With $490,519 in lifetime earnings, Hazardouz Material has solidified his position as the highest-earning Metallic Cat Stallion. This achievement comes after a stellar performance at the NRCHA Stallion Stakes with Erin Taormino in the saddle, earning $27,258 and qualifying for The Run For A Million.
Reflecting on Skeeter’s latest milestone, Taormino expressed her amazement, stating, “It’s pretty amazing. Metallic Cat himself is incredible, and for Skeeter to hold the title as his highest-earning stallion is truly fulfilling.”
During the Run For A Million qualifier, Taormino and Skeeter secured the No. 3 spot with a 440 composite score, earning $4,750 and securing their place in the Las Vegas showcase. Additionally, they placed No. 3 in the Open Bridle with the same composite score, earning $8,568, and clinched the Open Bridle Spectacular title with a 661 composite score, collecting $13,940.
Skeeter’s versatility in the cow horse bridle progression was further showcased through his victory at the Stallion Stakes finals. Throughout his career, the stallion has secured major titles in the derby, two rein, and bridle divisions.
Find NRCHA Stallion Stakes results here.
A Stallion Built for the Big Moments
Despite his numerous accomplishments, Taormino admits that riding a horse of Skeeter’s caliber comes with its own set of pressures. She shared, “I think I get more nervous to show this horse now than I ever have before. Probably because I know what he can do, and everyone else knows what he can do. The last thing I want to do is let him down if I do something silly.”
Taormino holds a deep admiration for Skeeter, describing him as a once-in-a-lifetime horse. She expressed her desire for his continuous success, stating, “Just when I think this horse can’t get any stronger or be any better, he proves me wrong.”
The stallion’s exceptional physical abilities were evident throughout the Stallion Stakes finals, with standout performances in cutting, reining, and fence work.
In the cutting segment, Taormino maneuvered through a challenging pen of heifers to mark a score of 221. Skeeter followed up with a powerful reining run, highlighted by his impressive stops.
That strength carried over to the fence work, where Skeeter delivered a 220.5 score despite facing difficult cattle. This performance secured the Bridle Spectacular win and solidified their qualification for the Run For A Million.
Hazardouz Material’s Redemption in Las Vegas
The results in Las Vegas served as a redemption for the pair following a setback in Fort Worth. Taormino recalled a heartbreaking moment at the World’s Greatest Horseman preliminary steer stopping, where a steer unexpectedly ducked under Skeeter’s neck, resulting in a missed catch.
However, the duo arrived in Las Vegas with a fresh mindset. Taormino shared, “In Vegas, it was a 100% clean slate. Skeeter felt phenomenal, and I knew we were in the best position to excel.”
With their Run For A Million qualification secured and another significant title added to Skeeter’s resume, Hazardouz Material continues to establish himself as one of the most accomplished horses in the sport.
For Taormino, the opportunity to continue competing with Skeeter, especially on such a prestigious stage, is a privilege she values deeply.