Cash For Keeps: A Champion for the New Millennium

Cash For Keeps: A Champion for the New Millennium**

The year 2000 ushered in a new era for the Tennessee Walking Horse industry, marked by significant milestones and a renewed commitment to excellence. The Celebration grounds, home to the industry’s most prestigious event, underwent extensive renovations that elevated the experience for competitors and spectators alike. Among these enhancements were the addition of the elegant Celebration Plaza, complete with a Winner’s Circle, and a covered practice ring that provided all-weather convenience. Furthermore, 27 barns were replaced with state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring that both horses and handlers enjoyed the best accommodations.

The 2000 Celebration also marked the third year of the S.H.O.W. campaign, which stands for Sound horses, Honest judging, Objective inspections, and Winning fairly. This initiative reinforced the event’s dedication to upholding the integrity of the sport and promoting fair competition. Attendance figures reflected the growing enthusiasm for the event, with paid attendance reaching a record 225,540 over the 11-day period and actual attendance totaling 152,469. Entries also soared to 4,161, representing a more than 9 percent increase from the previous year.

Amidst this backdrop of progress and excitement, one horse and rider team captured the hearts of fans and judges alike: Cash For Keeps and Ray Gilmer. Their journey to the pinnacle of success epitomized dedication, talent, and an unbreakable bond between horse and handler.

### The Rise of Cash For Keeps

Owned by the Harrell Brawner family of Wynne, Arkansas, Cash For Keeps has been a standout in the Tennessee Walking Horse circuit for years. The Brawners acquired Keeps in 1994 after receiving a call from Sammy Day, who believed the stallion had championship potential. “I knew the first time I saw him… I bought him that day,” Harrell Brawner recalled.

Keeps quickly proved his worth. In 1995, he won the four-year-old preliminary class at the Celebration and went on to be named Four-Year-Old World Grand Champion that same year. However, it wasn’t until his partnership with Ray Gilmer in December 1997 that Keeps truly began to shine on a consistent basis. The Brawners had moved him closer to home by placing him under Gilmer’s care at stables in Eads, Tennessee.

The duo debuted in Jackson, Mississippi, in 1998, earning both a preliminary and championship title. That same year, they secured wins at the Cotton Classic and Spring Fun Show, along with a preliminary win at the Celebration. They capped off their season with a respectable fifth-place finish in the championship.

By 1999, Keeps and Gilmer had become a formidable team, racking up victories at prestigious events such as the Dixie Jubilee, Hernando Lions Charity Classic, Moore County Southern Championship, and White Oak Classic. They also earned a reserve title in a preliminary class at the Celebration.

### A Dream Realized: Celebration 2000

In preparation for Celebration 2000, Keeps and Gilmer competed sparingly but effectively. They claimed the championship class at Lewisburg and earned reserve honors at Woodbury. These performances set the stage for their ultimate test: the Tennessee Walking Horse World Grand Championship.

The competition was fierce, with Keeps being one of five stallions called to work out for the top prize. The atmosphere in the arena was electric as thousands of fans rose to their feet, cheering on their favorites. For some horses and riders, such pressure can be overwhelming. But for Keeps, it was fuel. “He got a little stronger each round,” Gilmer noted. “The strongest round he made all night was the last round. That’s what you want to do.”

As the spotlight scanned the lineup at the end of the class, anticipation reached its peak. When announcer Cliff Gillespie declared entry number 1-9-5-5 as the winner, Gilmer was momentarily stunned. “I thought I was dreaming,” he admitted. “I just sat there a minute to make sure I was awake. I had dreamed of it for so many years. When it finally happens you don’t believe it’s really happening.”

On Saturday night, September 2, 2000, in front of a crowd of 28,691 spectators, Cash For Keeps and Ray Gilmer were crowned Tennessee Walking Horse World Grand Champions. It was a historic moment—the first Celebration of the new century—and one that cemented Keeps’ legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

### The Perfect Partnership

Reflecting on their championship ride, Gilmer described it as “just like a dream.” He praised Keeps’ responsiveness and enthusiasm during their performance: “He was so easy to ride. Everything I asked him to do, he did it, and he looked like he was having the time of his life. He was awful close to perfect.”

The bond between Keeps and Gilmer was evident not only in their results but also in their mutual trust and understanding. This partnership exemplified what is possible when talent meets preparation and passion.

### A Bright Future

Following their championship triumph, Cash For Keeps transitioned to standing at Falcon Ridge Farms, Gilmer’s new facility located just south of Jackson, Tennessee. While Keeps’ competitive career began to slow down after his historic win, his influence on the Tennessee Walking Horse world remains profound.

As fans and industry professionals look back on Celebration 2000, they will remember it as a turning point—a year that celebrated not only advancements in infrastructure and fair competition but also one horse’s extraordinary journey to greatness. Cash For Keeps and Ray Gilmer’s story is a testament to perseverance, excellence, and the enduring appeal of Tennessee Walking Horses.

Through their remarkable achievements, Keeps and Gilmer have left an indelible mark on the sport, inspiring future generations to strive for greatness both in and out of the ring.