In an extraordinary display of horsemanship, familial talent, and meticulous training, sisters Jackie Dube and Tammy Key swept the prestigious 2002 Speedhorse Gold Cup, capturing both the Futurity and Derby championships. Held from May 1-5 in Oklahoma City, the event became a historic showcase for the Giddings and Ledbetter, Texas, natives, whose victories underscored not only their individual prowess but also the profound influence of their parents, Jack and Peggy Dube, renowned for their expertise in raising and training barrel racing horses. This remarkable achievement saw two blonde sisters and their home-trained equine partners rise above a formidable field of competitors, leaving an indelible mark on the barrel racing circuit.
The Speedhorse Gold Cup: A Premier Event in Barrel Racing
The Speedhorse Gold Cup stands as one of the most significant events in the barrel racing calendar, drawing elite riders and promising young horses from across the nation. It serves as a critical proving ground for both Futurity and Derby horses, divisions designed to showcase different stages of equine development. The Futurity division is typically for younger horses, usually four or five years old, competing in their inaugural year of barrel racing, highlighting their natural athleticism and early training. The Derby division caters to slightly older, more seasoned horses, often five to seven years old, who have already gained competitive experience and are demonstrating their full potential. Success at the Gold Cup is a benchmark for future careers, often propelling horses and riders to national recognition and the ultimate goal of the National Finals Rodeo (NFR). The 2002 edition, with its substantial prize money and deep roster of talent, promised intense competition, but few could have predicted the sheer dominance of the Dube sisters.
Jackie Dube and Oro Leader: A Futurity Triumph Forged in Grit
The Futurity division, boasting a staggering 368 entries and $35,000 in added prize money, saw 22-year-old Jackie Dube of Giddings, Texas, emerge victorious aboard Oro Leader. Their impressive performance earned them a substantial $25,809, a testament to their exceptional teamwork and the horse’s burgeoning talent.
Oro Leader, a striking 1998 palomino gelding, carried a compelling backstory that highlighted the Dube family’s unique ability to identify and cultivate potential. Initially sent to the Dubes by Mike Amburn of T.I. Cattle Co. to be started as a racehorse, Jackie harbored different plans for the powerfully bred animal. Sired by the acclaimed Special Leader and out of Rhythm Of The Road, a stakes-producing and placing mare by Vikinson (TB) (a mare Amburn acquired from country music legend George Strait in 1992), Oro Leader possessed undeniable speed. However, his early temperament earned him the nickname "Rowdy" – a fitting moniker for a gelding known to nip at passersby from his stall.
Jack Dube, the family patriarch, undertook the initial breaking of Oro Leader. While the gelding showed promise as a racehorse, a shin-buck injury at two years old led to several months of turnout. His brief racing career at three years old yielded a first, third, and fifth-place finish, but in July 2001, "Rowdy" was pulled from the track, officially becoming Jackie’s "ornery project" with a new career path in barrel racing.
Despite the late start and his challenging disposition, Jackie and Oro Leader quickly formed a formidable partnership. "He is farther behind than most of the horses here," Jackie remarked, acknowledging the compressed timeline of his training. "It’s taken him a little longer to bloom, but I think he has now. He did well at San Antonio and Ardmore." Indeed, their initial outings showed glimpses of greatness, but also encountered setbacks. A ninth-place finish at San Antonio and an eleventh at Ardmore were followed by a disappointing run at the Speedhorse Silver Cup, where tender heels, exacerbated by a pre-competition shoeing issue, led to him "ducking in front of the first barrel" and missing the payout.
This setback, just two months before the Gold Cup, proved to be a pivotal moment. At the astute suggestion of her mother, Peggy, Jackie implemented a new strategy: alternating between left and right starts to prevent Oro Leader from anticipating the first barrel and ducking. This tactical adjustment proved to be a game-changer. In Oklahoma City, facing a field that included formidable competitors like Silver Cup Champion Kim Squires on Ears My Money, Harlequin Farms Futurity Champion Kebo Almond on VF Sheza Live Wire, and Lazy E Champion Ryan Lovendahl on Smooth Movin Dash, Jackie and Oro Leader showcased unparalleled confidence. They delivered the only sub-15 second run in the Futurity, clocking an impressive 14.898 seconds. A consistent 14.906 in the short-go secured the average win with a combined time of 29.804, adding an additional $21,007 to their earnings and totaling $25,809 to be split between Jackie and owner Mike Amburn.
Jackie was quick to credit her mother, Peggy, not just for the crucial strategic advice, but for her unwavering support. "I want to thank my mother for taking such good care of my horses all week long," she stated. "She wants me and Tammy to concentrate on our run, so she gets up and feeds the horses and lets us sleep. She takes such good care of my horses at home and on the road." For Mike Amburn, Oro Leader’s victory served as a triumphant introduction to the thrilling world of barrel racing, undoubtedly exceeding his initial expectations for his racehorse prospect. For Jackie, a lifelong barrel racer since the age of four, this win was another highlight in a career that runs parallel to her studies in physical therapy at Blinn College, College Station, Texas.
Tammy Key and Easy Dash Oak: A Derby Victory for the Record Books
Following her younger sister’s spectacular Futurity win, Tammy Key of Ledbetter, Texas, continued the Dube family’s golden streak, dominating the Derby division with Easy Dash Oak. This victory was particularly poignant, marking the gelding’s probable final appearance in a Derby competition before transitioning to the elite rodeo circuit. The $3,500-added Derby, featuring 163 entries, saw Tammy and Easy Dash Oak claim their first Derby title, a significant milestone in their already decorated career.
Easy Dash Oak, a bay gelding by Victory Dash out of Easy Little Oak by Easily Smashed, also had a storied past, one that again highlighted the Dube family’s "magic touch" with challenging horses. His journey began at the ranch of Mrs. C.L. Loreant, a fellow Giddings resident, where his spirited nature led him to be "turned out and disregarded" after "kicking the ranch foreman and testing his nerves one too many times." During his two-year-old year, Mrs. Loreant brought the thin, unruly colt to the Dube ranch. There, through patient care and consistent work in the round pen, the Dubes nourished him back to health and acclimated him to a disciplined environment. It was here that he earned his fitting nickname, "Roundpen."
The gelding was initially intended for Jackie, but a severe incident during his futurity year altered his path. "He was supposed to be my sister’s horse," Key recounted. "Then in March of his futurity year, he flipped over on her. She had run him in two futurities, and then he flipped over on her and broke her pelvis — crushed it. That’s when he became mine." This unfortunate accident for Jackie serendipitously led to the formation of one of barrel racing’s most successful partnerships.
Tammy and "Roundpen" had already accumulated numerous accolades, including the World Championship Barrel Futurity and the Elite Barrel Futurity titles. However, a Derby win had eluded them. "We had never won one," Tammy explained, her voice tinged with satisfaction. "We had won second, we had won third, but we’d never been first. That’s what makes this win so special. It was probably his last chance at a Derby win."
Determined to break their Derby jinx, Key and Easy Dash Oak delivered a flawless performance in Oklahoma City. They blazed through the first go with a time of 14.864 seconds, securing the go-round win. They followed this with an even faster 14.790 in the second go, demonstrating remarkable consistency and speed. Their combined average time of 29.654 seconds clinched the overall Derby championship, earning them $8,676.
For Tammy Key, the victory was more than just a title; it was a triumphant send-off for Easy Dash Oak from the Derby circuit. Holding tight to the third-place position on the Jack Daniels World Standings, Key and Easy Dash Oak were firmly on track for the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in December. "We’re paid up for Oklahoma City (World Championship Barrel Futurity and Derby), but I really want to be in Vegas in December," Key laughed, signaling her clear ambition for the future. The Gold Cup Derby win thus served as a powerful affirmation of their readiness for the sport’s highest stage.
A Family Legacy of Horsemanship and Dedication
The double victory at the 2002 Speedhorse Gold Cup was not merely a triumph for Jackie Dube and Tammy Key; it was a resounding validation of the Dube family’s enduring legacy in the barrel racing community. Jack and Peggy Dube have long been respected for their profound understanding of horses, their ability to transform challenging prospects into champions, and their unwavering support for their daughters. Their influence extended from breeding and initial training to the strategic advice and logistical support that underpinned their daughters’ success.
The narrative of both Oro Leader and Easy Dash Oak, two horses initially deemed "ornery" or difficult, being meticulously trained and nurtured into elite competitors, speaks volumes about the Dube family’s "magic touch." This ability to see potential where others saw problems, and to patiently guide these animals to their peak performance, is a hallmark of their operation. The fact that both winning horses were "home-trained" further emphasizes the self-sufficiency and deep-rooted knowledge within the Dube household. Peggy Dube’s tireless efforts behind the scenes, ensuring the horses were perfectly cared for, allowed her daughters to maintain focus and execute their runs with precision, highlighting the collaborative spirit that defined their success.
Broader Impact and Future Outlook
The 2002 Speedhorse Gold Cup will forever be remembered as the event where the Dube sisters, Jackie and Tammy, achieved an unparalleled feat of dominance. Their sweep of both the Futurity and Derby divisions sent a clear message throughout the barrel racing world: the Dube name signifies excellence, dedication, and a proven track record of developing champions.
The implications of this historic double win are significant. For Jackie Dube and Oro Leader, the Futurity championship cemented Oro Leader’s status as a rising star, showcasing his dramatic transformation from a difficult racehorse prospect to a top-tier barrel horse. This victory will undoubtedly pave the way for a highly anticipated career, with eyes on future championships. For Tammy Key and Easy Dash Oak, the Derby win provided a triumphant capstone to their Derby career, a long-sought title that validates their consistent high-level performance. More importantly, it served as a powerful momentum builder as they prepare to contend for the ultimate prize at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.
Beyond individual accolades, the Dube sisters’ success serves as an inspiration to aspiring barrel racers and a testament to the power of family support, diligent training, and unwavering determination. Their story underscores that with the right combination of talent, hard work, and a profound connection between horse and rider, even the most challenging prospects can be molded into champions. The 2002 Speedhorse Gold Cup was not just a competition; it was a celebration of exceptional horsemanship and a pivotal moment in the careers of two remarkable sisters and their extraordinary equine partners.
