The Longyard Hotel Limited Open Futurity turned out to be somewhat of a localβs event with Professional Trainer Steve Byrne stealing the top three spots in the ten horse final.
The Dungowan local blitzed the competition taking first place on his personally owned mare Desires Little Lioness with a score of 217, while managing to fetch second place on Cats Colonel who is owned also by Tamworth locals David & Sarah Spong. In third place was Dee Bar Isa Catty Blue on 213.
Byrne is gathering momentum this year with two horses in the final of the Open Futurity being held Sunday and his talented stallion, Alphacat in the final of the Open Classic Challenge that will be held on Friday evening.
Very popular and avid campdrafter , Mark Buttsworth cleaned up the Mavericks Western Wear Open Classic Challenge go rounds with his home bred stallion Almora Peps Double Rey, giving him a comfortable top aggregate score going into the final. Second highest score was 2016 NCHA Open Derby champion Metallic CD with Glen Innesβ Phil Dawson on board. The very pretty red roan Metallic Cat mare managed a 216 in the second round to sit her neatly behind Buttsworth by a mere point.
It turns out Magicool played it very cool in the first two rounds of the Shadow Trailers Australia Open Derby scoring 219 and 217 consecutively to sit him in top spot as they go into the final on Saturday for rider Jamie Creek of Jerilderie.
Non Pro events have started to heat up this week as they work towards the finals beginning Friday 9 June. Wednesday brings the first go round of the Marsh Carney Saddlery Non Pro Classic Challenge and the final of the Martins Stock Haulage Open Futurity Gelding Incentive, while the draw for the Open Futurity will be determined that night at long time sponsors, the Longyard Hotel.
The 2017 NCHA Futurity will continue until Sunday 11th June at the Australian Equine & Livestock Events Centre in Tamworth with free entry Tuesday 6th June featuring a whole host of amazing Western Traders to suit all of your western needs. Tickets available at the AELEC Box Office or at www.entertainmentvenues.com.au.
For more information please contact:
Craig Young/Samantha Potter
National Cutting Horse Association
marketing@ncha.com.au
(02) 6765 9356 or 0438 659 350
NCHA Media Release – June 5, 2017