But she’s taking it on the chin, giving all credit to her rival and fellow legend of the sport, Nicole Fitzpatrick.

“My time was 17 seconds flat,” Edwards said 

“Nicole did really well, she won in 16.99 seconds.

“Like I said the other day, it only takes one little slip-up in barrel racing to throw your time.”

A second’s difference is a long time in barrel racing, so close calls are not uncommon occurrences in the sport.

Edwards was happy with the form of her 11-year-old gelding Moon Roc.

“My horse tried hard,” she said. “That was his best on the day.”

The at the Tumut Rodeo atmosphere was electric.

“They had a really good crowd, I saw heaps of old friends,” Edwards said.

She had far more luck on Sunday at the Australian Barrel Horse Association event in Tumut.

The event attracted a more competitive field of horsemen and women.

Racing in a deeper arena, Edwards won the qualifier for Equitana, the most prestigious barrel racing event in the country.

Edwards will head to Melbourne in November and contend with 25 of Australia’s best for $10,000 in winnings.

“It’s the biggest paying one-run barrel race in the country,” Edwards said.

The event on Sunday was one of seven qualifiers for the race.

Moon Roc can now rest up over winter, as professional barrel racing comes to a halt. 

Edwards has an incredible bond with Moon Roc.

“I’ve ridden him his entire life,” Edwards said.

A series of strong performances in Australia Professional Rodeo Association events this season leaves her in second place for the title.

“There are four rounds in Warwick [at finals], I’m close enough [to win] if I’m good enough,” Edwards said.

She also won the classic event on Sunday on five-year-old Thirst Down Morn.