General News
11 August, 2025
Gangster flies to give Matthews barrel racing win
The New South Wales star returned to Mount Isa after more than a decade to take the victory.
It's one thing to be the fastest in Australia; it’s another to do it on the big stage in front of thousands of spectators.
But Katina Matthews and her beautiful grey “Gangster” did just that in the open barrel race on Sunday to claim their first win at the Mount Isa Rodeo.
“I’ve come close before – I came second here one year – so it was great to get the win,” the Moonbi cowgirl told North West Weekly.
Officially registered as Filthy Rich And Famous, “Gangster” flew across the red dirt in a hotly contested barrel racing competition.
“I’ve had him all his life. He’s an 11-year-old grey stallion that I bred,” Matthews said of her companion and best mate.
“I trained him on barrels and he’s won everything I could ever imagine winning, so I’m pretty proud of him.”
The 32-year-old said she used to come to Mount Isa often as a teenager, but hadn’t competed at Buchanan Park for about 12 years.
However, when they set an Australian record at the ABHA finals, Matthews decided the time was right to return to Mount Isa and the Northern Run.
“I just thought I might as well give Gangster the opportunity to come up here and win it.”
