After a year-long jostle for first place between the top two competitors in the NCHA $5,000 Novice World Title, it was Casey Crouch from Texas who finally clinched the buckle on finals night at Fort Worth.

Casey and Twistin At The Roxie finished on top of the standings, earning almost $42,000 for the year, just $106 ahead of reserve champion Dusty Nelson on Rue Du Ichi.

Casey came into the finals in the lead but dropped to second after the first go.

Casey was elated and emotional about the win, telling CHTO’s Simone Cobb it was a bit of a surprise at the very end…..