Gold Buckle Streak: Second Champion in a Row for Solo Select Stallions

Back-to-back champions. Two different stallions. One program.

At the Gold Buckle Futurities Spring Showdown, Solo Select stallions proved their dominance once again—this time through Rocko (by Meteles Cat) and Haze Bruce, who clinched the Intermediate Heeling Championship with authority. After placing second in Round 1 to earn $1,000, the pair came back swinging with a 227.84 in Round 2 and a 226.10 in Round 3, making them the first call back heading into the short go.

Haze Bruce, Hunter Koch and Rocko | Photo by Solo Select Horses

And they didn’t just win—they dominated, taking the championship by an astonishing 14.69-point margin, a commanding lead that left no doubt who owned the day. Their total haul? $14,725, marking yet another major title for a Solo Select stallion’s offspring at this elite event. This champion title comes just one day after Tom Cats R Popular (by Metallic Cattack) and Chance Thiessen won the 4 & Under Tie Down.

Two champions. One spring futurity. Solo Select’s stallions are building a legacy—one win at a time.

“This was the first horse I’ve had by him (Meteles Cat),” said Koch, who has trained Rocko since he was 3, along side owner JD McGuire. “We’ve been super happy with him. The speed and the physicality that Meteles Cat put in that horse is what JD and I are after. Our end goal with these horses is to train and show horses that can go on and compete in the professional rodeo atmosphere—and it takes unique traits to be able to do that. Meteles Cat is stamping his foals with those traits.”

Haze Bruce and Rocko winning round 2 with a 227.84 | Photo by Solo Select Horses

“This was actually my second time ever riding this horse,” said Haze during a post-win interview with Hunter Koch. “I rode him for the first time on Thursday. Says a lot when you can get on one and win like this.”

“I told Haze, ‘Just act like you're at a jackpot—have fun and rope two feet,’” Koch added with a laugh. “That’s exactly what he did. He played his part, and Rocko played his.”

15-year-old on a 5-year-old. That’s what everyone’s talking about. Haze Bruce, son of respected rope horse trainer Zane Bruce, stepped into the spotlight today with quiet confidence and let his performance speak for itself. With a solid foundation behind him and a rope in his hand, Haze showed maturity beyond his years. He didn’t let the moment—or the 14-point lead—get to him. Instead, he stayed steady, did his job, and walked away with a win that's got people talking.

Solo Select Horses extends their congratulations to Haze Bruce, Hunter Koch, Rocko, and owner JD McGuire on an outstanding performance.