10th Annual Triangle Cross Classic Futurity | Kiplinger Arena | McCook, NE
- EMDukat Photography
- May 16
- 3 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
The 10th Annual Triangle Cross Classic barrel race lit up the Kiplinger Arena in McCook, Nebraska, from May 9–11, 2025—bringing together top talent, fast runs, and unforgettable moments across three days of competition.
This beloved tradition—produced by the outstanding, award-winning team of Triangle Cross Barrel Racing, led by Deb Christy—featured a full slate of events: the $1,000 added Senior Race and Open 4D on Friday night, followed by Futurity and Derby rounds throughout the weekend. As the official event photographer for the fourth consecutive year, I had the privilege of capturing every turn, sprint, and celebration, as well as the candid moments that make this race one of my favorites on the calendar.
Held annually at the Kiplinger Arena in McCook, Nebraska, the Triangle Cross Classic has built a reputation as a great Nebraska barrel racing futurity built around community and sportsmanship! The 2025 event drew over 116 riders, many of whom competed on multiple horses. Riders traveled from Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, Iowa, South Dakota, and beyond to compete in this professionally run, community-supported race.
What sets this race apart is its focus on young horse development through the Futurity and Derby races, as well as the opportunity for all levels of riders to compete in the Youth, Open and Senior 4D races. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor with a futurity horse or a weekend warrior looking for a solid run, there’s a spot at Triangle Cross barrel races for everyone!
Triangle Cross Classic Weekend Highlights
Friday Night kicked off with the $1,000 added Senior Race, immediately followed by the Open 4D, which saw fast times and smooth turns as competitors aimed to start the weekend strong.
Saturday and Sunday were devoted to the Futurity and Derby 2D classes, each featuring two rounds and an average payout, followed up by the Open 4D Race and Youth 3D race each day, with Saturday including a favoritre- the PeeWee race! In true Triangle Cross fashion, Amateur & Homegrown winners were also awarded!
Friday Senior Race winners
1D - Debbie Pate on CreditTheFirefighter
2D - Kent Magnuson on Fire Water Whiskey
3D - Kelly Novotny on Outstanding Ashes
4D -Susan Swanson on BHR Rosabellefrost
Futurity Average winners
1D - Evelino Rocha on Epic Moonshine
2D - Becca Fellman on Irishiknow Whatuknow
Derby Average winners:
1D - Cody Adams on ZZ Zeke
2D - Kate Spaur DeVore on Hilarious Stripper
Futurity Average Amateur winner:
Kimberly Eberle on Coffee Bean
Futurity Home Grown winner:
Sandy McElreath on Jess Angel Nick Bar
Derby Home Grown winner:
Cody Adams on ZZ Zeke
For complete results, check out the Triangle Cross webpage.
Vendors & Community Vibes
Another thing that makes this event so special? The community. The Kiplinger Arena was buzzing with energy from riders, fans, and a wide range of vendors, including:
Prairie Rose Co. with Leah Schwindt (a past EMDP Ambassador!)
Pivot Point Equine & Rider Rehab with Becky Pearson
DIME Nutrition & Supply with Casey Jones
Short Dawg Shirts with Dixie Engleke
And many more sponsors, partners, and supporters that helped make this weekend possible
Of course, no race weekend is complete without good food—and Piglee Wiglee BBQ kept everyone fueled with delicious eats between runs.
Behind the Lens with EMDukat Photography
This year’s Triangle Cross Classic was not only the largest I've photographed to date—it was also one of the most memorable. With over 116 riders and multiple horses in play, there was no shortage of action to capture.
One of the best parts? I had a special assistant this year—my daughter! She helped capture candid moments outside the arena, from horse-and-rider bonding to behind-the-scenes moments with competitors and vendors. It added a new layer to the event storytelling that I can’t wait to continue in future years.
From the adrenaline-fueled alleyway launches to the quiet moments of connection in the warm-up pen, every image from the event helped tell the story of a weekend full of heart. And honestly, there’s just something about Triangle Cross—it's both competitive and welcoming, polished and down-to-earth. It’s a true reflection of the barrel racing community.
Explore Your Event Photos
Want to see more from the weekend at the Triangle Cross Winter Series barrel race? Check out the full gallery of event images here. You can effortlessly revisit the weekend's highlights with the action shots of these equine athletes!
To learn more about EMDukat Photography's event coverage, find out where we are next, or to check out other event galleries, click on over to the Equine Events page via the button below!
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