ONLINE EXCLUSIVE

By John Brasseaux

Every year since 1962, the National Cutting Horse Association has held a Futurity, a contest for 3-year-old horses that have never been shown in competition.

Celebrated as the cutting world's version of a coming-out party, the Futurity features horses that were nominated 12 months before, starting with the owner's first Futurity payment. (Hence the origin of the name.) The horses have barely been started under the saddle then, let alone demonstrated any potential to work a cow, turning a three-year raising and training expense into a major gamble. The risky undertaking is worth it. The Futurity pays out cutting's richest purse, while a Futurity buckle is one of the most prestigious trophies a trainer can wear.

The 35th anniversary of the Futurity paid off big-time for owner Kay Floyd and trainer Paul Hansma when Playboy McRae, a sorrel gelding, captured the title in a field of 430 horses (806 were nominated). The winning run earned just over $128,000.

Hansma's win set a record, as his brother, Winston, won the Futurity two years ago, making them the only brothers to win the event.

For information on the 1997 Futurity, held during the second weekend in December in Fort Worth, Texas, contact the NCHA at (817) 244-2015.

Copyright ©1997 Cowboys & Indians

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Photo: John Brasseaux