Twenty three horses competed Saturday night in the $100,000 Three Year Old Novice Horse slot class at the Southern Belle Invitational in Tunica, Mississippi. Jet Thompson, Dean Bogart, Lori Gingrich and Betsy Tuckey judged the group of horses who could not have won a total of $1500 prior to January 1, 2008.
The judges had varying opinions and the crowd was left guessing up until the end who would take home the big check. But it was Jill Stafford aboard Thats The Touch, who placed first, third, fourth and fifth under the four judges and were awarded the $50,000 winning purse and an additional $5,000 for being an Intermediate Rider. (See slide show)
The 3 year old gelding is owned by JR Reichert and niece Kaylene Schroeder, and sired by JR’s stud, A Touch Of Sudden. “He deserved to win it, he’s a very good horse,” said a happy Kaylene.
JR Reichert was quick to give the credit to rider and trainer, Jill Stafford who is an assistant trainer for Donnie Dickerson of Mt. Airy, North Carolina. “Jill is the hardest working lady in the business. What she has done with this horse in the past five months has been unbelievable,” said JR.
Stafford was very humbled by the evening’s events. “JR and Donnie (Dickerson) have great taste picking out horses and they put trust in me to prepare this horse,” said Stafford. “I had no clue I had something this special but they believed in me and here we are.”
What are the two women going to do with their winnings? “Pay off student loans!”
Unofficial results, payout, horse’s name and rider:
1st – $55,000 Thats The Touch, Jill Stafford
2nd – $15,000 Ima Good And Deluxe, Wade Black
3rd – $10,000 Bling Bling Blaze, Rusty Green
4th – $7,500 Image Of You, Kenny Lakins
5th – $3,500 Radical Zippette, Jamie Pait
6th – $3,000 Invite Gracie, Steve Meadows
7th – $1,500 Sheiks Hot Lady, Greg Wheat
8th – $1,250 Cierras Bold In Gold, Brian Baker
9th/10th (tie) $875 The Magic Hour, Karen Hornick
9th/10th (tie) $875 Blazes Baby Jane, Andy Cochran
