Cinca Im Hot Snags Derby Open Title at BI

Cinca Im Hot & Jessee Lennox • Photo by Alex Lynch

There was plenty of attention on Jesse Lennox’s run on Cinca Im Hot (Spots Hot x Cinca De Maya x Dual Rey) at the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) Futurity, although the pair ended up in the 16th spot.

The mare’s flashy movement and eye appeal allowed her to grow a quick fan base, and Lennox was determined to showcase the mare’s full ability. After hurting her hoof in the trailer on the way to the Abilene Spectacular in January, Cinca Im Hot’s second chance was put on hold. But, Lennox knew the Breeder’s Invitational was the place to get it done.

As the second draw in the Derby Open, Lennox piloted Rocking P Ranch LLC’s mare, bred by Cross Timbers Cutting Horses LLC, to a killer 225. That score held up for the Championship and a massive $70,362.

The win was especially meaningful for Lennox, because the title pushed him past $1 million in lifetime earnings, according to NCHA. Cinca Im Hot’s Equi-Stat record was elevated above the $100,000 mark.

Above all else, Lennox is thankful for the opportunity to ride such a talented animal and show off her ability.

“I have never been able to ride a horse that smart or unique moving,” Lennox said. “She is really fun to ride. I feel like at the Futurity, I let her down. I was happy to have another shot. I was happy to be able to show her potential.”

Cattys Hope (Catty Hawk x Tornados Rey Of Hope x Dual Rey) and Michael Cooper and HR Cats Starlight (High Brow Cat x Nurse Gray x Grays Starlight) and Tarin Rice both marked a 224.5 to claim Co-Reserve championships and checks worth $30,933.

Derby Non-Pro

When a pair of 219s were marked in the first set of the Derby Non-Pro at the Breeder’s Invitational, Dean Holden knew he would need to leave everything in the pen to come out with the Championship.

He walked to the herd with confidence on Samson Made Of Metal and his accurate run was awarded with a 222 from the judges. Those marks held up for the Championship and a hefty paycheck of $26,199.

The title pushed the Holden’s Jan Moles-bred stallion (Metallic Cat x Peptos Barbie x Peptoboonsmal) to an Equi-Stat record of $85,721.

Holden was happy about the performance, and he is looking forward to what the rest of the 2017 show season will bring.

“I’m speechless,” Holden said. “I just can’t believe I was able to come out of the Wild Card round and do this. There was a lot of good horses in the finals. My help picked really good cattle. I feel really thankful.”

There was a tie for the Reserve title when three pairs marked a 219. Lindy Ashlock and Catin Safari (Cats Moonshine x Safari Belle x Little Safari Badger), Armando Costa Neto and Watch Me Nae Nae (Playgun x Look The Look x High Brow Cat) and Madalyn Colgrove and Sweet Baby Marie (High Brow CD x Hangem High Pep x Hickorys Indian Pep) all took home Co-Reserve titles and checks of $18,833.

Derby Non-Pro $10,000 Novice

The Derby Non-Pro $10,000 Novice brought a tough group of horses and riders, but Elizabeth Quirk and Holmeboy shined brighter than the rest. As the fifth draw, the pair marked a smoking 224 to claim the Championship and $13,395.

This was the Double Dove Ranch-bred mare’s first check posted to Equi-Stat, while Quirk now has lifetime earnings of $606,935. Quirk was impressed with the way Holmeboy stepped up to the plate, and she’s confident going into the Pacific Coast Cutting Association Core Balance Derby and Classic/Challenge.

“This is the first time I have ever shown him, and he is so mature now,” Quirk said. “He has grown up leaps and bounds, and it’s really cool to feel that.”

Brandon Westfall and Lil Dusty Lucy (CD Royal x Smart Like Dusty x Smart Little Lena) picked up the Reserve Championship and $9,986 after marking a 220.5.

For complete coverage of the Breeder’s Invitational, subscribe to Quarter Horse News.