2026 Calgary Stampede Ladies Barrel Racing Qualifier
The 2026 Calgary Stampede Ladies Barrel Racing Qualifier is complete, and the final four are now officially added to the list of competitors for the 2026 Calgary Stampede, July 3-12.
Heidi Gunderson from Murdock, MN won both rounds of the qualifier, finishing with a 33.39 to win the aggregate. She and WONDER IF IM LUCKY finished second at The American Rodeo just two weeks ago. The five year old bay gelding, who is by Lucky Wonder Horse and out of TS Sunnys Super Star, was the 2025 BFA Juvenile Champion. Heidi is currently 47th in the WPRA World Standings, with $17,193.38 won after 17 rodeos entered.
Sydney Graham of Abilene, TX finished second in the aggregate with a 33.71, aboard DuPont First. The 7 year old stallion everyone is talking about, is by Duponte (by American Runaway and out of the Ivory James mare Havannah Goodtime. He retired to stud with a record of seven wins from 16 starts and earnings of $921,237) out of First Fervre. Sydney is currently sitting 8th in the WPRA World Standings with $48,828.28 won after 33 rodeos.
Finishing third in the aggregate with a 33.81, was Jaylan Netherlan of Brock, TX aboard, SLICK MY JEWELS who is by Slick By Design out of I Hope To Impress You. Jaylan currently sits 79th in the WPRA World Standings with $10,575.56 won after 32 rodeos.
The Challenger Round was FAST. In this round, only the winner punches a ticket to The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Catherine Asmussen of Laredo, Texas, blew the doors off the building, running a 16.43, riding GIRL CARTEL LBH by The Louisiana Cartel out of Wachovia (Tres Seis). Catherine currently sits 69th in the WPRA World Standings with $12,012.65 after 29 rodeos entered.
Catherine and Jaylan are travelling partners, and are both WPRA rookies this year. They know one another through family ties in the race horse industry. Both Catherine and Jaylan went to the Calgary Stampede Qualifier in Salinas UT, and knocked, so they entered the Calgary Qualifier and are now headed to The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth together.
Congratulations to a great group of women!
