Smartest Chic Olena


News

From : Cowboy Sports and Entertainment (May/June 2001) Equine News

Tom McCutcheon wins $50,000 First Place at Saltgrass Steak House National Reining Breeders Classic The Saltgrass Steak House National Reining Breeders Classic, April 18-22 in Katy, Texas, was a week of star-studded special events, highlighted by Saturday night's presentation of a $50,000 check to Classic Open Champion, Tom McCutcheon. Riding Smartest Chic Olena, a son of Smart Chic Olena, owned by Terry Owens of nearby Houston, McCutcheon scored a 223.5 to win the clean-slate finals. For McCutcheon, the win was especially sweet. Not only was it the first major title for a trainer who has, in his words, "been in the bridesmaid spot a lot," Tom is also the chairman of the National Reining Breeders Classic Board, and one of its founders. 2001 was the first year of maturity for the stallion incentive program that was created in late 1997. With over 220 stallions and more than 5,000 foals enrolled, the program is an overwhelming success.