Doug Williamson wins Snaffle Bit Futurity

Williamson had marked a 217.5 in the herd work and a 220 in the rein work. As is always the case, the title race came down to the final leg of the cow horse triathlon.

Williamson, of Bakersfield, California, won the Futurity exactly ten years ago - on Mr San Olen, the sire of Doc At Night. Winning his second title - on a horse he raised, made the victory even more sweet. "To win it on a baby of the stud I won it on the first time - it's wonderful!"

Doc At Night is out of Docs Hickory Nut and the flashy dark stallion will likely be spending a good part of his future time in the cutting pen. "I think that's the direction we'll go," Williamson commented, then added. "But then he's such a good reiner, I'd like to do that too! We'll just have to decide."

Williamson is respected by his peers as a "trainer's trainer" and he's equally well known for his ability to overcome adversity. He's a 14-year cancer survivor. In 2001, he competed at the futurity with broken ribs and a punctured lung. This year, he competed with a broken foot. Most of his fans and friends feel that his ability to win in the arena and in life has a lot to do with his outlook - focusing on the good, and seeing the positive.

"I'm so lucky. I've had good horses in my life. This one's as good as any of them!"

Williamson, who is also an AQHA World Champion, was thrilled with the win. "To me, this is the most prestigious event in the world. To do all three events at one time on a 3-year-old - it's the ultimate!"

The Reserve Championship went to two-time Futurity Champion, Bob Avila of Temecula, California on Spark Master, owned by Alan and Kay Needle. Spark Master, by Shining Spark and out of Kings Masterpiece, had a composite score of 660, and earned $70,000.

Another Shining Spark son, Shiners Diamond Sun, ridden by Robbie Boyce and owned by Carol Rose of Gainesville, Texas, rounded out the top three, with a composite score of 656, good for a $50,000 payday.

Finals day at the Snaffle Bit Futurity was punctuated by record attendance, and a total payoff exceeding $850,000, as well as a special proclamation from the Mayor of Reno, proclaiming October 6 as Snaffle Bit Futurity Day in Reno.

There was also a special announcement presenting the extension of the National Reined Cow Horse Association's contract with the Reno Livestock Events Center - insuring that the NRCHA World Championship Snaffle Bit Futurity will be held in Reno through 2008.

The National Reined Cow Horse Association, the governing body of cow horse competition, is responsible for promoting the sport, insuring high standards of competition and educating members and the public about the history and tradition of the cow horse.

Through the support of a Corporate Partner family that includes Bayer Corporation, Cinch, Inc., Flowmaster, MD Barns, Platinum Performance, Inc., Purina Mills, Inc., Skyline Silversmiths, Rios of Mercedes, Horsecentral.com, Sundowner Trailers, Western Horseman magazine, and the Silver Legacy, the association helps keep the vaquero tradition alive in today's equine industry. For information on the National Reined Cow Horse Association, visit the web site at www.nrcha.com.