The 2017 limited age event show year kicked off on January 4 with the first go-round of 5 and 6-year-old open competition in the Abilene Spectacular in Abilene, Tex., where Suen You Will See LTE $134,329 took the lead with 221 points. The 6-year-old daughter of Boon Too Suen is owned by Ken Sitton, Freeport, Tex., and shown by Steve Oehlhof.

Metallic Candlelit $12,656 and Apollo Creed topped the 4-year-old open go-round on January 5 with 220 points. Owned by Jimmie Miller Smith, Geary, Okla. and shown by Clay Johnson, Metallic Candlelit, by Metallic Cat, was 2016 NCHA Futurity Amateur Unlimited champion under Wade Smith. Apollo Creed, also by Metallic Cat, was shown for Daniel Burkes, Hibbing, Minn., by Chris Hanson.

The Abilene Spectacular continues through Tuesday, January 10.

Chatty Patty, the first foal of 2015 NCHA Horse of the Year Smooth Talkin Style LTE $293,232 rang in the New Year on January 1, 2017 at Double Dove Ranch, Fort Worth, Texas. The sorrel filly is out of Bet On Nurse, the last foal out of Nurse Rey, who is the dam of Dual Rey, NCHA #3 all-time leading sire. Double Dove Ranch is also the breeder and co-owner of Smooth Talkin Style, whose full sister, Smooth Walkin Style, was the $200,000 high seller at the 2016 NCHA Futurity Select Yearling Sale.