A “big three” win in Will Rogers Coliseum was something that Cody Hedlund, 21, had dreamed about. He just didn’t expect his 217-point score, first crack out of the herd, to stand up through 19 other competitors in the XTO Energy NCHA Super Stakes Non-Pro finals yesterday.

“I just went out there and tried to cut for the biggest check I could,” said Hedlund, who rode Teles Bout This Cat. “I didn’t know what was going to happen, but those cows got tough (as the event progressed) and kind of helped me out.”

Kade Smith, winner of the Super Stakes Non-Pro Limited on Spork, claimed the Super Stakes Non-Pro reserve championship, as well, on his gelded son of Hes A Peptospoonful.

Teles Bout This Cat, by WR This Cats Smart, is a family legacy for Hedlund, whose father, Rock Hedlund, trained the mare and her dam, Teles Lies.

“I was the last one to show her mother before we retired her,” said Cody. “This mare looks so much like her mom when she runs and stops. She’ll just bury her butt in the ground. And she has some of her dad, too, the way she is up into a cow. It’s a good match.”

Hedlund moved from California to Texas three years ago to be closer to major cutting events and has been staying with all-time open and non-pro money earners Phil and Mary Ann Rapp in Weatherford, Texas.

“Phil and Mary Ann are like my second parents,” said Hedlund. “They do everything they can for me and more. I appreciate their help so much. They’re two very great people.”