Aurora Wind Feeds/BUCKEYE Nutrition Slot Race Returns Tomorrow
2022 Aurora Wind Feeds/BUCKEYE Nutrition Slot Race Friday September 2nd and Saturday September 3rd - Gommersall Arena Moose Jaw Exhibition Grounds
Friday - Warm - Up Jackpot at 6:30 pm
Saturday - Open Jackpot at 12 Noon and the Slot Races go at 5 pm
It may not be as big as it was in its 2021 inaugural year but the 2022 Aurora Wind Feeds/BUCKEYE Nutrition Slot Race is still set to bring dozens of riders into Moose Jaw this Friday (September 2nd) and Saturday (September 3rd) at the Gommersall Arena on the Moose Jaw Exhibition Grounds (250 Thatcher Drive East).
Saturday evening’s slot races will see over $6,500 up for grabs to the fastest barrel racer.
Ashley Cleveland negotiates around a barrel in last year’s event- MJ Independent file photo
“We are expecting about a 100 barrel racers this year,” organizer Nicole Hicks said, adding “our numbers are down about 50 horses this year.”
The reason for the drop is due to the fact with the full lifting of COVID - 19 restrictions there are more events to take part in across the western provinces, Hicks said.
“Last year there wasn’t that many other events going on on the same weekend. But this year there is like three or four other events going on and they are picking and choosing where they want to go. Things like fuel prices have an effect and they are staying closer to home with events closer by.”
Despite the drop in numbers Hicks said the competition this year will be tough as there are still some top barrel racers competing looking to win the $6,500 - $7,000 grand prize on Saturday evening.
“There is still a lot of top girls who will be competing. More like your top end jackpot riders. Not many rodeo competitors are going to be out because we have got amateur rodeos on this weekend. We have got pro rodeos on this week so its going to be more of your high end jack potters competing but you are still going to get some top riders. It is going to be a good competition,” Hicks said.
“Lots of them (competing) are top derby riders and they go out west to the high end rodeo so it should be highly competitive. You are still looking at some really good horses and some really good riders.”
Last year’s $10,000 grand prize in the slot race was because of 150 slots full but with 85 plus - and still counting until just before the event - the prize money should be in the $6,500 - $7,000 range she said.
“We are still taking entries up until the day before. I still cannot tell you the exact number right now…winning between $6,500 and $7,000 is still a real good paying day for sure.”
Last year’s winner Nancy Leischner from Olds, Alberta is one of last year’s competitors who is unable to defend the championship as she is at a pro rodeo this weekend in BC.
Spectators are welcome at this FREE event.
Hicks advises spectators to wear a hat, dress appropriately for the heat, wear sunscreen and remain hydrated with the heat.
Hicks said she would like to thank the events sponsors who make it possible.
Aurora Winds Feeds/BUCKEYE Nutrition and Visit Moose Jaw are the major sponsors of the event.