In a breathtaking display of speed, precision, and poise, Alley and Lipstick N Stilettos left no doubt about their dominance at the 2025 Ruby Buckle Derby and Open, seizing first-place honors in both events and captivating a packed arena of fans, trainers, and fellow competitors. The duo’s sweeping victory wasn’t just a statement—it was a masterclass in barrel racing.
Held at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Oklahoma, the Ruby Buckle is one of the most prestigious events in the barrel racing circuit. With top-tier talent, lucrative payouts, and the spotlight of national attention, the competition is as intense as it gets. But this year, all eyes quickly turned to Alley and her standout mare, Lipstick N Stilettos, whose commanding performances made them the undeniable stars of the weekend.
From the first round of the Derby, it was clear they came to win. They clocked the fastest time of the night, cutting a tight path around each barrel with fluid, explosive speed. The crowd roared as Alley crossed the timer, knowing they had just witnessed something special. That run set the tone for the rest of the weekend.
By the time the Open rolled around, anticipation was high. The pressure was mounting, and many wondered if the team could replicate their incredible Derby performance. Not only did they match it—they exceeded it. In a field stacked with seasoned professionals and rising young talent, Alley and Lipstick N Stilettos delivered a nearly flawless run, shaving fractions of a second off their previous time and securing yet another championship buckle.
“It’s a dream come true,” Alley said after her victory lap, still catching her breath, eyes welling with emotion. “Lipstick gave me everything out there. She’s gritty, she’s smart, and she has more heart than any horse I’ve ever ridden.”
The mare, affectionately nicknamed “Sassy” in the barn, has been turning heads for the past year, but this performance cements her as one of the top horses on the national stage. Bred from top Ruby Buckle-eligible bloodlines, Lipstick N Stilettos has the perfect blend of speed and agility, paired with a deep connection to her rider that was evident in every stride.
Alley’s journey with Lipstick N Stilettos hasn’t been without its challenges. The pair faced setbacks earlier in the season, including a minor leg injury that forced them to withdraw from a spring event. But that time off turned into a silver lining, giving them a chance to regroup and train with laser focus.
“We worked on everything—conditioning, turns, mental prep,” Alley explained. “I knew if we were going to make a comeback, it had to be at the Ruby Buckle. And we did more than come back—we dominated.”
Their success speaks to the rising standard in the sport of barrel racing, where high-caliber horses and top riders are pushing the envelope with every run. With more events offering large purses and breeding incentives like those tied to the Ruby Buckle program, the competition has never been fiercer—or more exciting to watch.
Industry veterans were quick to praise the performance. “That was one of the best runs I’ve seen in the last five years,” said former world champion and trainer Melissa Hargrove. “The timing, the control, the chemistry—they’re the total package.”
Fans have also taken notice, flooding social media with replays and tributes to the team. Hashtags like #LipstickLegend and #StilettoSweep began trending shortly after the event, highlighting how Alley and Lipstick N Stilettos have captured not only titles but hearts.
Looking ahead, Alley plans to continue campaigning Lipstick through the rest of the 2025 season, with her sights set on the Pink Buckle and the upcoming American Rodeo qualifiers. But for now, she’s soaking in the moment.
“To sweep both the Derby and Open at an event like this—it’s the kind of thing you dream about as a little girl,” Alley said, clutching her double buckles. “This mare made that dream real.”
And with performances like this, Alley and Lipstick N Stilettos aren’t just winning—they’re redefining what greatness looks like in the arena.
