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The barrel racing world mourns the loss of one of its brightest stars, Slick By Design. The $11 Million Dollar Sire, with progeny earnings nearing $2 million, passed away on October 2, 2025. He was humanely euthanized due to complications from laminitis and was laid to rest in hallowed ground between AQHA Hall of Fame Acadamosby Award and Rods Last Ladybug.
Foaled in 2007, the sorrel stallion by Designer Red and out of Dreams Of Blue (by Dream On Dancer) achieved lifetime earnings of more than $643,000. Slick was a 3x NFR qualifier, 2012 AQHA World Champion Junior Barrel Racing horse, Fort Smith Derby Champion, and winner of 11 WPRA Rodeo Championships. In 2011, he was crowned Barrel Horse of the Year (4-Year-Old Stallion), with futurity earnings surpassing $47,000 and total annual winnings exceeding $60,000.
His historic 13.48-second run remains the fastest time a stallion has ever clocked at the NFR, ranking as the 4th fastest time overall in more than 29 years and 4,350 runs at the event. His competitive career and undeniable athleticism cemented his status as one of the all-time greats.
As a sire, Slick By Design’s legacy expanded exponentially. His foals carry forward his speed, grit, and trainability, collectively earning over $11 million across the barrel racing industry.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Charlie Cole, Jason Martin, the entire High Point Performance Horses team, and all of Slick’s connections. His passing marks the end of an era, but his name will forever be etched in the record books and carried forward in his offspring.
Slick By Design was more than a champion—he was a standard of excellence, an icon, and a legend whose influence will endure for generations.
