As Pink Buckle Approaches, All Eyes Are On the Millions as Stars Come Out
The Pink Buckle 4D and futurity is just a week away with action slated to begin Oct. 2 and run through Oct. 8 at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Oklahoma.
With over $4.105 million of guaranteed money on the line, this is one of the best opportunities of the year for many riders, trainers, and breeders to pad their pockets after a hard-fought season on the circuit.
However, not everyone, or more specifically every equine athlete, is allowed to compete in this event.
The Pink Buckle is an exclusive event available for anyone as long as their horse has been sired by one of the almost 50 stallions that have paid the yearly nomination of $25,000, as well as the nomination fee for that current year of $200. All futurity horses are only four to five years old, allowing them to compete actively in futurities for one year, followed by a year of eligibility in Derby races.
While the Open race is by far the largest and most covered event, there are a few new additions to the competition this year.
For the first time the Pink Buckle will feature a non-pro 4D race with a $150,000 side pot. It is a huge opportunity for many riders that don't have the opportunity to compete on the pro circuit.
Another addition this year is the Premier Pink side pot of $100,000 that is available to all riders who have never competed in the Pink Buckle before. A huge incentive that will only help grow the event.
But where the real money to be earned is in the open competition, which is open to all riders and ages in a 4D event with $1.35 million up for grabs.
Some of the sports biggest names will be competing in the open event as Brittany Tonozzi, Ryan Pedone, and Tiany Schuster are all currently expected to run.
Tonozzi, who currently sits atop the world WPRA standings, just won the Stephenville Rodeo Capital of the World event with a 16.64-second run. Tonozzi has proven her training through the many equine athletes she has raised and trained herself, qualifying 15 times for the National Finals Rodeo.
The 39-year-old has made an astounding $249,563 on the PRCA circuit this season and could inflate her total income for the year with some great runs at the Lazy E.
The money is significant enough that, while many athletes will be taking some time from the circuit to rest and prepare for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, Tonozzi will continue to compete, stay sharp and attempt to add to what has become a wildly successful 2023.
For the barrel racing community, the Pink Buckle is the premier event of the year. The Lazy E Arena has incredible facilities that allow for this event to run smoothly every single year.
As always, this is one futurity that will bring huge excitement to the fans and even bigger paydays to the contestants. Action begins Oct. 3 with Derby Round One at 8 a.m. CST.
