis Luther Construction, Central Coast Trailers, Teri Deutsch, Rowdy Rose, Christy and Tyler Gumb, Jade and Jeff Flenniken, Ken and Linda Wood, Platinum Performance, Tootie and Teda Hudson, Chowchilla Fairgrounds, Lindsey, Brian Walker and Lame Away, Barrel Horse News, Jeff Smith Cowboy Collection, Branco Ranch Furniture and the Chowchilla Stampede Committee.

The Stampede would also like to extend a huge thanks to our staff who kept everything running smooth and fast: WCBRA Bailey and Taylor Nahrgang, Krista Williams, JF Video’s Jeff and Stacey Freitas, and Deb Mann Photography.

The day following the Stampede the WCBRA hosted a $1,000 added jackpot running 192 barrel racers. The winner was Darlene Alves riding Nic N Shine, running the fastest time of the weekend with a 17.216 and winning $653.

It was a great weekend of barrel racing at the Historic 60th Chowchilla Western Stampede with 179 checks being written for a total two-day payout including the average money of $45,780.

Results of the Chowchilla Stampede Barrel Race and WCBRA Sunday Race:

Open

1D: 1. Katie Pascoe, JR Naughty Jet, 17.435, $1,167. 2. Kathy Petska, Dinero Made Me Famous, 17.477, $875. 3. Michelle Silva, Samson, 17.537, $759. 4. Jaime Anderson, The Goob, 17.543, $642. 5. Katie McCaslan, Perk Mia Firewater, 17.553, $584. 6. Sami Jo Morisoli, MS Smart Starlight, 17.581, $467. 7. Taylor Arakelian, KM Frenchmans Riches, 17.606, $379. 8. Megan Brint, Moneys Superman, 17.614, $292. 9. Erin Ricotti, HG Buckshot Bill, 17.639, $263. 10. Mary Jo Camera, Fairlea Lucky Gun, 17.647, $233. 11. Jandee Smart, Bugs Dashin Frost, 17.652, $175.

2D: 1. Kristin Weaver-Brown, Frenchman Sunlite, 17.951, $1,012. 2. Maddie Irwin, Sheza Peppered Biscuit, 17.959, $759. 3. Allie Jordan, DT Bug, 17.963, $658. 4. Nina Moore, Kates Scootin Boon, 17.973, $556. 5. Cheyenne Horner, JW Trapper Mike, 17.994, $506. 6. Ileah Roquemore, Heres The Plan Grace, 18.002, $405. 7. Lita Scott, Jettin On Jewels, 18.004, $329. 8. Sara Clinton, Sheza Indian Tart, 18.007, $253. 9. Sheena Robbins, Sharp Shootin Pistol, 18.009, $228. 10. Cheyenne Hattesen, Lets Play Rodeo, 18.016, $202. 11/12. Krista Williams, El Cachorro; Leah Baize, Nicks Star Player,  18.021, $76. 

3D: 1. Lita Scott, Dont Judge My Jets, 18.436, $895. 2. Stacy Hampton, Shesa Perfect Ten, 18.441, $671. 3. Alena Wood, Famous Guy, 18.445, $582. 4. Brittney Barnett, Crown Royal N 7, 18.454, $492. 5. Aubree Karkula, Marthas Bullion, 18.457, $447. 6. Kelsey Hayden, Renes Cartel, 18.459, $358. 7. Tammy Hoskins, Peppy Dox Pocolena, 18.464, $291. 8. Kate McKemy, Streakin Made Me Famous, 18.466, $224. 9. Taylor Rogers, DH Zipper Girl, 18.471, $201. 10. Stacey Freitas, Lenas Sweet Jalapena, 18.482, $179. 11. Miranda Castro, Sir Killions Legacy, 18.483, $134.

4D: 1. Kristen Rogers, Safari By Moonlight, 19.438, $817. 2. Wendy Sweaney, Zero, 19.465, $613. 3. Kathy Branco, Ike’s Gypsy Cowgirl, 19.474, $531. 4. Adrianna Ruckteschler, Six Pack Of Bug, 19.492, $449. 5. Shealynn Day, Frost This Gal, 19.512, $409. 6. Kimberly Naffziger, Rap, 19.515, $327. 7. Sherry Morris, Riley, 19.521, $266. 8. Dana Healy, The Great Hen, 19.522, $204. 9. Dakota McCurley, Flash, 19.531, $184. 10. Lynsey Machado, Just Happy To Cut, 19.545, $163. 11. Rashell Fehlman, PC Sho N Dell Ike, 19.570, $123.

Dean Flenniken Memorial Futurity

1D: 1. Erin Ricotti, HG Shameless, 18.039, $1,340. 2. Rena Elkins, Ikes First Lady Biankus, 18.116, $1,109. 3. Vicky Cook, Carmel Macchiato, 18.131, $878. 4. Jamie Pearson, California Drift, 18.138, $647. 5. Bethany Unruh, DSR Shameless, 18.224, $416. 

2D: 1. Angie Hardin, Smarty’s Chic, 19.207, $893. 2. Lacey Robinson, Quick And Smooth Rey, 19.238, $739. 3. Shealynn Day, Frost This Gal, 19.512, $585. 4. Julie Martin, Smart Discolena 37, 19.674, $431. 5. Brittney Barnett, Slicks Cat O Lena, 19.785, $277.

Dean Flenniken Memorial Derby

1D: 1. Denise Madsen, Charge It To Serrina, 18.592, $366. 2. Kathy Branco, Just N Thenickoftime, 18.742, $303. 3/4. Sandy Wall, Got Special Talent; Miranda Castro, Cats First Class Crome, 18.800, $208. 5. Janel Flook, JF Melitas Cash, 18.828, $113. 6. Paty Raine, Topsail Dasher, 18.864, $63.

Youth Sidepot

1D: 1. Macee Nunes, Flash Fast Hawk, 18.030, $115. 2. Chelsea Rogell, Ruby, 18.282, $76. 2D: 1. Haley Connors, Shortys Lil Hustler, 18.569, $103. 2. Sandra Sirizzoti, Lil Royal Queen, 18.648, $69. 3D: 1. Araceli Tirado, Wild Ride, 19.062, $88. 2. Adrianna Ruckteschler, Six Pack Of Bug, 19.492, $59. 4D: 1. Chloe Robbins, Rain, 21,502, $76. 2. Jenna Blake, Rodeo, 22.404, $51.

WCBRA Sunday Race

Open

1D: 1. Darleen Alves, Nic N Shine, 17.216, $653. 2. Kandis Lord, RGR Hurricane Hugo, 17.305, $489. 3. Mary Jo Camera, Fairlea Lucky Gun, 17.336, $408. 4. Jandee Smart, BCR Stella Bella, 17.526, $326. 5. Julie Martin, Hip Wrangler, 17.558, $272. 6. Michelle Silva, Samson, 17.574, $218. 7. Jaime Anderson, The Goob, 17.609, $190. 8. Vicky Cook, Camel Macchiato, 17.614, $163.

2D: 1. Jandee Smart, Bugs Dashin Frost, 17.726, $566. 2. Leah Baize, Nicks Star Player, 17.728, $424. 3/4. Shannon Jones, Frenchmans Royal Guy; Vicky Cook, Lexie, 17.730, $318. 5. Ileah Roquemore, Heres The Plan Grace, 17.741, $236. 6. Krista Williams, El Cachorro, 17.744, $189. 7. Shelby Sullivan, Beats My Fancy, 17.748, $165. 8. Cheyenne Hattesen, Lets Play Rodeo, 17.750, $141.

3D: 1. Kristi Youngblood, Rockem Dont Knockem, 18,230, $500. 2. Jennette Brechbuehl, Shesa Smoken Tucker, 18.254, $375. 3. Rashell Fehlman, Baghdad Bob, 18.261, $313. 4. April Flook, Tucker, 18.281, $250. 5. Haley Connors, Shorts Lil Hustler, 18.298, $208. 6. Michelle Silva, Chewy, 18.311, $167. 7. Cathy Cagliari, Sheza Packin Magic, 18.314, $146. 8. Shelby Sullivan, Cashin N Chex, 18.316, $125.

4D: 1. Araceli Tirado, Wild Ride, 19.224, $457. 2. Joye Mendes, Call Me Kool, 19.281, $343. 3. Paty Raine, Topsail Dasher, 19.349, $286. 4. Kandis Lord, Talent Going On, 19.407, $228. 5. Angie Hardin, Smarty’s Chic, 19.438, $190. 6. Rashell Fehlman, PC Sho N Dell Ike, 19.467, $152. 7. Brenda Tealer, Shining Tucker, 19.521, $133. 8. Jaime Donato, Lena, 19.527, $114.

WCBRA Futurity Sidepot

1D: 1. Vicky Cook, Carmel Macchiato, 17.64, $237. 2. Vicky Cook, Man Of Fame, 17.808, $178. 3. Kristin Weaver-Brown, Coyote Slidin N Socks, 17.836, $118. 4. Kailee Hamre, JS Bet Red, 18.045, $59.

2D: 1. Lacey Robinson, Quick And Smooth Rey, 18.706, $158. 2. Jaime Anderson, Fiestas Got Rhythm, 18.707, $118. 3. Jayme Knott, Runaway N Dash, 18.724, $79. 4. Linda Vick, Extremely French, 18.762, $40.

WCBRA Derby Sidepot

1D: 1. Michelle Silva, Samson, 17.574, $199. 2. Sherrie Jones, JR Finally Famous, 17.617, $149. 3. Shannon Jones, Frenchmans Royal Guy, 17.730, $99. 4. Erin Ricotti, HG Buckshot Bill, 17.781, $50.

2D: 1. Janel Flook, JF Melitas Cash, 18.832, $132. 2. Sandy Wall, Got Special Talent, 18.879, $99. 3. Brittney Barnett, Crown Royal N 7, 18.969, $66. 4. Shelley Chico, Chicos Montana Jett, 19.071, $33.

WCBRA Youth Sidepot

1D: 1. Macee Nunes, Flash Fast Hawk, 17.944, $79. 2. Kate Dennish, FQH Sun Dry, 18.003, $53.

2D: 1. Miranda Castro, Sir Killions Legacy, 18.493, $71. 2. Miranda Castro, Cats First Class Crome, 18.508, $48.

3D: 1. Kate Dennish, Marty Lena Bar, 19.023, $61. 2. Regan Blair, Leetas Lucky Charm, 19.055, $41.

4D: 1. Sage Burke, Desirey Leo, 19.956, $53. 2. Kamrynn Bonsell, Cashthathotsanchex, 21.00, $35.

WCBRA Average Sidepot

1D: 1. Darleen Alves, Nic N Shine, 34.904, $173. 2. Mary Jo Camera, Fairlea Lucky Gun, 34.983, $133. 3. Michelle Silva, Samson, 35.111, $100. 4. Jaime Anderson, The Goob, 35.152, $80. 5. Sherrie Jones, JR Finally Famous, 35.279, $66. 6. Jandee Smart, Bugs Dashin Frost, 35.378, $60. 7. Vicky Cook, Lexie, 35.427, $53.

2D: 1. Cathey Vallerga, Smoken Peponita Doc, 35.969, $150. 2. Macee Nunes, Flash Fast Hawk, 35.974, $115. 3. Jene Mathis, SH Stylish And Sly, 35.995, $86. 4. Roxie Jimenez, Im Caillou I Can Do, 36.075, $69. 5. Shelby Sullivan, Beats My Fancy, 36.111, $58. 6. Vicky Cook, Man Of Fame, 36.134, $52. 7. Kristin Weaver-Brown, Coyote Slidin N Socks, 36.149, $46.

3D: 1. Cathy Cagliari, Curly Sue Fame, 36.967, $132. 2. Maryann Terry, The Check Is Mine, 36.970, $102. 3. Miranda Castro, Sir Killions Legacy, 36.976, $76. 4. Stacy Hampton, Shesa Perfect Ten, 37.037, $61. 5. Erin Ricotti, HG Shameless, 37.039, $51. 6. Denise Madsen, Charge It To Serrina, 37.065, $46. 7. Shannon Shade, Victory Way, 37.126, $41.

4D: 1. Jaime Donato, Lena, 39.221, $121. 2. Adrianna Ruckteschler, Six Pack Of Bug, 39.284, $93. 3. Mallory Slattery, Wee Parrs Frosty, 39.464, $70. 4. Whitney Laney, Geo Skip Classic, 40.231, $56. 5. April Hudson, French Mi Way, 40.473, $46. 6. Kailee Hamre, JS Bet Red, 40.555, $42. 7. Kam­rynn Bonsell, Cashthathotsanchex, 40.952, $37.

Michelle Silva was the two-day high money horse/rider Open money only winner with her horse Samson. Presenting her saddle is Kathy Branco. – Deb Mann Photo

Co-Grand Marshal of the Chowchilla Stampede was Charlene Jespersen, pictured with barrel race producer Kathy Branco. – Deb Mann Photo