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AQHA FEATURE: A RECORD-BREAKING INVESTMENT IN THE FUTURE
" The attraction for me is the sport of cutting and producing the highest quality horses in the industry. We intend to keep improving our standard and continue building our breeding program from the purchase of Hotnightinvegas Q-106326."
IN TRUSTED HANDS
Following her purchase, Hotnightinvegas Q-106326 has begun the first stage of what will be a carefully managed journey towards the 2028 NCHA Futurity.
She is currently being started under saddle by Brett Ainsworth before progressing to Jamie Seccombe, who Riley believes is the ideal horseman to develop her potential.
" I see Jamie as the top trainer and showman in this country," Riley said. " His training methods are patient, soft handed, consistent and precise. Combined with Ella ' s care for their horses and incredible attention to detail, they provide the highest standard of horsemanship."
Rather than placing unrealistic expectations on the young filly, Riley is committed to allowing her to develop naturally.
" There are no expectations on my end. Horses can throw all sorts of curve balls. I ' m simply excited to watch her progress and have complete trust in the Seccombe team to give HOTNIGHTINVEGAS every opportunity to succeed."
THE ROAD TO THE FUTURITY
Her journey towards the Futurity will be a gradual one, designed to give the talented filly every opportunity to mature both physically and mentally.
Following her foundation training, Hotnightinvegas Q-106326 will complete Jamie Seccombe ' s renowned two year old program before beginning to travel to shows, gaining valuable experience in competition environments.
She will then progress through a series of pre-work events before making her anticipated Futurity debut as a three year old in 2028.
As with any young performance horse, Riley understands there are no guarantees.
" Nothing is predictable with horses," he said. " We simply hope she accepts her training, naturally wants to work a cow and shows all the right signs along the way. That ' s all we can ask for."
CHASING BIG DREAMS
Like every Futurity owner, Riley dreams of championship success, but his definition of achievement extends well beyond the winner ' s circle.
" She has all the breeding behind her, along with good bone and sound structure, so we ' re starting with a horse that is a very solid article."
" We all know there are many factors that need to come together to make a Futurity final, let alone win one. For us, success means having a horse that genuinely wants to work a cow, is comfortable doing it, is quick, smart and has eye appeal."
" Ultimately, winning the Futurity is always the goal, but there are many important steps before you ever get there."
A FOUNDATION FOR THE FUTURE
While the immediate focus is on her performance career, Hotnightinvegas Q-106326 has already been earmarked as a cornerstone of Caballo Performance Horses ' long term breeding program.
" When we were looking for a future broodmare prospect, we wanted a mare out of a performed imported mare and sired by Stevie Rey Von," Riley explained. " Opportunities to purchase fillies of this calibre don ' t come along very often, particularly with Hot Yoga ' s bloodlines being so tightly held."
Riley believes the filly ' s imported pedigree will provide enormous opportunities for Australian breeders in years to come.
" She is a strong foundation for our breeding program. We plan to pair her with proven stallions in America with the goal of producing quality horses here in Australia that are comparable to what you see in the United States."
As Riley reflects on the historic purchase, he is also quick to acknowledge those who made it possible.
" We would like to sincerely thank Peter Ryan for offering a filly such as Hotnightinvegas and allowing us access to genetics of this calibre."
For Caballo Performance Horses, the record breaking purchase of Hotnightinvegas Q-106326 represents far more than an Australian auction record. It is a statement of intent, an investment in world class genetics and the foundation upon which an exciting future breeding program will be built. As she embarks on the road to the 2028 Futurity, the Australian cutting horse industry will undoubtedly be watching with great anticipation.
AUSTRALIAN QUARTER HORSE ASSOCIATION- www. aqha. com. au