Branchvale Metal Alloy – A Proven Performer with a Promising Future
Branchvale Metal Alloy is a stallion bred with intention and backed by performance. Bred by Merle Potter of Emdee Enterprises P/L, Alloy is sired by the legendary Metallic Cat and out of Reys Little Hottie, a standout mare by Dual Rey who herself holds a successful show record in the cutting pen.
Reys Little Hottie, owned by Merle Potter under Emdee Enterprises P/L, was campaigned by renowned trainer Mark Buttsworth and proved herself as a serious competitor. Her performance resume includes multiple top placings in open and novice cutting events, including a win at the 2018 DDCC Futurity and another Open Cutting win at the Southern Queensland CHA in the same year. She was also runner-up in the Novice Cutting at the Southern Queensland CHA in 2017 and placed fifth in the Novice Cutting at the 2017 Cotton Country Cutting Club. Her achievements not only highlight her natural cow sense and trainability but also contribute significant depth to Alloy’s pedigree, further reinforcing the strength of his maternal line.
Initially broken in by Dan Lithgow, Alloy was then placed in the experienced hands of Mark Buttsworth for sale preparation just three months out from the 2020 Nutrien Classic Sale in Tamworth. It was there that he turned heads as the highest-priced stallion of the sale, fetching $126,000. Recognising his potential, Mark convinced long-time client Rodger Grant of Koobah Performance Horses that this young colt was not only a promising competition horse but also a valuable sire prospect for the future.
Following the sale, Alloy went straight into work with Mark and quickly began proving his worth in the arena. He showed his talent early, claiming victories in both the St George Open Futurity and the SQCHA Goondiwindi Futurity in 2021, laying a strong foundation for what was to come. The momentum continued into 2022, where he took out the Cooyar Futurity Draft and was crowned the Cloncurry Classic Challenge Champion, a highly respected title in the performance horse world.
What truly set Alloy apart, however, was his remarkable versatility. He successfully transitioned from cutting, to challenge, and then into the demanding world of campdrafting, excelling in each. That same year, when Mark sustained an injury during Alloy’s Derby cutting campaign, accomplished trainer Heath Sinclair stepped in and took the reins. Despite the shift in rider and discipline focus, Alloy returned to the cutting pen and seamlessly competed under Heath’s guidance, going on to make the finals of the 2022 NCHA Open Derby.
In 2023, Alloy continued his winning ways, becoming the Nutrien Classic Challenge Champion and also making the finals in the Nutrien Classic Campdraft, confirming once again his adaptability and class across multiple arenas. Most recently, in 2024, he added the ARBC Two Handed Cutting title to his growing list of accolades, showing he continues to compete with consistency and class.
Still actively campaigned by Mark Buttsworth, Alloy’s primary focus now lies in campdrafting, where his cow sense, athleticism, and work ethic continue to shine. With an exceptional start to his career, a proven record across disciplines, and elite bloodlines behind him, Branchvale Metal Alloy is not only a standout competitor but a Sire set to influence the future of performance horses in Australia.
