ARLINGTON, Texas -- The dynamic duo of Hailey Kinsel and her horse, Sister, struck gold again in the final round of RFD TV's The American on Sunday.

After winning the barrel racing in the world's richest one-day rodeo, Kinsel was one of three competitors -- joining saddle bronc rider Cody DeMoss and bull rider Sage Kimzey -- to split a $1 million bonus pool. Each athlete received $333,333 from the side pot, plus $100,000 for capturing their respective events.

Kinsel, a Texas A&M student from Cotulla, and Sister blew the competition away by winning the long round with a run of 14.4 seconds, which qualified the pair among the top four to advance to the short round.

When two of the other riders knocked down barrels in the short round, Kinsel only needed a clean run to guarantee herself second place and $25,000. But she and Sister were in no mood to play it safe. The duo rode to the event's top time of 14.689 seconds to clinch the victory.

I didn't wear the right mascara for this," said Kinsel after her win. "God is good, and my horse is awesome.

Sister, a 6-year-old Palomino mare also known as DM Sissy Hayday, has more than proved herself, winning close to $500,000 over the past couple of months. After qualifying for The American at the Better Barrel Races Regional Qualifier in Glen Rose this past November, Kinsel became the first BBR/American Qualifier to split the $1 million payout.

Since Kinsel has a BBR membership, she also set a world record for her winnings of $433,333.33, making it the richest barrel racing run in history.

"It is all surreal and hasn't sunk in yet," Kinsel said.

Kinsel has a full-time schedule that includes caring for her three horses at school, pursuing an agriculture economics degree, hosting a weekly bible study, and attending college and PRCA rodeos, but she won't be resting on her landmark victory for long.

The senior will be back in action for her final Texas A&M College Rodeo on March 17-18 at Brazos Expo Complex in Bryan.



By Whitney Thurmond