By Melanie Lyell; photos by Puhl's Photography
Tunica’s Paul Battle Jr. Arena & Expo Center was the first stop in the 2016 Safe Harbor Battle in the Saddle Race for the Homeless series, January 15-17. Despite being mid-January, the weekend stayed hot with some of the top competitors blazing in the arena and the Coyote Run Drill Team performing.
Jimmy Cagle and Dash D Hefa set the pace Friday night, running almost 2 tenths second ahead of the field with 14.654. After all 251 runs were made Jimmy and Hefa stayed at the top of the leaderboard. Marne Loosenort on VF Hi N Famous followed with 14.820, barely edging Laney Robinson and Frosted Jet of Honor out of second with their time of 14.821.
Saturday proved to be a day for Alexandria Skipworth and Perfect Definition to strike gold! In true fashion for what this dynamic duo is known, they clocked the fastest time of the weekend with 14.602. Laney and Frosted Jet of Honor followed closely behind with consistency, running at 14.818 to take second in the 1D, while Cagle and Hefaended won the 2D.
The Young Guns weren’t holding back either. Jesy Lovelady and her mount LGR Webbs Pride took first in the 1D, 3 tenths of a second ahead of Lexie Twedell and Patches, to win $138. Delaney Naifeh and Flash won the 2D with their time of 16.449, and Kayleigh Wilburn and Boston Tea Party claimed the 3D with winnings of $55.20. The 46 entries in Saturday’s Young Guns class all came to prove that they weren’t there to play; they meant business in the pen!
BITS added the Open 3D Poles Class on Saturday with $500 added money. After 40 entries ran, Hannah Lee and Abby Jeans A Peppy of Nesbit, MS claimed first in the 1D posting a time of 20.941, taking home $257.83.
As Sunday rolled around to culminate a great weekend, everyone knew that the final round money, the average payout and awards were up for grabs. The 45 Young Guns started the morning, with Jesy Lovelady and LGR Webbs Pride once again taking the lead. Her 15.378 was good enough to win $135 and the Average 1D Young Guns Title. Summer Pollard rode Wild Bill to win the 2D in Sunday’s round with a time of 16.471, while McKenzie Scherzinger and Bo posted 17.573 to win the 3D. The Battle in the Saddle Young Guns are definitely proving they are a force to be reckoned with.
Elaina McKinney and Cool Memories of Carbondale, IL topped the leaderboard Sunday in the Open. Their 14.703 netted them $831.45, while Laney Robinson on JM Alive N Perquir followed closely behind with 14.733. Jimmy Cagle rode Figure Im Special to win third, with Alexandria Skipworth and Perfect Definition taking fourth. Alexis Blagg on BH Cash Withdrawal took the 2D win and earnings of $748.31. Shawna Bourne and Willie B Famous of Culleoka, TN topped the 3D in 15.745 seconds, and Mitchell Fulcher rode Nifty Hatband to win the 4D and $554.30.
High Money and Open 1D Average Champion went to Alexandria Skipworth and Perfect Definition. Jesy Lovelady and LGR Webbs Pride were the Young Guns 1D Average Champions. Total Entries for were 927, and total payout was $52,275.01.
Next stop is the Tennessee Miller Coliseum in Murfreesboro, TN June 24 – 26, 2016 with $5,500 added and $500 added to the Open 3D Poles. All shows for 2016 are WPRA Great Lakes and Southeastern Region approved. For event information visit www.safeharborevent.comor find Battle in the Saddle on Facebook.
All proceeds from Battle in the Saddle events go to Safe Harbor’s Homeless Mission. Battle in the Saddle held its first barrel race at the Agricenter Showplace Arena in Memphis, TN in 2013. With the over $18,000 raised from that show, the organization was able to renovate the bathrooms at the Mission. In 2014 Battle in the Saddle shows raised enough money to buy a new, commercial stove for the Mission. ​In 2015, a goal $20,000 to re-roof the Homeless Mission was set. It hasn’t yet been reached, so proceeds from the 2016 events will be added to try to get the roof replaced.
Tunica Open Average Results:
1D
1) Alexandria Skipworth on Perfect Definition
2) Elaina McKinney on Cool Memories
3) Laney Robinson on Frosted Jet of Honor
4) Jimmy Cagle on Dash D Hefa
5) Mendy Williams on Perks Pazazz
2D
1) Kim Matthews on A Lil Drop Of Candy
2) Taycie Matthews on Double Fast Cruizin
3) Taycie Matthews on Guys Streakin Angel
4) Amy Riley on The Grey Goose
5) Ashley Brooks on Jane
3D
1) ClayreMcCallister on Jacie
2) Wesley Haley on BR ShesaDashin Lena
3) Amber Harris on Peppy’s Salty Style
4) Mary Chandler King on BayreyesABubblin
5) Jordan Meek on RDJ Spy Jet
4D
1) Caroline Crawford on Mounces Fancy Star
2) Eva Daughhetee on Snap
3) TrenaMoffit on Cody Wants To Slide
4) Kaylie Hammack on BradysBlondys Hancock
5) Halie Steward on SP Bell Mare 008
For Full Results please visit www.safeharborevent.com
