It was Gary Barker’s first win in Fort Worth’s Will Rogers Coliseum and the second biggest paycheck of his career. Thanks to his wife, Shannon, who suggested he show her mare Flash About in the Unlimited Amateur division of the 2015 Western Bloodstock NCHAWinter Showdown in Cowtown, Gary earned $20,000 for his 220-point win.

Jaylee Hall scored 218 points for second place and $15,000 riding High Brow CD Deuce, while Sherry Graham and Rouge Blue took third and $14,000 with a score of 216.5 points. The Finals’ field of 17 horses earned a total of $168,000

“Shannon was supposed to ride this horse, but she wasn’t showing at the Futurity and I was, so she let me show her,” said Barker. “Although I’ve only shown her a few times, I love to ride this mare.”

Barker Ranch Cutting Horses, Madill, Okla., purchased 6-year-old Flash About this past February from Kelle Earnheart, who had shown the Purdy Boy Flash daughter to claim seven major limited age event non-pro championships and earn over $200,000. Flash About’s dam, Play Miss LTE $180,165, was reserve champion of the 2007 NCHA Derby under John Mitchell for Slate River Ranch.

Gary and Shannon Barker are also the owners of 9-year-old Special Nu Baby, who set an earnings record of $123,034 leading up to the 2015 NCHA Mercuria NCHA Open World Finals under her trainer Matt Gaines, and has an unbeatable lead for 2015 NCHA Open World Championship.

Five-year-old High Brow CD Deuce LTE $71,870 has been a solid money earner for Jaylee Hall, Weatherford, Tex., who most recently showed the High Brow CD daughter to win the 2015 Brazos Bash Amateur 5/6 championship.

Eight-year-old gelding Rouge Blues LTE $97,722, by Peptoboonsmal, earned owner Sherry Graham, Canyon, Tex., her single biggest payday in cutting competition.  In 2008, Graham showed Playboys Lil Smarty to earn $29,188 and place fourth in the $10,000 Novice Non-Pro World Championship standings.