By the time the final horse exited the OG&E Arena on Sunday night, the venue had already witnessed something special. Earlier in the year, Casey Deary claimed the NRHA Level 4 Derby title there with Customize My Dream. Months later, he returned to the same arena and delivered a performance that would stand as its most significant moment yet—capturing the NRHA Level 4 Open Futurity Championship aboard Belissimo and earning $350,000.
It was the kind of win that felt bigger than a single night.
A Bloodline That Comes Full Circle
Belissimo joined Deary’s program as a 2-year-old, bred by Arcese Quarter Horses—an operation closely tied to several of Deary’s most important career achievements. His pedigree alone hinted at something special. Sired by NRHA Hall of Famer Magnum Chic Dream and out of Americasnextgunmodel, Belissimo represents a direct continuation of a winning legacy.
Americasnextgunmodel was the mare Deary rode to the 2012 NRHA Level 4 Futurity Championship, a victory that paid $165,000 at the time. Thirteen years later, her son doubled that achievement in earnings, marking a generational moment that connected two defining chapters of Deary’s career.
The mare herself earned nearly $290,000 during her show career, all with Deary in the saddle, and played a central role in the Arcese breeding program. Belissimo’s Futurity title wasn’t just another win—it was a full-circle moment years in the making.
Talent, Timing, and Trust
From the beginning, Belissimo stood out. He was athletic, expressive, and powerful—but also sensitive. Deary quickly learned that success with the stallion would depend on patience and feel rather than force.
That sensitivity showed in the second round, where penalties dropped the pair to the bottom of the qualifying list.
“I had a whole lot of penalties in that semi-finals run,” Deary shared. “I needed to clean some stuff up before the finals. It’s tough when those horses try so hard, it can be a little hard at times to channel it.”
Less than two days later, everything clicked.
Belissimo entered the arena last in the finals, with the lead already shared by Deary aboard Maverickbuzthetower and Gabriel Borges on TR Git R Done. From the first stop, it was clear the run was different. The pair didn’t just take the lead—they separated themselves from the field by five points.
“This horse has been an emotional horse for me. He’s got so much ability and I’m not smooth enough to get more of that every time we go,” Deary laughed. “I’m so grateful God made it all come together night. I feel like this horse has been God’s tool to keep me humble because just the minute I think I’m doing something right, I mess it up and he keeps me humble. I’m looking up and praying, show me how to do this. And when it comes together like that, it’s pretty special.”
A Barn-Wide Effort
Behind the championship run was a team effort. Deary’s veterinarian and farrier worked closely to keep Belissimo feeling his best throughout the week, while his crew managed the challenge of preparing multiple finalists for one of the toughest nights in reining.
The Arcese family once again placed their trust in Deary with a horse bred to win at the highest level, and his family stood behind him through long days, short turnarounds, and the pressure that comes with championship expectations.
Momentum was already building before Belissimo ever entered the arena. The night before, Deary’s son Owen delivered a standout Non Pro performance—particularly impressive given his limited time aboard the horse—earning more than $104,000 across divisions. Barn rider Maria Luiza Michelin Fagundes matched Owen’s success, tying for wins in the Level 3, Level 2, and Level 1 divisions.
Looking Ahead
The Futurity victory unofficially pushed Casey Deary past $6 million in NRHA career earnings—a milestone reached on a colt directly tied to one of the most meaningful horses he has ever shown.
Belissimo will now enjoy a well-earned break before transitioning into his 4-year-old season, with major derby events on the horizon.
The OG&E Arena may still be new, but its early history is already defined by performances that matter. And once again, Casey Deary is at the center of it.