Marysmoonshinebandit and Caroline Boucher topped The Patriot 1D with a time of 15.496 seconds within the Will Rogers Coliseum, adding $10,966 to the gelding’s ledger and putting him back on the map.

Canadian Caroline Boucher came away from The Patriot with $10,966 for winning the 1D on

“He has the heart of a warrior,” Boucher said of ‘Bandit.’ “He was trained by Tiany Shuster, and she always loves easy and honest horses. He’s so easy—I have a lot of fun. He wants to turn but doesn’t want to knock so I just need to look in my spot.”

Find full Patriot 5D results here.

Usually a futurity horse trainer, Boucher was asked to tune Bandit up and get him ready to sell after his owner’s became busier with the family business.

“We’re putting him back on the map,” Boucher said. “It’s been a long time since I’ve ridden a finished horse. I have to remind myself to ride him with one hand.”

The 10-year-old is sired by Justaheartofawarrior and out of Merridoc mare Bar Lotta Merri. According to Boucher, he’s a horse that loves to turn but hates to knock.

“To the first he’s stiffer, so I look past the barrel I’ll get to my spot and turn fast,” Boucher explained. “If I sit too soon, he won’t knock, he will slow down and [short step] around. One the second and third, he’s a horse that likes to be shaped around.”

To make the win even sweeter, the pair won the American Contender Qualifier and Boucher has an invitation to the 2026 event.

Boucher is originally from Quebec, Canada, and currently resides in Whitesboro, Texas. The 47-year-old trainer thrives on the challenge of bringing up futurity horses, competing in events including the Pink and Ruby Buckles.