Miley Bunting Wins The Dan Branco Memorial Barrel Race

By Kathy Branco
Special To Ropers Sports News

CHOWCHILLA, CALIF. – The 66th Chowchilla Western Stampede barrel race went off March 11-12 with predictions of an atmospheric river. Thankfully the storm hit Friday, March 10 and then the sun shined through Saturday and Sunday, which was total opposite from what the forecast called for. The original count for the race was 391 runners. Due to flooding the day before the race, 60 had to draw out, most were unable to leave their driveways due to flooding. Prayers to those who were unable to attend and many thanks to those who pulled their hats down and braved the mud outside to run in a great covered arena.
Saturday’s race had 331 Open entries with a one-day payout between the Open, Futurity, Derby, Jr. and Sr. divisions, of $41,124.
The Stampede kicked off the race with a special opening honoring our two yearly memorial honorees. Dan Branco, (Dan Branco Memorial Open) one of the original founders of the Chowchilla Stampede and Dean Flenniken (Dean Flenniken Memorial Futurity and Derby). Dean was the first woman in California to produce Futurities. Also honored in our opening was our 2023 Chowchilla Stampede Grand Marshall, Dr. Ed LeTourneau. Doc is a Chowchilla Stampede committeeman, veterinarian, Sr. World Champion bull rider and has many other accomplishments to his name. Doc has made a tremendous impact on the Chowchilla/Madera community for years.
The Stampede also honored the late great Charlene Jespersen, whom we lost July 16 of 2022. Charlene was the very first Chowchilla Stampede barrel racing champion in 1958. The Stampede considered Charlene the “First Lady” and first champion. Charlene was honored with a riderless horse with a bouquet of flowers on the saddle that was lead in by Kathy Branco, followed by Lyndee Stairs, Stacy Hampton and Kimberly Naffzinger. All ladies were dressed in outfits of Charlene and her mother, Alma Evetts, who were always dressed to the nines in fancy chaps, shirts and hats and admired by all. Lyndee Stairs also wore a fur vest for Dean Flenniken (Dean always referred to it as her “road kill”).
The Dan Branco Memorial Open 4D Barrel Race was also a Patriot Qualifier Race this year. 331 entries competed for the $10,000 added purse and a Patriot qualification that was won by champion Miley Bunting of Red Bluff, Calif., aboard “Click,” running a speedy 17.382. The awesome duo won $1,560, a Stampede buckle and Branco Ranch bench and a Fast Pass to the Vegas Patriot Million Dollar Short Go.
The 2D Champion was Shelley Holman on Red Hot N Burnin, winning $1,404, a Stampede buckle, Branco Ranch bench and a Fast Pass to the Vegas Patriot Million Dollar Short Go.
3D Champion was Taryn Bruener on Pay Cash For Gold, winning $1,196, winning a Stampede buckle, Branco Ranch bench and a Fast Pass to the Vegas Patriot Million Dollar Short Go.
The 4D Champion was Gigi Forgnone on Ima Partee Cowboy winning her first ever buckle which happened to be a Stampede buckle, a Branco Ranch bench, $1,040 and a Fast Pass to the Vegas Patriot Million Dollar Short Go.
The Dean Flenniken Memorial Futurity with 50 entries competing for $3,000 added purse, 100 percent payback was won by Shelby Bates aboard SH Famously Smooth, running a 17.722 and winning $1,584, a Stampede buckle and bag of Symphony Feed. The 2D champion was Alanna Bobsin on Plain Radio Flyer, running an 18.733 for $1,056, a Stampede buckle and bag of Symphony Feed.
The Dean Flenniken Memorial Derby with 47 entries and $1,000 added was won by Vicky Cook on Blazin More Cash winning $832, a Stampede buckle and bag of Symphony Feed. The 2D Derby champion was Emma Osburn on Midnight Beauty DR, running 18.550 and winning $555, a Stampede buckle and Symphony Feed.
The Stampede was honored to be chosen this year to be a Patriot Qualifier race in which all D division winners will receive a Fast Pass to the December Vegas Patriot Race Short Go where they will run at a million dollar purse. All other money earners in each D will receive an invite to the December Patriot race in Las Vegas, to run for the million. Many thanks to the Patriot for choosing the Chowchilla Stampede.
Sunday following the main Stampede race, the Stampede produced a $1,500 added Open race. The race turned out 176 entries and was won by Kelsey Hayden of Oakdale Calif., aboard her fabulous mare, “Buhbye” running a 17.399.
The two day Average was won by Miley Bunting on her great horse “Click,” winning the Chowchilla Stampede Memorial Charlene Jespersen average buckle and the Teri Duetsch Memorial travel safety bag. Miley ran a 17.382 and 17.687 to win the two-day Stampede average.
The Stampede total two day payout was $52,746 to those who braved the weather.
Our sponsors are a huge part of the Stampede and we cannot thank them enough. Generous Ray Barragan Jr. with Golden Memorial Insurance, and Rockin JR Ranch @ $5,000 sponsor. The Patriot, Stacy and Todd Hampton, Hall Management Corp., Orchard Bar & Grill, Ashleys Journey Barrel Bash, the Zanoli kids in memory of Jim and Betty Zanoli, Christie Wood Gumb, Jade and Jeff Flenniken, Ken and Linda Woods, Kimberly Naffzinger and DeWayne Brawley, Symphony Feed and Tami Kelly, Running F Quarter Horses and Janel Flook, Charlene Ornellas and Just By Design, Platinum Performance, WPRA PESI Stallion Incentive, Deb Mann with Double Shot Darling, Wyatt and Lacy Bourdet and Isaac Starlight, Stephanie Cosca, N and S Tractor, Kendra Williams with Sterling On Steel, Branco Ranch Furniture, and the Chowchilla Stampede Committee.
The Chowchilla Stampede would also like to thank “the Dream Team” crew who is second to none and ran a flawless race. Secretary Sheanna DeForest; announcer Steve Smart, office staff Patti Silva, Sheila Ragsdale, Teri Silva; Jodi Branco, stall and RV manager; Jeff and Stacey Freitas with JF Video; Deb Mann photography; Dana Luther and Candy Forsburg, gate hostess; and the Chowchilla football team who set barrels all weekend.
The 66th Chowchilla Stampede was a bit of a challenge with weather but is in the books and will be one to remember.

Miley Bunting was the Saturday Open Dan Branco Memorial Stampede Champion and the two-day Average winner. Miley receives her buckle and Branco Ranch bench from Kathy Branco and Dr. Ed LeTourneau, 2023 Stampede Grand Marshal. – Deb Mann Photo