Hahns sweep top awards at Old Time Horse Races Saturday

An early rainstorm didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of those attending the Linda Kelsey Memorial Old Time Horse Races Saturday near Horseshoe Bend as the skies opened up to a sunny day following the shower and many exciting and skillful races were held.

Saturday’s event, known locally as the Tillett Horse Races, was the seventh annual racing contest presented by Crooked Creek Racing and this year was dedicated to the late Linda Kelsey, described in a race promotional poster as “one of the area’s true horsewoman, cowgirl and all-around hand. She did it all.”

Kelsey’s granddaughters, Masey and Larissa Tippetts, participated in the races.

Organizer Randi Tillett Weaver said there were some 30 participants Saturday and probably 70 to 80 spectators, joking, “Maybe more, kinda like figuring out how many cows you’ve got.” She said she was very pleased with the turnout, noting, “Probably our biggest yet.”

Cassidy Hahn was the champion rider Saturday, earning the top honor as the overall All-Around winner following a series of races. She was also the All-Around Woman rider, and father Jake Hahn was the All-Around Man winner.

Other results Saturday were as follows:

Youngster’s Lead, 0-6 years old – Easton Sessions; 7 and up – Ashley Sessions

Walking race – Liz Wallace

Short race – Ella Pierce

Pony race – Taylor Sweet

Trotting race – Randi Hicks

Houston race (large horses) – Joel Barnard

Bareback race – Cassidy Hahn

Rendezvous race – Liz Wallace

Long slow race – Cassidy Hahn

Long fast race – Ella Pierce

Surprise race (picking up a second rider midway) – Ella Pierce and Taylor Sweet

Dryhead (family) race – Julia Tillett

Beginners race – Cayne Hines