New partners Casey Deary and Perfect On Ice had been together for barely three weeks when they walked into the South Point Arena for the $100,000 Open Shootout at the 2026 The Run For A Million. But when the pressure was on, the NRHA $6 million rider and 2021 stallion Perfect On Ice delivered a 231.5 to win the class, earning $29,154.60 for owner Amy Meadows and a ticket to the 2027 Million Dollar Competition.
Three Weeks to Prepare
Deary’s partnership with Perfect On Ice came together quickly. About a month before The Run For A Million, he reached out to Jack Medows to ask about showing the stallion.
Although Deary had been around the horse earlier in his career, Medows had been the one putting in the hours. By the time Perfect On Ice arrived at Deary’s barn, there wasn’t much time left to prepare for one of the biggest classes of the year.
“We started that colt as a two-year-old, but Jack’s done all the work,” Deary explained. “I’ve thrown a leg over that horse maybe three times before he came to the barn three weeks ago.”
That short window was enough for Deary to get a feel for what Perfect On Ice could do. When the pair entered the Shootout pen, the stallion showed the qualities Deary had come to appreciate.
“He’s just a super good-minded animal,” he said. “He’s very quiet, he’s a pretty mover and a humongous stopper.”
The 231.5 was enough to put Deary at the top of a field packed with elite open riders. The win also pushed Perfect On Ice’s lifetime earnings past $81,000.
Deary also competed on Malson/Arcese/McLain’s King Arthur II (Gunnatrashya x Miss McDreamy), marking a 226 to finish in a four-way tie for eighth.
“I mean, it’s crazy to think you’re working a 226 and you’re disappointed about it,” Deary said.
One Run, One Big Opportunity
The Shootout wasn’t just another $100,000 class. The top five riders earned qualification for the 2027 Million Dollar Competition, giving Deary an opportunity to lock in his spot for next year with the standout performance.
“It feels amazing, so nice to be qualified for next year,” Deary said. “Get to take a deep breath for a couple more months.”
Deary will return to Las Vegas in 2027 alongside the four other riders who earned qualification through the Open Shootout:
- Casey Deary—Perfect On Ice
- Gabriel Borges—Voodoo Flo Jo
- Luca Fappani—Vintage Chex
- Jason Vanlandingham—GPB Smokinvintagegun
- Peter DeFrietas—Dust Off Ya Gunns