NFR Pedigree Analysis

Each December, the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nevada showcases the season’s top money-earning cowboys and cowgirls and their tremendously talented horses. Whether they are backed in the box or fixing to fly down the alley, all the WNFR equine athletes have something in common – Thoroughbred bloodlines.

The great Thoroughbred stallion Three Bars appears multiple times in the pedigrees of all the horses competing in timed events. Most of the horses also trace back to Chicaro, Dennis Reed, Depth Charge, Doc Horn, Joe Blair, King Plaudit, Piggin String, Porte Drapeau and Top Deck. Examining the pedigrees of modern Quarter Horses makes the Thoroughbred influence hard to ignore. We went back eight generations and calculated the Thoroughbred percentage of horses competing at the WNFR. Here are the Purina AQHA/PRCA Horses of the Year:

Mr. Blackburn Chex 113 – “Dunny” – Steer Roping – 5.9% Thoroughbred

ridden by Cole Patterson and owned by Rocky Patterson

2011 gelding by Zacharys Lena Chex and out of Blackburn 0 14, by Fortys Last Chance

Prominent Thoroughbreds: Three Bars, Master Gould, Piggin String, King Plaudit

Little Smart Leo – “Big Time” Tie-down Roping – 22.3% Thoroughbred

ridden and owned by Tyler Milligan

2003 gelding by Smart Sooner and out of a Handle Bar Doc mare

Prominent Thoroughbreds: Three Bars, Doc Horn, Porte Drapeau, Dennis Reed, Greenock

Jewels Smoke Screen – “Smoke” – Heading – 23.4% Thoroughbred

ridden by Tate Kirchenschlager and owned by Brad Land

2007 gelding by Smokin Reward and out of Baileys Little Jewel, by Freckles Quixote

Prominent Thoroughbreds: Joe Blair, Flying Squirrel, Three Bars, Bayard, Sheila’s Reward, Handy Shot

DT Sugar Chex Whiz – “Sugar” – Heeling – 30.9% Thoroughbred

ridden by Billie Jack Saebens and owned by Dixon Flowers QH

2010 mare by Shiners Lena Chex and out of King Snazzy Sugar, by Fol’s Classy Snazzy

Prominent Thoroughbreds: Three Bars, Doc Horn, Fol’s Native, Raise a Native, Ole Fols, Rocket Bar, Vandy, War Admiral

Do Get Famous – “Rattle” – Steer Wrestling – 67.6% Thoroughbred

ridden by Matt Reeves and owned by Matt and Savanah Reeves

2012 mare by Eddie Stinson and out of Do Get Gone, by Meter Me Gone

Prominent Thoroughbreds: Three Bars, Find a Buyer, Lake Erie, Lena’s Bar, Past Due, Noholme, Moolah Bux, Beduino, Hijo the Bull, Double Feature, Top Deck

The Thoroughbred influence is especially evident in the barrel horses. The AQHA/WPRA Barrel Racing Horse of the Year, High Valor, is 74.6% Thoroughbred in eight generations. Amberleigh Moore’s main mount CP Dark Moon is 80.1% Thoroughbred. Shez a Mazie James, Lacinda Rose’s horse, is the most Thoroughbred. She is out of a daughter of Breeders’ Cup Sprint winner Gulch and is 82.8% Thoroughbred. Here are the Thoroughbred percentages of all the horses ridden by the top fifteen barrel racers of the 2019 season:

1.Nellie Miller – $154,611 – Back No. 119

Rafter W Minnie Reba – “Sister” – 41.0% Thoroughbred

2008 mare by KS Cash N Fame and out of Espuela Roan, by Blue Light Ike

Prominent Thoroughbreds: Find a Buyer, Lake Erie, Three Bars, Lena’s Bar, Fleet Kirsch, Reno Irritant

2. Hailey Kinsel – $148,867 – Back No. 54

DM Sissy Hayday – “Sister” – 54.3% Thoroughbred

2011 mare by PC Frenchmans Hayday and out of Royal Sissy Irish, by Royal Shake Em

Prominent Thoroughbreds: Three Bars, Anchor Watch, Beduino, Find a Buyer, Zevi, Bold Ruler, Master Hand

Thunder Stones – “TJ” – 59.8% Thoroughbred

2004 gelding by Stinks An Stones and out of See F Jets Candy, by Pines Easter Jet

Prominent Thoroughbreds: Top Deck, Three Bars, Lena’s Bar, Bold Venture, Depth Charge, Tiny Iny, Jackstraw, Top Deck, Miss Pines

3. Lisa Lockhart – $146,352 – Back No. 90

An Oakie With Cash – “Louie” – 45.3% Thoroughbred

2003 gelding by Biebers Oakie and out of Lady Kaweah Cash, by Judge Cash

Prominent Thoroughbreds: Three Bars, Rocket Bar, Find a Buyer, Mito Paint, Lena’s Bar, Now Is The Time

Rosas Cantina CC – “Rosa” – 58.6% Thoroughbred

2010 mare by Corona Cartel and out of Dash Ta Vanila, by Dash Ta Fame

Prominent Thoroughbreds: Find a Buyer, Three Bars, Lena’s Bar, Baby Steel, Beduino, Mayshego, Azure Te, Reb’s Policy, Lilsalady, Lake Erie

Prime Diamond – “Cutter” – 68.8% Thoroughbred

2011 gelding by Prime Talent and out of Hugos Diamond, by Hugo Streakin

Prominent Thoroughbreds: Beduino, Lilsalady, Coup de Kas, Dana’s Princess, Three Bars, Little Request, Find a Buyer, Noholme, Away From Holme, Aforethought

4. Shali Lord – $111,776 – Back No. 29

Freckles Ta Fame – “Can Man” – 43.0% Thoroughbred

2009 stallion by Dash Ta Fame and out of Frenchmans Freckles, by Frenchmans Guy

Prominent Thoroughbreds: Three Bars, Rocket Bar, Find a Buyer, Anchor Watch, Lake Erie, War Admiral

5. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi – $105,503 – Back No. 110

KissKiss BangBang – “Mona” – 61.3% Thoroughbred

2010 mare by Dash Ta Fame and out of CD Nick Bar, by Dr Nick Bar

Prominent Thoroughbreds: Three Bars, Rocket Bar, Find a Buyer, Anchor Watch, Lake Erie, War Admiral, Pass Em Up, Lena’s Bar, Custus Rastus

Babe on the Chase – “Birdie” – 64.5% Thoroughbred

2011 mare by Chasin Firewater and out of Streakin Six Babe, by Streakin Six

Prominent Thoroughbreds: Three Bars, Depth Charge, Rocket Bar, Lena’s Bar, Hijo the Bull, Little Request, Direct Win, First Ambassador, Boyarsky

Ima Famous Babe – “Katniss” – 74.6% Thoroughbred

2013 mare by Dash Ta Fame and out of Streakin Six Babe, by Streakin Six

Prominent Thoroughbreds: Three Bars, Rocket Bar, Find a Buyer, Anchor Watch, Lake Erie, War Admiral, Hijo the Bull, Little Request, Direct Win, First Ambassador, Boyarsky

6. Stevi Hillman – $105,335 – Back No. 66

Morning Traffic – “Martini” – 42.6% Thoroughbred

2011 mare by Frenchmans Guy and out of Evening Traffic, by Dash Thru Traffic

Prominent Thoroughbreds: Three Bars, Find A Buyer, Beduino, Double Feature

Guys R A Mystery – “Sherlock” – 52.3% Thoroughbred

2009 gelding by Frechmans Guy and out of Disarray, by Dash Ta Fame

Prominent Thoroughbreds: Three Bars, Find a Buyer, Lake Erie, Esters Little Klu

MCM Imasharpguy – “Sharpie” – 57.4% Thoroughbred

2012 gelding by A Sharp Frenchman and out of Mulberry Canyon Moon, by Marthas Six Moons

Prominent Thoroughbreds: Mito Paint, Ole Fols, Long Chance, Three Bars, Thermos, Degage, Osage Streaker

Cuatro Fame – “Truck” – 67.2% Thoroughbred

2007 gelding by Dash Ta Fame and out of Princess Streaks, by Streak Laico Bird

Prominent Thoroughbreds: Three Bars, Rocket Bar, Find a Buyer, Anchor Watch, Lake Erie, War Admiral, Little Request, Gay Dunce

7. Emily Miller – $98,145 – Back No. 107

Namgis D 33 – “Chongo” – 43.8% Thoroughbred

2010 gelding by Bucks Hancock Dude and out of Track Goddess, by Eyesa Special

Prominent Thoroughbreds: Three Bars, Find a Buyer, Beduino, Raise Your Glass, Little Request, Geiger Countess

Namgis D 56 – “Foxy” – 37.9% Thoroughbred

2012 mare by Bucks Hancock Dude and out of Central Station, by First Down Dash

Prominent Thoroughbreds: Three Bars, Rocket Bar, Find a Buyer, Tiptoe Tune, Vikingson

Biddin on Fame – “Beau” – 59.0% Thoroughbred

2013 gelding by PC Frosty Bid and out of Jaxsons Olympic Fame, by Poco Lijerito

Prominent Thoroughbreds: Azure Te, Beduino, Monas Baby, Three Bars, Lena’s Bar, Cul De Sac

Namgis D 35 – “Pipewrench” – 37.9% Thoroughbred

2010 gelding by Bucks Hancock Dude and out of Central Station, by First Down Dash

Prominent Thoroughbreds: Three Bars, Rocket Bar, Find a Buyer, Tiptoe Tune, Vikingson

8. Jessica Routier – $96,582 – Back No. 98

Fiery Miss West – “Missy” – 37.5% Thoroughbred

2011 mare by Firewater Frenchman and out of Frenchmans Bo Dashus, by Royal Quick Dash

Prominent Thoroughbreds: Three Bars, Find a Buyer, Beduino

Especials Smoothie – “Smoothie” – 41.0% Thoroughbred

1995 mare by Especial and out of Docs Lil Smoothie, by Smooth Herman

Prominent Thoroughbreds: Three Bars, Lena’s Bar, Doc Horn

9. Dona Kay Rule – $96,507 – Back No. 57

High Valor – “Valor” – AQHA/WPRA Barrel Racing Horse of the Year – 74.6% Thoroughbred

2009 gelding by Valiant Hero and out of Rare High, by Rare Form

Prominent Thoroughbreds: Three Bars, Rocket Bar, Find a Buyer, Beduino, Mayshego, Azure Te, Reb’s Policy, Lilsalady, Noholme, Moolah Bux, Mito Paint, Yankee Doll, Top Deck

Bullseye Bullion – “Bulls” – 73.8% Thoroughbred

2010 stallion by Bully Bullion and out of Top Shawne, by Shawne Bug

Prominent Thoroughbreds: Raise Your Glass, Raise a Native, Native Dancer, Hijo Beauty, Spotted Bull, Bull Dog, Bymeabond, Bimelech, Three Bars, Direct Win, Thymus, Better Faila, Better Self, Top Deck

10. Ericka Nelson – $93,433 – Back No. 78

Goodfrenchmanfriday – “Friday” – 40.2% Thoroughbred

2006 gelding by BHR Frenchies Socks and out of Joyces Gal, by Direct Moon Jet

Prominent Thoroughbreds: Three Bars, Anaqua, Top Deck, Direct Win, Vandy

PC Cash – “Bud” – 59.8% Thoroughbred

2010 gelding by PC Frosty Bid and out of Cashini, by Bet the Cash

Prominent Thoroughbreds: Azure Te, Three Bars, Rocket Bar, Find A Buyer, Lena’s Bar, Raise a Native, Nativo

11. Ivy Conrado-Seabens – $93,269 – Back No. 115

KN Fabs Gift of Fame – “JLo” – 51.2% Thoroughbred

2009 mare by Frenchmans Fabulous and out of Mistys Dash of Fame, by Dash Ta Fame

Prominent Thoroughbreds: Three Bars, Anchor Watch, Find a Buyer, Lake Erie, Murrtheblurr, Never Bend, Cornish Prince, Truly Truckle

CFour Tibbie Stinson – “Tibbie” – 50.8% Thoroughbred

2009 mare by Eddie Stinson and out of Little Fancy Granny, by Del Puerto Bill

Prominent Thoroughbreds: Find a Buyer, Lake Erie, Three Bars, Lena’s Bar, Past Due, Hi Watch, Spotted Bull, Heeler

12. Amberleigh Moore – $93,059 – Back No. 105

CP Dark Moon – “Paige” – 80.1% Thoroughbred

2009 mare by Darkelly and out of SRQH New Highs, by On A High

Prominent Thoroughbreds: Find a Buyer, The Wind Mariah, Tumble Wind, Shawne, Round Table, Meritable, Canadian Gil, Three Bars, Rocket Bar, Mito Paint, Crafty Actor, Crafty Yankee, Lena’s Bar, Cup of Charm, Cup Race

Junos Royal Flush – “Jen” – 46.1% Thoroughbred

2007 mare by Dash of Royal Gold and out of Royal Wrangler Sarah, by Kings Tuf N Royal

Prominent Thoroughbreds: Three Bars, Rocket Bar, Find a Buyer, Master Hand, Bold Ruler, Top Deck

Blue Duck Down – “Ducky” – 19.9% Thoroughbred

2010 gelding by Blue Duck Okie and out of Miss Quixote Dude, Mr Morgan Freeman

Prominent Thoroughbreds: Three Bars, Find a Buyer

13. Jennifer Sharp – $91,754 – Back No. 103

KR Famous Tequila – “Tequilla” – 73.0% Thoroughbred

2011 stallion by Dash Ta Fame and out of Tequikillya, by Chicks Beduino

Prominent Thoroughbreds: Three Bars, Rocket Bar, Find a Buyer, Anchor Watch, Lake Erie, War Admiral, Grey Sovereign, Rejected, Beduino, Mayshego, Mayhego, Harmonys Model, Hempen, Raise Your Glass

Mitos Cutter – “Commander” – 24.2% Thoroughbred

2009 gelding by Mito Dry and out of JCS Cutter, by Please Send Money

Prominent Thoroughbreds: Three Bars, Mito Paint, Little Request

14. Cheyenne Wimberley – $90,361 – Back No. 73

KN Fabs Mist of Fame – “Misty” – 51.2% Thoroughbred

2008 mare by Frenchmans Fabulous and out of Mistys Dash of Fame, by Dash Ta Fame

Prominent Thoroughbreds: Three Bars, Anchor Watch, Find a Buyer, Lake Erie, Murrtheblurr, Never Bend, Cornish Prince, Truly Truckle

VQ Sucker Punch – “Rocco” – 59.8% Thoroughbred

2011 gelding by Dash Ta Fame and out of Honor This Nonstop, by Mr Honor Bound

Prominent Thoroughbreds: Three Bars, Rocket Bar, Find a Buyer, Anchor Watch, Lake Erie, War Admiral, Fast Fellow, Imbros

Dash Ta Suz – “Smooch” – 66.0% Thoroughbred

2011 mare by Dash Ta Fame and out of Six Moon Suz, by Marthas Six Moons

Prominent Thoroughbreds: Rocket Bar, Find a Buyer, Anchor Watch, Lake Erie, War Admiral, Ole Fols, Long Chance, Three Bars, Hempen, Nashrullah, Spy Song

15. Lacinda Rose – $88,936 – Back No. 89

RR Meradas Real Deal – “Real Deal” – 16.8% Thoroughbred

2008 gelding by Lover Boy Merada and out of Zan Roan Jax Jo, by Zan Gold Jackson

Prominent Thoroughbreds: Three Bars

Shez a Mazie James – “Mazie” – Off-Track Quarter Horse – 82.8% Thoroughbred

2010 mare by Ivory James and out of Any Kind of Love (TB), by Gulch (TB)

Prominent Thoroughbreds: Three Bars, Beduino, Lilsalady, Raise Your Glass, Hempen, Gulch, Mr. Prospector, Raise a Native, Native Dancer, Nashua, Seattle Slew, Bold Reasoning, Boldnesian, Exclusive Native, Pulpit

Famous Illusion – “Louie” – 48.4% Thoroughbred

2013 gelding by Dash Ta Fame and out of TR Dashing Badger, by Mr Illuminator

Prominent Thoroughbreds: Rocket Bar, Find a Buyer, Anchor Watch, Lake Erie, War Admiral, Yankee Doll

WNFR Barrel Horse Summary

Most Thoroughbred: Lacinda Rose’s Mazie – 82.8%

Least Thoroughbred: Lacinda Rose’s Real Deal – 16.8%

Average Thoroughbred Percentage: 53.1%

Average Age: 10 years old (2009)

Common Sires: Dash Ta Fame, Bucks Hancock Dude, Frenchmans Guy

Common Dams: Mistys Dash of Fame, Central Station, Streakin Six Babe

On average, the WNFR barrel horses are more Thoroughbred than Quarter Horse. So when you watch the horses charge down the alley at the Thomas and Mack Center, remember that you are looking at a culmination of centuries of breeding. Breeding that includes names such as Wimpy, Driftwood, and Poco Bueno, but also Bold Ruler, Northern Dancer, and Man O’ War.

Sources: www.wpra.com, www.prorodeo.com, www.barrelracingtips.com