By the time James Payne and Teles Shez Spicy walked into the finals pen at the Pacific Coast Cutting Horse Association (PCCHA) Futurity, he was riding a special homebred mare
The Oklahoma trainer more than figured out the herd of steers, riding 3-year-old Teles Shez Spicy to victory for owner-breed Kathleeen Moore. The pair marked an impressive 223—a full five points ahead of Co-Reserve champions Rodrigo Taboga riding Dancers Dual N Boon and Adan Banuelos aboard Lily Von Shtupp. Both marked a 218.
“It was the first time James has been to this show to come and win like that is a pretty big deal,” said Moore, of Madill, Oklahoma. “Winning it with a mare we raised was extra special.”
The $22,000 winning check doubled earnings for the young mare by Meteles Cat and out of DMAC Spicy Spoon, a Hes A Peptospoonful mare Payne also trained for Moore. Together, they won the 2014 West Texas Futurity 3-Year-Old Open Co-Championship, and were Futurity Open Reserve Champions at that year’s Cotton Stakes and Brazos Bash.
In all, DMAC Spicy Spoon earned more than $155,974 before her unfortunate death at age 6. However, in spite of her early exit the mare does have multiple foals – including two in the PCCHA Futurity Open finals, with a second daughter, Spiced Purrfection (by Smooth As A Cat), tying for sixth place – and more than $50,000 in earnings on her EquiStat produce record.
“It’s always hard losing those special horses, so we’re hoping Teles Shez Spicy might sort of replace her,” Moore said.
Payne and Moore also found success at this year’s PCCHA Futurity in the 5/6-Year-Old Open with Moore’s horse Summer Time Fun (Metallic Cat x Hey Georgy Girl x Wild Thing DNA), who the trainer rode to a 224 to win by a half point, winning $12,000.
“’Summer’ is another special horse that we’ve raised and to win two big events out here on James’ first trip is a pretty big deal for us,” Moore said. “We’ve been with James about 15 years, and it’s been good through the ups and downs. He’s a hardworking, honest guy.”
