Gail Petska is anAmerican former professionalrodeocowgirl who specialized inbarrel racing. She was a two-time barrel racing world champion. In December 1972 and 1973, she won the championship at theNational Finals Rodeo (NFR) at theState Fair Arena inOklahoma City, Oklahoma.[1]
Gail Petska married Paul Petska, a professionalteam roper. Paul qualified for the NFR four times. They had three children. When their son Cory grew up, he became a world champion heeler in team roping. Cory also married to four-time world champion barrel racerSherry Cervi. Sherry qualified for the NFR 19 times. She became winner of the most money in the event with $3.5 million.[2][3]
Petska competed in the Girls' Rodeo Association (GRA). In 1973, she earned $19,448 by competing inbull riding,calf roping, barrel racing, andgoat tying in the GRA. She was living inTecumseh, Oklahoma, at the time.[4]
Petska won the barrel racing world championship twice on a smallhorse she named Dobie.[2] Her GRA world championships are now recognized by theProfessional Rodeo Cowboys Association and theWomen's Professional Rodeo Association.[1]
When Petska won the world championship in 1972, at the State Fair Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, she won seven of the ten go-rounds. Then she won again in 1973. She had a strong lead in 1974, but got the news that another Petska was on the way. No third title for Gail.[5] Petska won the NFR Average Championship in 1972.[5][3]
Petska won the barrel racing event atCheyenne Frontier Days inCheyenne, Wyoming, twice, in 1972 and in 1973.[6] She also won the NFR Average in 1972.[1]
Petska won 13 consecutive go-rounds in the NFR, which is still a record. She still holds the record for the most rounds won at the NFR in the barrel racing event in one year with 7 rounds.[7][2][5][3]
Petska won the barrel racing event atRodeoHouston inHouston, Texas, twice, once in 1974 and once in 1976.[8]