James Payne and Jazlyn may not have walked away from Tulsa with the official Breeder’s Invitational Classic Challenge Open title, but their mare’s impressive performance in the Finals added another highlight to her successful career.
Payne and Jazlyn tied with Kenny Platt and LBR Hangem for the top spot at Tulsa Expo Square. They opted not to have a runoff and instead broke the tie based on the cumulative score from the five judges. Platt ultimately claimed the title and the accompanying prizes, with both riders splitting the first and second place payouts equally, each receiving $19,575.
Despite not winning the title, Payne was focused on the numbers. The victory brought Jazlyn (Hashtags x MK Cats Kitty x Spots Hot) closer to reaching the $500,000 milestone in lifetime earnings, with her total now at $498,914 according to QData.
With an impressive record that includes wins in the NCHA Superstakes Derby Open, NCHA Derby Open, 2024 Horse of the Year honors, and now the Breeder’s Invitational Classic/Challenge, Jazlyn, owned by Kathleen Moore, continues to evolve as a top competitor.
Jazlyn has been under Payne’s care almost since the beginning, with Moore purchasing her as a yearling through Western Bloodstock. Payne has been instrumental in her development throughout her career, helping to build a strong resume in the sport.
As a six-year-old, Payne believes Jazlyn has reached a new level of consistency and excellence. Her performance at the Breeder’s Invitational showcased this, with scores of 225 in the first go, 221 in the second, and a standout 228 in the finals.
In the finals, Payne’s draw position played a crucial role, especially with the challenging group of cattle. He noted that having the right draw allowed him to select favorable cattle to cut, showcasing Jazlyn’s ability to capitalize on the opportunity.
Payne attributes Jazlyn’s success to her natural grit and instinct as a cow horse, describing her as a true blue cow horse with a special ability to read cattle.
As Jazlyn nears the end of her aged-event career, Payne admitted that the thought of her turning seven is already emotional for him. He shared that he anticipates feeling sentimental when that milestone arrives.
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