Hundreds of horse enthusiasts have descended on Tamworth for the National Cutting Horse Association National Finals.
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The annual show got underway on Wednesday at the Australian Equine & Livestock Events Centre.
With the introduction of the prestigious breeders incentive in 2014 and the continuation of the ever popular Snafflebit Futurity, entries are at an all-time high, forcing organisers to revise the program and stretch the show out to eight days.
The first event was the $5,000 Novice and showcased a high level of skill among the field of 86 horses.
Illabo’s Richard Webb took the honours on Tell I’m Slick with the eight year old chestnut mare scoring 222.5.
On Thursday the focus turned to the two-handed Snafflebit where Tamworth local and part owner of the 2015 NCHA Futurity Champion, Chris Ware, dominated with two of his own horses.
He topped the points with 224 on RBH Billy Boonsmal, just ahead of Time Too Teles (220).
The $15,000 Novice continued into Thursday afternoon with a whopping 82 entries.
That was followed by the first go round of the 2017 Yulgilbar & Mavericks Western Wear Snafflebit Futurity, which ran into the night with 44 three year olds competing for a share of $25,000 in prize money.
Friday’s program includes the $15,000 Non Pro, the second go round of the Snafflebit Futurity, the Rookies event and the final of the Non Pro Snafflebit Futurity.
The Finals continue through to next Wednesday when the Non-Pro Classic, Non-Pro Derby, Classic and Derby champions will all be decided.