APHA and AQHA Champions Crowned at 2016 NRHA Derby
Oklahoma City, June 26 – The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Derby opened the Jim Norick Arena, Adequan® and Performance arenas at the Oklahoma State Fair Park to host the NRHA Ancillary, AQHA, and APHA classes. The first go, first section of the $190,000-added Non Pro Derby began , June 27th. 215 horses will be vying for titles in the $80,000-added Level (L) 4, $60,000-added L3, $25,000-added L2, and the $15,000-added L1. The Non Pro Derby also includes the Prime Time Non Pro, Youth and Masters divisions. The second section of the Non Pro Derby will take place on Tuesday and will wrap up with the finals on Friday, July 1st.
Draws, results, schedule and all the show information may be found at nrhaderby.com
Sunday Ancillary Action:
Winning the $2,000-added Non Pro was Lindsey K. McCutcheon riding Mega Watt Shine (Marthas Mega Jac x Bella Della), a 9-year-old stallion owned and bred by Kathleen and Scott McCutcheon. It all stayed in the family with NRHA Two Million Dollar Rider Mandy McCutcheon taking second place honors with a 216.5 aboard her 7-year-old mare, Whatta Royal Vintage (Hollywood Vintage x Whatta Royal Star).
In the $1,000-added Intermediate Non Pro, Aubrey Galbraith and Cortez Conquistador (Conquistador Whiz x Magnum Done It), an 8-year-old gelding owned by Nadine G. Galbraith, slid to first place with a 212. Young McKinnon Larcombe rode Blazinginmywranglers (Wrangle Whiz x Blazing In Black), a 7-year-old mare who is leased from XCS Ranch LLC, to first place after posting a 217 in the Limited Non Pro class. Yet another Million Dollar Rider, Jose Vasquez, took the lead in the $500-added Prime Time Non Pro with Shiner Side Winder (Smart Like Juice x Wind Her Up Shiner), a 7-year-old stallion owned by Smart Like Juice Inc.
If there was a theme on the second day of competition at the Derby, it had to be ties! There was a three-way tie for the win in the Novice Horse Non Pro Level 1 and a two-way tie in the Novice Horse Non Pro Level 2. With Patrick Wickenheiser and Corey Hendrickson in the judges’ chairs, Melissa Baird on Easy Money Miss (Easy Otie Whiz x Major Money Miss), Courtney Sheely riding Mizzen My Wranglers (Whiz N Crome x Shiny Wranglers) and Jessicah Keller guiding Girls Love Chex (Nu Chex To Cash x Crews Girl) tied for the win in the Level 1 with a score of 138.5.
Molly Morgenstern aboard her Gunnin By The Bay (Gunner x Dun It In The Bay) and Shannon Rafacz riding Iboom (Boom Shernic x Bonitas Latin Chic) tied for the win and bragging rights in the Novice Horse Non Pro Level 2.
A run-off determined who would win the Jackpot Green Reiner Level 1. Ali Fratessa riding Wheeling Whiz (Topsail Whiz x High Wheeling Doll), owned by Rhodes River Ranch, and Catelyn J. Hall aboard Fine Like O Lena (Light N Chic x Miss Lena Gyrator) rode back with Fratessa and her mount, taking the lead. In the Green Reiner Level 2, Hall took first place as Janet Cowles and her MJG Colonel Dry opted not to run-off for first place in this class.
Novice Horse Open L2 champions: Gabriel B. Diano and Woodys Toy Gun (Hollywoodstinseltown x Gunners Pearl), 2012 stallion owned by Gabriel B. Diano
Novice Horse Open L1 co-champions: Bud Lyon riding Gunnadeous (Gunner x Little Trash), 2011 stallion owned by Day Creek Ranch LL
Sam Smith and RHM Gunacashya Chex (Gunnatrashya x RHM Hope), 2012 stallion owned by Roger H Moss, Jr
AQHA Open champions: Crystal McNutt and Lenas Wimpys Rooster, owned by Kim Niven
AQHA Amateur champions: Lisa Bissell and Double My Chics (Dreamn Bout Chics x Double My Quixote), 2009 gelding owned by Jamie Bissel
APHA Open champions: Gabriel B. Diano and Woodys Toy Gun (Hollywoodstinseltown x Gunners Pearl), 2012 stallion owned by Gabriel B. Diano
APHA Open Solid: Michael D. Berg and Guns On Sunset (Gunner x Hollywood And Shine), 2009 gelding owned by LLC ECR Ranch
APHA Amateur Regular champions: James Murff and Gunnin For Stars (Gunner x Dunnit In Starlight), 2009 gelding owned by James Murff
Follow the action live:
To watch the livestream, go to www.nrhaderby.com
NRHA Derby Show Supporters
The NRHA would like to thank the following corporate partners and event sponsors for their support: Adequan®, Anderson Bean, Rios of Mercedes, Bluebonnet Feeds, Cardinal Reining Horses, Cruel Girl, Classic Equine, Downunder Horsemanship, John Deere, Kiser Arena Specialists, Lucas Oil & Protect the Harvest, Markel Insurance, Merial, Montana Silversmiths, OKC Convention and Visitors Bureau, Platinum Performance, Quarter Horse News, Santa Hill Ranch, Silver Spurs Equine, Silver Spurs Saddles, SmartPak, Trailguard, Xtra Quarter Horses.
In addition, NRHA thanks NRHA Derby Event Sponsors: Twin Cities South Trailers, Sandbur Productions, Scott Cleaners, Shorty’s Caboy Hattery, Not Ruf At All, Bob Moore Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Elite Stall Mat Rentals and Equine Oasis and Continental Saddlery.
Founded in 1966, the National Reining Horse Association is a nonprofit association dedicated to promoting and encouraging the development of and public interest in the sport of reining. The focus is on developing and maintaining suitable standards of performance and judging and in providing a fun filled, family-oriented atmosphere. The NRHA would like to continue the celebration of our 50th anniversary with our corporate partners, members and supporters for making this association a true success.
