Im Countin Checks, ridden by Matt Gaines for Kyle Manion, claimed his fifth major championship on Tuesday in the Music City Futurity 5/6 Open. The 224-point win, worth $16,069, boosted the 6-year-old stallion’s career earnings to $444,161.
“He’s real strong and has a ton of athletic ability,” said Gaines, who has ridden the 6-year-old son of Smart Lil Ricochet, out of Autumn Boon, as a finalist in 22 limited age events, including six this year. Manion, showing Im Countin Checks for the first time this year, won the West Texas Non-Pro Classic on him and claimed reserve in the NCHA Super Stakes Classic Non-Pro.
Faith In My Cat, with Clint Allen for Wrigley Ranches, placed second in the 5/6 Open; Sister CD, in a tight race with world champion Dual Rey Me for leading NCHA active money earner, finished third under owner Skip Queen to increase his record to $651,459. Click here for results and pedigrees.