A spectacular score, a standing ovation, tears of joy….

Matt Gaines capped off a phenomenal year taking out the 2015 NCHA Open World Championship as fans cheered, hollered and applauded them in the Watt Arena at Fort Worth!

Matt and Special Nu Baby gave the crowd a run to remember, scoring a massive 231 to finish the year on a high, both figuratively and literally!

Despite being the undisputed leader for months, Matt and his wife Tara were both emotional and elated after sealing the victory.

It’s been an outstanding year of accomplishments for Matt and Special Nu Baby, winning five of eight Mercuria events this year, four of them consecutively. The formidable duo also made history when they scored an amazing 234 at the El Rancho Futurity, equaling the all-time record set by Phil Rapp and Don’t Look Twice.

Special Nu baby is a mare by Dual Rey and out of Nu I Wood and is owned by Gary & Shannon Barker from Oklahoma.

Matt spoke to CHTO’s Simone Cobb and says he had a special bond with Special Nu Baby.