In November 2013 Heavy Metal was
broken in by Chris, at which time
he became aware that this colt had
something special, having a natural
softness and a big stop.
out the following 22 horse that were
to follow. This is exactly what he
did, scoring an impressive 148 to
claim the 2015 NCHA Open Futurity
Championship.
Twenty-five rides later and Heavy Metal
travelled to Oakey, where the dynamic
partnership of Todd Graham and Heavy
Metal began. Twelve months later, Chris
and Jodie made the trip to Oakey to view
Heavy Metal for the first time. They were
given updates along the way from Todd
that he was ‘going well’, but were very
pleased when they saw him work for the
first time.
At the completion of the last run, the
emotions poured out for all involved
and associated with Heavy Metal. An
achievement that the pair thought would
only ever be a dream had come true. This
was just the beginning of a dream run for
Heavy Metal and his super trainer, Todd
Graham.
In June 2015 they saw the start of what
would be a whirlwind journey for Heavy
Metal. He drew 3rd out in his herd in
the 1st round and secured a solid run
scoring a 143, he backed this up with an
impressive 146 in the 2nd go round.
With these scores he secured himself a
place in the NCHA Futurity Final held
on the final night of the show. Chris and
Jodie were ecstatic to have made the
final, but never dreamt of what was to
come.
Drawing an early 3rd run out in the first
of two herds, meant Heavy Metal had
to set the pace early and
hold
A month passed and the 2015 Darling
Downs Cutting Club Futurity Show rolled
around. Heavy Metal went into this
futurity with added expectation following
his previous win. Chris and Jodie hoped
to make it into the final, but had great
faith in their young stud and knew he
had more to deliver.
Heavy Metal made the final and as they
had hoped scored a massive score of 152
to take out Heavy Metal’s second Open
Futurity Championship.
of 149 to be crowned the Futurity
Champion and take out his 3rd Open
Futurity Championship in as many
shows.
Chris and Jodie are still very
overwhelmed with Heavy Metal’s
achievement and the interest and
support from the performance horse
industry. They would like to thank the
NCHA, all event sponsors, Todd Graham
and his team for their tireless work that
has helped and supported this dream
run so far.
Heavy Metal is now headed to the
Goondiwindi Futurity and the decision
has been made to take the trip to Victoria
for the Victorian Futurity. The very best
of luck to Heavy Metal, Chris and Jodie,
Todd Graham and all connections in the
next two futurities.
At the completion of the following
futurities, Heavy Metal will stand his
first season at stud, at Wungum Training
Stables, Tamworth. You can contact
Chris on 0428 847 962.
The dream run continued
at the recent 2015 Comet
Futurity in late July
when Heavy Metal again
impressed with a score
September • October • 2015 • The Australian Quarter Horse Magazine Page 47