First Down Dash - The Champion Barrel Racing Stallion Behind Today's Champions

Introducing First Down Dash - A Champion Barrel Racing Stallion

In the world of barrel racing and rodeo, there are few stallions as renowned as First Down Dash. Sired by the legendary racehorse First Down Dash and out of barrel racing superstar Lindsay Sears' mare Sugar Moon Express, also known as Martha, First Down Dash has proven himself both on the track and in the rodeo arena.

The Incredible Pedigree Behind First Down Dash

First Down Dash descends from an impeccable line of champion racehorses and barrel racers. His sire, First Down Dash, was a successful quarter horse racehorse, earning over $857,000 during his racing career. He set four track records, including the 440 yard dash in 21.11 seconds. First Down Dash sired several record-holding racehorses and arena horses before passing away in 2010.

On the dam's side, Martha aka Sugar Moon Express has made a name for herself as a rodeo superstar. With Lindsay Sears in the saddle, Martha won over $1 million, claimed 4 consecutive WPRA world titles from 2008-2011, and earned the coveted PRCA Horse of the Year award twice. Her rapid and nimble style quickly shot her to fame in the barrel racing world.

The Best of Both Worlds

As the offspring of two powerhouse parents, First Down Dash seemed destined for greatness from the start. He embodies the championship speed of his sire and the agility of his barrel racing dam. First Down Dash made his professional track debut as a two-year-old in 2011. He demonstrated blazing quick speed right off the bat, Rocket Wrangler, and brought home $278,970 in earnings that year. His most notable wins include the 2011 Remington Park Oklahoma Bred Futurity.

After retiring from racing, First Down Dash began his new career as a breeding stallion. His pedigree and early success on the track quickly attracted the attention of barrel racing trainers across the country. His foals earned him a reputation for siring fast, athletic horses with the stamina to excel in barrel racing and rodeo.

The Rise of First Down Dash Offspring

It didn't take long for First Down Dash's foals to start making names for themselves in the arena. His son Dash Ta Fame won the title of 2016 PRCA/WPRA Horse of the Year after dominating the rodeo circuit. That same year, daughter Sister won the average at the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) with barrel racer Cayla Melby. His offspring have gone on to win multiple world titles and qualify for the NFR repeatedly.

Currently, First Down Dash daughters Martha and KissKiss owned by Hailey Kinsel are raising the bar in professional barrel racing. Ridden by Kinsel, Martha claimed the 2019 and 2021 WPRA World Championships. KissKiss, still early in her career, shows immense promise having won over $200,000 so far. Both mares exemplify the speed, heart, and athleticism that First Down Dash passes on.

The Allure of First Down Dash Offspring

For trainers looking to breed the next champion barrel horse, First Down Dash has proven to be an excellent sire choice. Not only do his foals inherit elite genetics, but they also possess key traits that make fantastic barrel racers:

• Blazing speed - First Down Dash foals are born to run fast
• Agility - They can deftly navigate the barrels
• Stamina - Strong cardiovascular endurance from their racehorse lineage
• Competitive spirit - They love to win and have the "try" barrel racing demands
• Cow sense - Instinctual ability to work cattle

On top of coveted physical attributes, First Down Dash produces foals with calm, willing dispositions - making them a joy to train and compete.

The Legend Continues

While First Down Dash passed away in 2018, his legacy lives on through his outstanding sons and daughters. As a leading barrel horse sire, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the modern barrel racing champions we see today.

Every year, more of his progeny qualify for the NFR and prove themselves on the biggest stages in the sport. There's no denying the impact First Down Dash has had on barrel racing. His championship bloodlines and offspring look set to keep thrilling crowds and smashing records for years to come.

So next time you see an electrifying barrel run, check the horse's pedigree. There's a good chance you'll find the legendary First Down Dash in their lineage!

FAQs

What was First Down Dash's racing record?

First Down Dash had a very successful racing career, earning over $857,000. He set 4 track records, including a 440 yard dash in 21.11 seconds.

What are some of First Down Dash's most successful offspring?

Some of his most successful offspring include Dash Ta Fame, Sister, Martha, and KissKiss. These horses have won world championships, PRCA Horse of the Year titles, and qualified for the NFR multiple times.

What traits do First Down Dash's foals inherit that make them good barrel racers?

His foals inherit speed, agility, stamina, competitive spirit, and cow sense - all key traits for excelling in barrel racing. They also tend to have calm, willing dispositions, making them easier to train.