LAS VEGAS – Barrel racer Carlee Pierce has made more money in Las Vegas during her two previous qualifications to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.
She never had a better 10 days.
On Saturday night, the Edmond, Okla., cowgirl raced around the cloverleaf pattern in 13.97 seconds to place third in the 10th go-round, adding $11,340 to her payroll. More importantly, she held on to sixth in the average with a cumulative time of 151.61 seconds, which paid her another $12,000. She finished the NFR with $63,750.
“That is the first time I have ever won an average check,” said Pierce, who rode all 10 nights on Streakin Easy April, a 6-year-old sorrel mare she calls Lolo. “I had no expectations this year because my horses were so young, so I’m beyond tickled to have such a good finals.”
The talented tandem placed in six go-rounds. Pierce finished the season with $154,181, sixth in the world standings.
“I’m very excited about the future with Lolo,” she said. “I knew she had the ability, but she proved to me this week that she’s ready. That’s awesome.”