Sam Shepard and Playin Witha Cat drew last in a 27-horse finals, but came through with the highest score of 228 to win the $3,000 Novice title Thursday evening at the NCHA Eastern National Championships, presented by 6666 Ranch. The score took the lead from Reserve Champion Josh Dozier, who marked 223 midway through the first set on Sheza Fancy Cat.

At 64, Shepard was the oldest rider in the finals, while 28-year-old Dozier was the youngest.

Playin Witha Cat marked the top score of 222 in the go-round, as well as the high score in the Open go-round, a 219. The 6-year-old is owned by Arthur Noble of Madison, Mississippi. He is by High Brow Cat out of Playgiarism, whose babies have won more than $560,000.

Josh Dozier’s paycheck will take him over the $100,000 mark. Sheza Fancy Cat is an 8-year-old High Brow Cat mare owned by Vick Etheridge of Corinth, Mississippi. She’s out of NCHA Futurity finalist and $100,000 earner WB Fancy Chic Olena.

The purse for the $3,000 Novice finals topped $50,000 for the first time in history, with the winner’s share projected at over $7,900. The Open finals are scheduled for Sunday.

See results from the 2010 NCHA Eastern National Championships.