Roth, Cowan and Quirk All Mercuria Winners at PCCHA Derby
The Mercuria/NCHA World Series of Cutting Non-Pro was jam-packed with talent, as evidenced by the fact that three horses tied for the top score. Jill Roth and Bea Pure Cat, Bill Cowan and Billies Catty, and Elizabeth Quirk and Cat Sheree each marked a 224 to split the title and garner $8,219 apiece.
Quirk, who owns Ten/27 Ranch with her husband, Todd, said she was shocked to split the championship three ways, but also very blessed to share it with such deserving competitors.
“They’re great people. Bill and I were co-champions in February as well so that was kind of cool that we got to share that, and Jill Roth just had an incredible run. She’s such an incredible show woman. Just being able to share that with those two competitors is just such an honor,” Quirk said.
The plan of the day for everyone seemed to be just cutting clean, and Quirk was no exception. She added “be smart” to her strategy, also thanking the team of people who supported her including her husband, his family and her parents.
“Adan Banuelos just does an amazing job with [Cat Sheree] and always has her prepared and enjoying her job, and the Promotion Equine Therapy crew just keeps her together and feeling awesome,” Quirk said. “We have some incredible help. Cookie Banuelos, Adan’s uncle, was also one of my herd holders, and then Johnny Mitchell and Spud Sheehan were my turnback guys. I couldn’t have done it without our amazing team of people.”
Quirk also expressed appreciation for Cat Sheree, or “Ginger,” who is by High Brow CD and out of Nurse Sheree (by Peptoboonsmal). The 8-year-old mare was bred by Bill Paxton.
“There truly aren’t words to describe her,” Quirk said. “She’s an incredible individual, such a blessing to our program. We are just honored to own her and be able to take care of her. We are just so excited about her future and the babies we have coming out of her. She is a dream to ride. I love her to pieces.”
As for the mare’s future, Quirk said she is going to let Ginger tell her what she wants to do. The mare enjoys her job – in fact, she came to Vegas after a month at the breeding farm and didn’t let the time off keep her out of the winner’s circle. Quirk said she still lights up when she sees a cow, so after a little break, she may return back to competition. One thing is for sure about the next generation, though, including a 2-year-old One Time Pepto colt, a yearling One Time Pepto filly, a 2018 Reyzin The Cash filly, a 2018 Woody Be Tuff filly and a 2019 Metallic Rebel embryo.
“We are just thrilled, and we cannot wait for all these babies to enter the show pen!” Quirk said.
Quarter Horse News
written by Kristen Pitzer
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