By Kathy Branco
Special To Ropers Sports News
The 59th Historic Chowchilla Western Stampede Barrel Race opened the Stampede with an opening ceremony honoring founder of the Stampede and nine-time NFR qualifier Dan Branco, who passed November 2015; Dean Flenniken, first woman in California to put on a barrel futurity, who we lost three-and-a-half years ago; and Ruth Haislip, 2015 Chowchilla Stampede Futurity Champion and three-time NFR qualifier, who just passed March 13, 2016, the week before the race. These three people have made a huge impact on our western way of life and have been a big part of the Stampede for years.
The Dan Branco Memorial Open 4D barrel race was a big hit this year and we were blessed with beautiful weather as 279 runners competed in the $5,000 added race where Linda Vick, aboard AR Will He Tell, ran a smokin 17.411, winning a Stampede buckle and $1,114.
The Dean Flenniken Memorial 2D Futurity Barrel Race had 44 runners competing for $3,500 added cash. The champion crowned this year was Anna Montagano, riding CB Flirtin With Nick by As Good As Nick Gets, running a 17.801. Anna hit the jackpot as she won a Stampede futurity buckle and winnings of $1,375 as the futurity is 100 percent payback. The 2D Futurity champion was Kylie Mullen on Dashing Larry, running 18.885 and winning $916 and a Stampede Futurity Buckle.
Dean Flenniken felt the futurity colts and their jockeys were the future of barrel racing and should be showcased. In her honor all the futurity horses ran first to start off the Stampede race. This year we also added a Chowchilla Stampede Dean Flenniken Memorial Futurity/C-N Futurity Average Champion, the two futurities being the C-N Futurity held in December produced by Charleen Ornellas and the Chowchilla Stampede Dean Flenniken Memorial Futurity produced by Kathy Branco. The average champions received a Weatherby Shotgun. The winner of the 1D Combined, 2 Futurity’s champion was Lisa Busick riding Rockin Hayday and the 2D combined Futurity average champion was Jene Mathis riding SH Stylish and Sly. Thank you Charleen Ornalles and C-N Futurity for sponsoring these two great Weatherby Shotguns to our combined futurity average champions!
The Dean Flenniken Memorial $1,000 added Derby was a tough race! Katie Pascoe and her awesome mount JR Naughty Jet by Blazin Jetolena ran a fast 17.429 outrunning 43 head to win the Stampede Derby buckle and $567, and was also fast enough to win the reserve championship in the Dan Branco Open 4D, winning another $836. Amy Robinson and Hay Sol Sister were the 2D Derby champions, winning a Stampede Derby buckle and $378.
The Stampede ran fast and efficiently all day long. The Chowchilla Stampede Committee would like to thank Bailey and Taylor Nahrgang, along with Krista Williams for their excellence keeping things smooth. Dave Spurr, Steve Branco and Jerry Wooten also get a big thanks for working the ground and keeping it a safe, consistent and a fast track all day long.
Our sponsors were a huge part of making the Stampede a success and every one of them called and volunteered to be a part of the Stampede sponsoring on their own will. Many thanks to: C-N Futurity and Charlene Ornellas, Stacy and Todd Hampton, Hall Management, Lewis Luther Construction, Christy and Tyler Gumb, Jade and Jeff Flenniken, Ken and Linda Wood, WCBRA and Bailey and Taylor Nahrgang, Weatherby, Alma’s Flea Market, Meneses Leather, Vetericyn and Gina Graham, Coats Saddlery and Jim and Ruth Haislip, Platinum Performance, Janel Flook and KS Cash N Fame, Amber Embers and Gypsy Feathers, Deb Mann Photography, Central Coast Trailers and Pam Wilken, The Rowdy Rose, Jeff and Stacey Freitas with Jeff Freitas Video, Katie Davis and G4 Energy, Dave Spurr and Missy Tuck, Teri Duetsch, Missy Kitty’s and Glenda and Billy Cook, Friends of Rodeo and Linda Burdick, Judy Locatelli and Doterra Oils, Branco Ranch Furniture, Steve and Kathy Branco and the Chowchilla Western Stampede Committee.
The day following the Stampede the WCBRA produced a $1,000 added 4D open race. Mr. Bill Overton, riding A Secret Inspiration, outran 202 contestants to win the race, running a smoking fast 17.256 and $665. This year we added a two-day high money open average which also went to Bill Overton, winning a Weatherby shotgun for his accomplishment of earning $1,658. Sponsors of the Weatherby shotgun were WCBRA, Bailey and Taylor Nahrgang and the Chowchilla Stampede Committee.
Dean Flenniken Memorial Futurity
1D: 1. Anna Montagano, CB Flirtin With Nick, 17.801, $1,375. 2. Syd Wheeler, Hickorys Smart Holly, 17.915, $1,138. 3. Kelsey Hayden, El Rey Rene, 17.946, $901. 4. Lisa Busick, Rockin Hayday, 18.037, $664. 5. Kristin Weaver-Brown, Coyotehowlinathemoon, 18.040, $427. 6. Sonia Gorrell, My Wyenna, 18.096, $237.
2D: 1. Kylie Mullen, Dashin Larry, 18.885, $916. 2. Michelle Lang, Willshe Wanta Dance, 18.895, $758. 3. Sheena Robbins, Famous French Sixmoons, 18.900, $600. 4. Mary Jo Camera, Night Out Willy, 18.943. $442. 5. Angie Hardin, Coats Streakin Cash, 18.964, $284. 6. Mike Raine, Topsail Dasher, 18.985. $158.
Dean Flenniken Memorial Derby
1D: 1. Katie Pascoe, JR Naughty Jet, 17.429, $567. 2. Vicky Cook, Buds Famous Sun, 17.725, $469. 3. Maile Morehart, She Got The Guy, 17.940, $371. 4. Sheena Robbins, Flingin Cash 37, 17.967, $274. 5. Shelby Stansbury, Commander Of The Light, 18.020, $176. 6. Linda Vick, KN French Dot Fame, 18.046, $98.
2D: 1. Amy Robinson, Hay Sol Sister, 18.445, $378. 2. Bryan Scheer, Liddle Judge, 18.451, $313. 3. Miranda Castro, Cats First Class Crome, 18.463, $248. 4. Lacey Robinson, JL Mark This Page, 18.496, $182. 5. Lori Meneses, Fairlea What About Bob, 18.511, $117. 6. Katie Drosihn, Twoticketstaparadise, 18.523, $65.
CHOWCHILLA STAMPEDE OPEN
1D: 1. Linda Vick, AR Will He Tell, 17.411, $1,114. 2. Katie Pascoe, JR Naughty Jet, 17.429, $836. 3. Kristin Holt, Stormys Mando, 17.468, $724. 4. Vicky Cook, Good Draw Day, 17.500, $613. 5. Cheri Graves, Too Smart To Shine, 17.540, $557. 6. Kristin Weaver-Brown, Famous Scarlett, 17.559, $446. 7. Darleen Alves, Nic N’Shine, 17.569, $362. 8. Casey Yates, Hollywood Hitter, 17.580, $279. 9. Anna Montagano, Merridoc Shebeadaisy, 17.600, $251. 10. Annie Spurr, Traval Boogie, 17.608, $223. 11. Syd Wheeler, Justa Bella, 17.623, $167.
2D: 1. Syd Wheeler, Hickorys Smart Holly, 17.915, $1,003. 2. Sara Clinton, Sheza Indian Tart, 17.922, $752. 3. Auline Harris, Picis Award, 17.925, $652. 4. Maile Morehart, She Got The Guy, 17.940, $552. 5. Kelsey Hayden, El Rey Rene, 17.946, $501. 6. Tawnie Vander Lans, KN Dell, 17.965, $401. 7. Sheena Robbins, Flingin Cash 37, 17.967, $326. 8. Aimee Barragan, GL Jets Frosted Peach, 17.968, $251. 9. Jere Kleinpeter, Dashin Valentine, 17.971, $226. 10. Bill Overton, OBD Smoke That, 17.986, $201. 11. Carolyn Mendes, Persey, 18.013, $150.
3D: 1. Gina Graham, Snoop, 18.412, $854. 2. Amy Robinson, Hay Sol Sister, 18.445, $641. 3. Mendy Beardsley, DTF Royale, 18.447, $555. 4. Bryan Scheer, Liddle Judge, 18.451, $470. 5. Miranda Castro, Cats First Class Crome, 18.463, $427. 6. Taylor Arakelian, KM Dazle A Frenchman, 18.475, $342. 7. Bethany Condon, Streakin Lil Diva, 18.490, $278. 8. Lacey Robinson, JL Mark This Page, 18.496, $214. 9. Lori Meneses, Fairlea What About Bob, 18.511, $192. 10. Katie Drosihn, Twoticketstaparadise, 18.523, $171. 11. Gillian Mullican, Satin Sugar Money, 18.542, $128.
4D: 1. Sharra Deniz, Blazen Red Firewater, 19.413, $743. 2. Renee Dell, Callie Cashing In, 19.454, $557. 3. Becki Gray, Heza Pistol Pac N, 19.457, $483. 4. Jennifer Van Alen, Suitcase, 19.460, $409. 5. Shelly Pelowski, Chance, 19.466, $371. 6. Lauren McDevitt, Driftin Blue Poli, 19.499, $297. 7/8. Savannah Haas, Mystery; Katie McCaslan, TKW Runaway Fame, 19.513, $214. 9. Katie McPartland, Chic, 19.515, $167. 10. Melissa Parry, JSC Moto (Dexter), 19.525, $149. 11. Robin Couch, Superior Wine Chick, 19.536, $111.
WCBRA CHOWCHILLA SUNDAY OPEN
1D: 1. Bill Overton, A Secret Inspiration, 17.256, $665. 2. Vicky Cook, Good Draw Day, 17.357, $499. 3. Leah Baize, Nicks Star Player, 17.395, $415. 4. Kailee McNelis, Made Me Wild Bill, 17.413, $332. 5. Kristin Weaver-Brown, Famous Scarlett, 17.438, $277. 6. Kelsey Hayden, Skippa Ice Breaker, 17.467, $222. 7. Tawnie Vander Lans, KN Dell, 17.516, $194. 8. Randee Hedrick, Colonel Cash Express, 17.518, $166.
2D: 1. Bill Overton, OBD Smoke That, 17.763, $598. 2. Katie Drosihn, Flittabuster, 17.770, $449. 3/4. Brian Ramirez, Holly; Kelsey Hayden, El Rey Rene, 17.772, $337. 5. Jere Kleinpeter, Dashin Valentine, 17.775, $249. 6. Lisa Busick, Rockin Hayday, 17.777, $199. 7. Kristin Holt, Double Down Dashin, 17.792, $174. 8. Lacey Robinson, JL Mark This Page, 17.797, $150.
3D: 1. Kelly Kutchera, ALG Major Flit Bar, 18.272, $510. 2. Jaycee David, Drift N Four Cash, 18.282, $382. 3. Miranda Castro, Cats First Class Crome, 18.292, $319. 4. Macee Nunes, Cant Pay The IRS, 18.307, $255. 5/6. Sandy Wall, Absolutely Paradise; Amy Robinson, Hay Sol Sister, 18.317, $191. 7. Tracey Green, McDreamys Diva, 18.320, $149. 8. Kathy Branco, Mystic Firewater, 18.334, $127.
4D: 1. Cindy Lundberg, Docs Painted Chic, 19.262, $443. 2. Kate Dennish, Marty Lena Bar, 19.279, $332. 3. Jeanette Yanez, Genuine Tradition, 19.324, $277. 4. Shelly Pelowski, Chance, 19.340, $222. 5. Marti Parodi, Detail My Chrome, 19.346, $185. 6. Whitney Laney, Geo Skip Classic, 19.348, $148. 7. Sherry Zacher, Who Dat Dynasty, 19.356, $129. 8. Brenda Tealer, Shining Tucker, 19.358, $111.
2-DAY CHOWCHILLA WCBRA AVERAGE
1D: 1. Vicky Cook, Good Draw Day, 34.857, $259. 2. Bill Overton, A Secret Inspiration, 34.912, $194. 3. Linda Vick, AR Will He Tell, 34.931, $129. 4. Kristen Weaver-Brown, Famous Scarlett, 34.997, $65.
2D: 1. Jene Mathis, SH Stylish And Sly, 35.918, $233. 2. Billie Holman, Frenchie, 35.926, $175. 3. Michelle Silva, Delila, 35.949, $117.
3D: 1. Sandy Wall, Absolutely Paradise, 36.890, $199. 2. Katie Drosihn, Twoticketstaparadise, 36.933, $149. 3. Haley Aquino, Peves Southern Siete, 36.955, $99. 4. Skylar Alves, Rio Smashed, 37.012, $50.
4D: 1. Marti Parodi, Detail My Chrome, 39.031, $173. 2. Whitney Laney, Geo Skip Classic, 39.158, $129. 3. Cindy Lundberg, Docs Painted Chic, 39.165, $86.
CHOWCHILLA STAMPEDE YOUTH SIDEPOT
1D: 1. Macee Nunes, Flash Fast Hawk, 17.748, $110. 2. Kate Dennish, FQH Sun Dry, 17.781, $74.
2D: 1. Haliegh Grant, Mega Sugar, 18.282, $99. 2. Fallon Souza, Fly Girl, 18.384, $66.
3D: 1. Skylar Alves, Rio Smashed, 18.797, $85. 2. Macee Nunes, Cant Pay The IRS, 18.858, $56.
4D: 1. Megan Marro, Shorty, 21.314, $74. 2. Chawnee Roark, Kings Pride, 21.532, $49.
CHOWCHILLA STAMPEDE SENIOR SIDEPOT
1D: 1. Linda Vick, AR Will He Tell, 17.411, $88. 2. Bill Overton, A Secret Inspiration, 17.656, $59. 2D: 1. Bill Overton, OBD Smoke That, 17.986, $79. 2. Kelly Kutchera, ALG Major Flit Bar, 18.017, $53. 3D: 1. Sandy Wall, Absolutely Paradise, 18.573, $68. 2. Sandy Wall, Got Special Talent, 18.578, $45. 4D: 1. Becki Gray, Heza Pistol Pac N, 19.457, $59. 2. Connie Ungewitter, Sheza Cool Diamond, 19.848, $39.
WCBRA SR. SIDEPOT
1D: 1. Bill Overton, A Secret Inspiration, 17.256, $72. 2. Linda Vick, AR Will He Tell, 17.520, $48. 2D: 1. Bill Overton, OBD Smoke That, 17.763, $65. 2. Charlene Jesperson, NF Frenchmans Brucey, 17.820, $43. 3D: 1. Kelly Kutchera, ALG Major Flit Bar, 18.272, $55. 2. Sandy Wall, Absolutely Paradise, 18.317, $37. 4D: 1. Cindy Lundberg, Docs Painted Chic, 19.262, $48. 2. Sherry Zacher, Who Dat Dynasty, 19.356, $32.
Charleen Ornellas (l) and Kathy Branco (c) present awards to Lisa Busick, winner of the 1D Chowchilla Western Stampede Dean Flenniken/C-N Futurity combined average. – Deb Mann Photo
Katie Pascoe on JR Naughty Jet, Dean Flenniken Derby champion. (Deb Mann Photo)
Anna Montagano on CB Flirtin With Nick, was the Dean Flenniken Futurity champ. Presenting her buckle is Kathy Branco. (Deb Mann Photo)
Jene Mathis (r) was the winner of the 2D Chowchilla Western Stampede Dean Flenniken/C-N Futurity combined average. Presenting her Weatherby shotgun is Kathy Branco. (Deb Mann Photo)
