Stevi Hillman and “Sandi” Smoke Round 2 of the 2023 NFR

If you were tuned into the Cowboy Channel or sitting in the Thomas & Mack watching Round 2 of the barrel racing at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, you may have just witnessed one of the toughest rounds in history. 

With a margin of .06 seconds between first and sixth, the crowd came alive and the ladies competed with a vengeance.

Granbury, Texas’ Stevi Hillman took top honors with a blazing fast time of 13.61 ticks on the clock. The 6-year-old sorrel mare, Sand In My Socks “Sandi” looked confident while taking Hillman to the pay window. 

Sandi, who is owned by 70 Ranch, is a daughter of BHR Frenchies Socks and out of a daughter of Tres Seis, JC Pick Six.

This is the second year Hillman has been able to compete on Sandi at the NFR and the pair just keeps looking stronger.

The field of barrel racers stayed close all night with all but one clocking in the 13-second range and then it was just a tipped barrel to keep Sissy Winn out of the leaderboard. 

Summer Kosel put together a beautiful run of 13.63 to be right behind Hillman and earn the second-place payday.

Fan favorite South Dakota cowgirl, Lisa Lockhart rode “Levee,” Promise Me Fame Guys, to finish just .04 behind the winner and pick up third place. 

Keeping with her history, Lockhart is staying solid in the average after two runs.

The story still goes to the record-setting Lampasas, Texas cowgirl, Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi. 

The talented two-time World Champion split fifth and sixth in the round but remains number one in the average race. 

Pozzi Tonozzi is known for her competitive spirit, and she won’t take her foot off the pedal for the entire 10 rounds.

NFR Round 2 Barrel Racing Results:

1. Stevi Hillman, 13.62, $30,706.41
2. Summer Kosel, 13.63, $24,267.97
3. Lisa Lockhart, 13.67, $18,234.79
4. Emily Beisel, 13.70, $12,876.88
5/6. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi and Jessica Routier, 13.71, $6,438.44 each

NFR Barrel Racing Average:

1. Brittany Pozzi Tonozzi, 27.46/2
2. Kassie Mowry, 27.64/2
3/4. Jessica Routier and Paige Jones, 27.76/2
5. Lisa Lockhart, 27.83/2
6. Jordon Briggs, 27.86/2