Nicholas Johnson missed two days of school to compete in this week's Futurity Non-Pro competition.
His professors might not understand, but the North Carolina State senior furthered his cutting education Saturday night.
Aboard Itch My Stylish Cat, Johnson marked 215 to capture the Futurity Non-Pro finals by one point at James Brown Arena.
The 20-year-old Benson, N.C., resident drove to Augusta after classes Tuesday. He proceeded to miss the next two days of class, and there'll be no sympathy when he returns to school.
"No excuses for getting out and going to cutting competitions," he said.
Johnson recorded the lowest winning score in the 32-year history of the Futurity Non-Pro finals, eclipsing the mark of 216 set by Phil Rapp and Plaboys Ruby in 1991. Johnson took home $10,464.
Armando Costa Neto, of Weatherford, Texas and Smooth Dox placed second at 214 for $7,244. Mary Ann Rapp, of Weatherford, Texas, and Reytilda Red finished third (213.5, $6,439).
In the go-rounds, Johnson posted consecutive scores of 210 to advance to the finals. Riding his mare for the first time at a major show, he said he was trying to play it conservative.
"My mare is really green and I was really trying to get a feel for her," he said. "I played it really safe. I knew it wasn't going to take much to advance."
Johnson bought Itch My Stylish Cat, by Cat Ichi out of Short and Stylish, from Brett Lawson in January 2010. Johnson returned from the Florida winter circuit and dropped by his friend's house in Ridgeland, S.C. He inquired about the horse and then Lawson worked her. Days later, Johnson, whose family owns a glass business in Raleigh, N.C., made the purchase.
"She had a really neat look about her. She was really shifty-looking," he said. "I just had a gut feeling she was going to be good."
In the finals, Johnson and his mare took advantage of riding first in the second bunch of eight horses. They cut three cows and posted a score that survived the final seven horses.
"I knew my mare was really dialed in," he said. "I felt like I had a chance.
"I was just tickled to get my mare shown in the finals. Whatever happened, happened."
Now it's back to reality for Johnson who has to study for two exams and a quiz next week. For now, though, he will savor his first Augusta Futurity championship.
"I always thought this was a really prestigious event being from the East Coast," he said. "I don't think it's really sunk in yet."
The Augusta Chronicle ©2012. All Rights Reserved.
