Don’t get mad — get even. That was Wesley Galyean’s winning formula Sunday, when he scored 223 points to claim the NCHA Derby Open second go-round on Rascal Cats, owned by Steven Feiner. Galyean came into the second go-round with 208 points, after a tough first round, where the bubble never rose above 207.
“I was pretty frustrated because you never thought a 208 would make it to the second go-round,” said Galyean. “Then it did and I found out I drew next-to-last.
“I was beyond feeling pressure (riding to the herd). I just wanted to come cutting and show everybody what kind of horse I have and make them believe I should be there.
“That horse is capable of doing about anything.”
Rascal Cats, by High Brow Cat, was bred by Billy Martin and sent to Galyean at three. Galyean showed the colt to place third in the Augusta Futurity and the Breeders Invitational and as a finalist in three other major events. Feiner purchased the horse this past May.
“The horse was probably the best he’s ever been,” said Galyean. “He really stepped up and was a big boy. I always felt he could mark those (scores), but to get everything put together is extremely difficult. It just all fit.”
Galyean also qualified for the Open Semi-Finals with 228.5 points on his own horse, Harley, by Spots Hot, who his wife Kristen showed to win the Derby Non-Pro Limited and shows today in the Non-Pro first go-round.
LHR Smooth Jamie May, ridden by Phil Hanson for Sherry Chamberlin’s South Lazy H Ranch, Weatherford, TX, claimed the high cumulative of 439 points with a 220-point win in the first go-round and 219, the second-highest score in the second.
Special Nu Baby, trained and shown by Matt Gaines for Gary and Shannon Barker, also scored 219 points in the second go-round.
“I think she’s one of the most spectacular horses I’ve ever had,” said Gaines, who rode the Dual Rey daughter’s dam, Nu I Wood, to win the 2001 NCHA Derby, as well as five other major events and over $405,000.
“She’s already won around $180,000, but she’s been a little inconsistent,” Gaines added. “I think she’s coming around and learning how to handle her body a little better and that’s letting her relax and be more confident.”
Gaines also earned the second-highest cumulative score of 436 points with 219 and 217, respectively, on A Smooth Criminal, a Smooth As A Cat son owned by Roxanne Koepsell.