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One of the biggest challenges came from Lynda MacCallum and Hillbilly Hippie, who produced a brilliant run for 223 points.
" But Benny prevailed and a win that you always aspire to but must never assume because it is just so hard to achieve."
The atmosphere inside the arena only heightened the emotion. " We were sitting in our usual place in the crowded stands surrounded by a number of other families with horses in the final. Most of us sat there throughout the 15 days of the Futurity. It was a wonderful atmosphere as we celebrated and commiserated with each other as each horse went. The crowd were very vocal and celebrated great runs."
A TEAM EFFORT
Behind every Futurity champion stands a dedicated team, and the Inglis family is quick to acknowledge those who helped make the victory possible. Leading that list is Rachel Leitch, whose contribution to the Leitch training operation is invaluable.
" The standard of cutting in Australia is incredibly high and continues to improve each year, making the sport highly competitive and success very hard earned. So when a young horse develops into a finalist, let alone a Futurity winner, it is an extraordinary bonus."
With the Futurity title secured, Benny ' s career is only just beginning.
" He will compete at several of the remaining 2026 Futurities and continue to compete at the highest level through his Derby and Classic years."
For Jamie and Sarah, the victory carries a significance that extends far beyond the winner ' s cheque.
" We ' d like to say that Jason and Rachel are like family to us, so it is extra special to share Benny ' s win. They have taken us on an exciting journey in cutting over the past twenty years. Through them we ' ve made great friends and become part of the wonderful and close knit Australian cutting community."
" Not only is she a great horseman she came third in the Futurity on her mare Speaking, Rachel has an extraordinary ability to pick cows. Even if you are last in the herd, she will have something fresh for you."
The road to victory also included a significant obstacle when Benny developed a major abscess on his neck just days before the Final.
" Thanks to the dedication and skill of veterinarian Phil Manchon, Benny recovered just in time for the Finals."
The foundations for success were laid long before the Futurity began. Benny arrived at the Leitch family ' s Manalee property in June 2024 after being started by Ben O ' Reilly at Tamworth. From there, the entire team contributed to his development.
" Jason ' s main help, the wonderful Jessie Tattum, prepared Benny to perfection. A big thank you also to Steve Smith for being in Jason ' s corner throughout the show and to Mat Oakley and Hugh Miles for being out front."
A DREAM BEYOND EXPECTATIONS
For the Inglises, purchasing a weanling always comes with hope, but never expectation.
" When purchasing any weanling, you hope they will develop into a competitive open-class cutting horse and, if everything comes together, one good enough to make an Open Futurity Final."
The journey from promising youngster to Futurity champion is never straight forward.
Proud AQHA breeders Peter and Jacinta Shumack
AQHA BREEDER BONUS RECOGNITION
The Australian Quarter Horse Association( AQHA) continued its strong support of the Australian Cutting Horse industry at the 2026 NCHA Futurity by offering a $ 5,000 cash bonus to the breeder of the highest-placed registered Australian Quarter Horse in the 2026 Open Futurity Final.
With Flash Talkin Q-101395 claiming the Open Futurity Championship, the AQHA Breeder Bonus was awarded to proud breeders Peter and Jacinta Shumack. The bonus recognised the outstanding achievement of breeding the highest placed registered Australian Quarter Horse in the Final and highlighted the significant contribution Australian breeders continue to make in producing elite performance horses capable of excelling on the sport ' s biggest stage.
2026 AQHA ~ JULY / AUGUST ISSUE