On a cold February day 1998, Wayne received a call from Justin Dampier about a good young
colt that he had seen and ridden at Montgomery Stables in Mountain Grove, Mo. They decided
they would go and look at the colt, as Wayne had been looking for a 2 year old stallion.
Patriot's Twister was a sorrel that was just started, but these two men were impressed
enough for Wayne to make an offer.
The dealing ended February 11 with the Jones' owning Twister, and Justin having a 2 year
old to ride in the Breeder's Cup. Twister was taken straight from Montgomerys to Justin
Dampier Stables in Strafford, Mo. where Justin did all the riding and training with the
ultimate goal - win the Breeder's Cup.
The first night of the show was a disappointment when Twister didn't perform as we had
hoped, and placed third. I think Wayne and Justin were still hopeful, but I'll admit I
never expected to win, and just hoped we would place in the top 5. The horses entered the
ring, and as the "old timers" used to say, "the race was on." We knew
we had the speed, but would Twister stay hooked for the entire class, while making those
sharp corners? (Later we were told he would make a good barrel horse). The numbers of two
horses were called to center ring with one of the two being the Champion and the other
Reserve. Twister was one of the two. Justin and Twister had accomplished what was planned
that cold February day. The first place cash prize was almost $4,900 plus the use of a
Featherlite trailer for one year. The trailer was presented by Featherlite dealer, Jim
Mann of Popular Bluff, Mo. This makes the Breeder's Cup the most lucrative show in Fox
Trot history.
Twister is now enjoying life at the Jones' farm in Waynesville,Mo. Wayne liked everything
about this colt, from his looks, his way of going, to his gentle disposition. We are
looking forward to adding little Twisters to our herd.
