Baldwin rises to challenge, earns big win
As a second-year Non-Pro, Ray Baldwin questioned whether he could win the big one.
He answered himself Friday night.
Aboard Catlike Kit, Baldwin captured his first major cutting title, marking 220 to win the Classic Non-Pro finals.
"I've made finals before, but I've never risen to the occasion," he said. "This is a dream come true."
With his first Augusta Futurity title, Baldwin, of Fort Worth, Texas, earned $11,474.
Jason McClure, of Hayesville, N.C., and Tama Boon placed second at 219 for $7,943.
Dustin Adams, of Dublin, Texas, and Stylin Playgirl and Mary Ann Rapp, of Weatherford, Texas, and Gracefully Done tied for third (216, $6,766).
Baldwin and Catlike Kit entered the finals with the top combined go-round score of 432.5.
In the championship round, they appeared to ring up a score of 217.
After a judges review, their score increased by three points.
"When I first heard of the adjustment I said, 'Oh no'," said Baldwin, who added he's usually adjusted much lower. "I knew the three points would be big. I was pleasantly surprised."
Baldwin purchased Catlike Kit, a 5-year-old mare by High Brow Cat out of Billie The Kit, in December 2009.
He said the horse was too much for him handle.
So Baldwin let Phil Rapp show her during her 4-year-old campaign.
After working with Rapp and Rapp's wife, Mary Ann, Baldwin has progressed as a cutter.
Now, he's starting to feel comfortable aboard Catlike Kit.
"She's a dynamic mare," Baldwin said. "I'm really starting to get along with her.
Baldwin and Catlike Kit took advantage of running first in the 16-horse final. Phil Rapp told him to cut clean and not to put too much focus on one cow.
He also told Baldwin to be positive and let the mare do her thing.
"Just relax and have fun," Rapp told Baldwin.
Baldwin helps run his family's Waco Bend Ranch, a breeding operation in Graham, Texas.