Non-Pro Duff Sinclair was surprised he and Bowflex, owned by Billie Aylesworth, topped the Breeders Invitational Challenge Non-Pro Classic Finals. Their 225 earned a check for $12,759.70 to push the geldings EquiStat earnings over $120,000.
“It felt like we had a good run but it’s always up to the judges,” Sinclair said. “There are a lot of really good Non-Pro horses here and it could have been anybody’s day.”
As the first draw of the finals Sinclair worried he messed up their run.
“I wasn’t aggressive and let it happen instead of making it happen. I thought I had thrown it away,” he said. “Sean Flynn was my turnback. He split my cows and saved me.”
The duo gained momentum on the second cow exhibiting complete control before slightly dialing it back on the final cow to finish off the run.
“It felt like a good run but had no idea it would mark a 225,” he said. “He’s a small gelding that is smart and has a big heart. I can’t say enough about him.”
As of Friday, Bowflex (Smart Aristocrat x Little Bow Dually x Dual Pep) and Sinclair sat on top of the Classic Challenge Amateur standings having marked a 219 to advance to the finals on May 20.
In April, Sinclair’s daughter, Dylan, was the 5/6 Year-Old Limited Amateur Reserve Champion at the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) Super Stakes on Bowflex.
Eddie and Selina Formston Flynn bred the 2017 chestnut gelding who is by Smart Aristocrat and out of Little Bow Dually (Dual Pep). Flynn trained the gelding through his 4-year-old year before selling to Aylesworth. Sinclair rode with Flynn for the first year and now rides and hauls with trainer Clay Johnson.
“I want to credit Eddie and Selina for raising a good horse. They own the mare so hopefully he has produced some good numbers for them,” Sinclair said. “He’s a great gelding and we’re looking to finish out his aged event career strong.”
