Jay Holmes of Sarasota, Florida, lopes Dun It Big forward to receive his world championship trophy as owner Mary Clark of Triple J Ranch, Jay's daughter, Morgan, and wife, Rhonda, clap enthusiastically.
For owner Mary Clark, it was a birthday present a day late. For roper Jay Holmes, it was vindication of his belief in his horse. For Dun It Big, it was just another day at the office in the senior heeling finals November 21. The 1998 dun stallion marked a 225.5 for the world championship in the Jim Norick Arena. Jay talked with the Journal about his longtime partnership with "Dun Bud."
Q: Tell us about your run. Jay: It just felt really great. He’s a great horse. I’ve got to thank J.D. Yates for helping me and Ms. Mary for letting me show the horse.
Q: How long have you had him in training?| Jay: I’ve had him since he was 3, and he’s 10 years old.
Q: What do you like best about him? Jay: I can’t really pick anything best. He’s good at everything.
Q: You showed him earlier in the week in performance halter. Was that the first time? Jay: That was his first time, besides qualifying him.
Q: Were you expecting success tonight? Jay: Yes, I was, because he’s a great heel horse.
Q: How did the preliminaries go? Jay: They went good. I was real early and marked a 222, and he was right in the middle of everything the whole time.
Q: What’s next for him? Jay: I’ll probably show him a little more in the cow horse and maybe World’s Greatest Horseman in 2010.
Fun Fact: Mary Clark celebrated her 88th birthday November 20 with a world championship in performance halter mares with Photons Cowgirl.
WINNER STATS
Horse name: Dun It Big Pedigree: 1998 dun stallion by Hollywood Dun It x Genuine Redbud by Genuine Doc Exhibitor: Jay Holmes, Sarasota, Florida Owner: Triple J Ranch, Sarasota, Florida Trainer: Jay Holmes, Sarasota, Florida Breeder: Eric Storey, Henagar, Alabama
Total class entries: 79 Purse: $63,745
World Champion Prizes: Custom-designed gold-tone trophy, Montana Silversmiths buckle, neck wreath, gold medallion, Cripple Creek-logo jacket, world champion patch, Tex Tan product, Justin Boots
