John Hulsey from Gainsville, Ga, clinched a convincing victory in the Amateur Derby Final at the 2016 NCHA Summer Spectacular.
John laid down a 219 aboard R Smokin Cat to take the title some 5 points ahead of the field.
R Smokin Cat is by Dual R Smokin and out of Playgirls Cat and was bred and raised by John. John and the horse earned almost $8,000 for the win.
John told CHTO’s Simone Cobb that it made his first buckle in the Will Rogers even sweeter.
John Thigpen Jr was Reserve Champion on Barbies Blue Cat with a 214, and Vic Pannell scooped up third aboard Metallic Sister just a half point behind.