At that time, Deluxe Checks had an advantage in her composite score, with 694 compared to “Rebel’s” 688.
Shepard and the daughter of Im Countin Checks was the first of the two to enter the ring in the final round, marking a 219.5. All eyes were on Metallic Rebel, as the striking red roan stallion owned by Thomas Guinn entered the Will Rogers Watt Arena three horses later.
He and Equi-Stat Elite $3 Million Rider Beau Galyean started the run with trademark style, but lost a cow. The 209 that flashed across the scoreboard ensured the World Finals Show Championship went to Deluxe Checks.
Shepard said the award was a testament to the mare’s durability and attitude.
“She’s very, very sound, and she loves what she does,” he said. “And, it says a lot for her heart and the fact that a horse like that, I love to take the credit for training her, but it’s pretty obvious that she wants to do this.”
In addition to Shepard, Deluxe Checks was ridden during her championship season by Brett Davis and Sam Shepard. The daughter of Catrina Starlight (by High Brow Cat) was bred by Kyle Manion, of Aubrey, Texas.
The Reserve World Championship went to Eazee E. The 2010 mare (High Brow Cat x Zee Dualy x Dual Pep) was ridden in the Finals by Tatum Rice. She also was showed during the year by R.L. Chartier.
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