Sho-nuff-hot-frank-martin
Frank Martin rode Sho Nuff Hot in the 2021 NCHA World Finals, capping an impressive year with an NCHA World Championship. • Photo by S. Sylvester Photography.

Frank Martin Wins $50,000 Amateur World Title

After hauling more than 40,000 miles, Frank Martin arrived at the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) World Finals, Frank Martin with a lead in the $50,000 Amateur World race. He just had to protect it, and bring the win home.

He had about $4,000 on his next-closest competition, David Harp, and in the first go-round drew a favorable third draw. It was the perfect setup to pad his lead and clinch the title, which goes to the rider who earns the most purse money during the year.

“It was a proven deal that anyone who drew after 10 had tough go-rounds,” said Martin, of Las Vegas, Nevada. “The guy who drew right behind me [in the World standings] was 13,” he said.

Martin’s goal was to make a statement his first time in the pen. Mission accomplished—he and Sho Nuff Hot, “Houdini,” marked a 226, the highest $50,000 Amateur score of the show, adding $1,531.38 to their earnings, and bringing their year-end winnings to $49,951.05. Luckily, it secured his win because they finished out of the money in the second go-round with a 180.

“I drew up dead last in the second go and made a real strategy mistake,” he said. “My first trip into the herd, one of the cows made a move, and I was stuck with it—I didn’t want to get caught with a switch, but I lost it. Then I got confused, and the cows had their heads down. I cut the one we didn’t want. He proved why we didn’t want him.”

This was Martin’s first trip to the NCHA World Finals. He and his wife, EquiStat Elite $1 Million Rider Bonnie Martin, are already planning a return trip next year. This year, the couple ran for the year-end titles with good friends Jim and Marsha Vangilder, and also trainer Matt Gaines and his wife, Tara Gaines. They entered up in over 100 shows, traveling more than 40,000 miles.

“It was such an amazing first trip to the World Finals and a first World championship,” Martin said. “It was a long road, but it was a lot of fun.”

Martin rode three horses to win the world title. First, he showed Starlight Prowler (Dual Rey x Prowlin By Starlight x High Brow Cat) before the gelding was paired with someone competing in the $2,000 Limit Rider class. Then, Martin began showing Bonnie’s horse, Autumn Rey, “Ella.” By the time they arrived in Colorado for two five-day cuttings held back-to-back, Ella was tired and Martin was looking to give the daughter of Dual Rey a break. 

“Tim Smith told me he thought Ella was getting pretty tired and wasn’t producing the quality runs she was earlier in the season,” he said. “Tim and Matt (Gaines) both told me Mattie Dukes was selling Sho Nuff Hot.”

It took one ride and three cows, and Martin was sold on Sho Nuff Hot, who they call “Houdini.” The son of Spots Hot and out of Miss Play Reco (by Playgun) had done very well with Dukes, and was just what Martin needed to bring home the title.

It was the fitting ending for a big year for Martin, who a few months ago was honored with the Mary Kingsbury Amateur Sportsmanship Award.

“This year, especially the last six to seven months, has strengthened my faith and belief in Jesus Christ,” he said. “He has guided us and protected us at every turn.”