MOORESVILLE, N.C. (August 19, 2009) – Taylor Earnhardt competed against 733 riders in the National Barrel Horse Association's Colonial Nationals in the Open Division from August 13-16, in Lexington, V.A., where she beat out more than 570 riders to make the Finals on Sunday.

The daughter of famed NASCAR legend, Dale Earnhardt, competed in the Open 1st Go and Open 2nd Go on both of her horses, "Lightning Twister" and "Packin Sixes Cowboy".

In the Open 1st Go, her time was 16.463 while riding "Lightning Twister." Her time with "Packin' Sixes Cowboy" was 16.538.

During the Open 2nd Go she rode "Lightning Twister" to a time of 15.763 which qualified her for the Finals. Only 160 of the 733 riders made it to the Finals.

"I had a great time competing at the Colonial Nationals," Earnhardt said. "I was proud of my horses and how fast they were able to run. I was excited about qualifying on "Lightning Twister" for the Finals. I got off to a great start, but was disappointed to have clipped the barrel in the final run. The level of competition is very strong and I'm looking forward to the President's Cup in September."