General News
12 August, 2024
Wendy Caban wins her sixth Mount Isa barrel race buckle
The Moree star combined with Jay Lo for an impressive victory.
Wendy Caban pumped her fist into the air as she returned to the tunnel at Buchanan Park on Sunday – she knew that she had produced a run that would be too quick for her rivals to catch.
The Moree champion, who now has six Mount Isa barrel race buckles to her name, was the hot favourite after posting the fastest time in the heats, but managed to go even faster in the final.
Caban and her companion Jay Lo, stopped the clock in 17.339 seconds, which was well ahead of any other time recorded in the arena over the weekend.
In second place was none other than sister-in-law Leanne, who beat Wendy for honours last year.
“Everyone wants to win but for me it’s just about promoting my horse,” she said.
“Leanne and I are both trainers so we want to promote ourselves when we compete.
“It’s not the rivalry that people might think.”
As for the early celebration, the 42-year-old said it was simply a spontaneous fist pump.
“That mare is so awesome,” Caban told North West Weekly with a big smile on her face.
“I knew I had it!
“She’s so fast and I just knew that she’d definitely clocked in with a fast time.
“I wasn’t sure if it was quicker than my first run, but I knew it was fast.”
Caban, who was also a buckle winner with her now-retired star gelding Spider, said Jay Lo was even more special because of their connection.
“I bred and broke her in and trained her, so she’s more like my little baby,” she said of the 14-year-old mare.
“I’ve been barrel racing her since she was four and she’s only knocked two drums (over) – she’s so honest.”
Caban said winning a sixth buckle at Mount Isa was special as it was an event that everyone wanted to win.
“I think it brings the best out of you and the horse because you’ve got the best competitors in the country all trying their hardest.”