A Look Back at September
As Western performance events start to focus on futurities in anticipation of the big shows at the end of the year, rodeos are still going strong in September. In the horse racing world, the “World’s Richest Quarter Horse Race” takes place on Labor Day.
All American FuturityThe $3 million All American Futurity, the last jewel in Quarter Horse racing’s Triple Crown, was held September 2 at The Downs at Albuquerque, New Mexico, due to flood damage at its normal home, Ruidoso Downs. Coming off victories at the Ruidoso Futurity in June and the Rainbow Futurity in July, Hezgothelook Z became the second 2-year-old to make a Triple Crown sweep, winning the All American Futurity under jockey Bryan Candanosa with a time of 21.12.
“It’s an overwhelming blessing to witness this dream come true for us,” says Norma Olivarez, who owns Hezgothelook Z with her husband, Leo, at Triple One Ranch. “We feel so honored and blessed for the journey we’ve been on. Hezgothelook Z has worked so hard, and seeing him achieve this incredible victory fills our hearts with joy. The win is incredible, but the grace, poise and strength he has shown along the way are breathtaking. We give all glory to God throughout this journey, and we are beyond thankful for everyone who has supported us. Their love and encouragement have made this victory even more special.”
Hezgothelook Z, owned by Leo and Norma Olivarez, under jockey Bryan Candanosa winning the All American Futurity. Photo by Coady Media (623) 203-4084
Olivarez says after his big year, Hezgothelook Z (Favorite Cartel x Shezgothelook), who is trained by Toby Keeton, will get a well-deserved break. After some spa treatments and a few months to relax and recharge, the gelding will be pointed at the derbies next year. With his incredible talent, Olivarez is excited to see what he can do in the future.
“Hezgothelook Z has a remarkable spirit that shines through every time he runs,” she says. “His strength, heart and determination set him apart, but it’s also the love, care and dedication from the team surrounding him — his trainers, jockeys and everyone involved — who nurtures his talent and spoils him. He loves the hugs and kisses, and he deserves them all. We truly believe that God has blessed him with these incredible abilities, and it’s humbling to see how he uses them to rise to the top.”
Hezgothelook Z under jockey Bryan Candanosa winning the All American Futurity with a time of 21.12. Photo by Coady Media (623) 203-4084
KJ Bad Moon Rising (KJ Mucho Macho Man x KJ Kiss Me Goodbye), owned by John and Kathy Lee, finished second with a time of 21.143, and La Feliz Montana Ranch LLC’s FDD Dreams (FDD Dynasty x Treasured Dreams) was third.
Pendleton Round-UpThe 114th Pendleton Round-Up took place September 7-14 in Oregon. The popular event, which paid out more than $700,000, broke attendance records during two performances this year.
Pendleton Round-Up 2024 Champions:Bareback Riding Champion: Weston Timberman, Columbus, Montana; 173.5 points on two; $6,822
Tie-Down Roping Co-Champions: Ty Harris, San Angelo, Texas, and Preston Pederson, Hermiston, Oregon; 30.1 seconds on three; $7,472 each
Breakaway Roping Co-Champions: Coti Fuller, Touchet, Washington, and Kelsie Domer, Dublin, Texas; 6.4 seconds on two; $6,049 each
Steer Wrestling Champion: Jesse Brown, Baker City, Oregon; 18.3 seconds on three; $7,552
Bull Riding Champion: Trevor Reiste, Linden, Iowa; 178.5 points on two; $6,371
Barrel Racing Champion: Lisa Lockhart, Oelrichs, South Dakota; 57.29 seconds on two; $5,891
Team Roping Champions: Levi Lord, Sturgis, South Dakota, & Dustin Egusquiza, Marianna, Florida; 17.9 seconds on three; $9,868 each
Saddle Bronc Champion: Jake Finlay, Goondiwindi, Queensland, Australia; 176.5 points on two; $6,427
Saddle Bronc of the Rodeo: The Black Tie, owned by Sankey Pro Rodeo and Phenom Genetics
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