The 2024 6666 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Derby presented by Markel celebrates the next generation of reining superstars, not just with talented riders, but also with exceptional equine athletes. Today champions were crowned in the first slate of the Novice Horse Open. These gifted young horses, partnered with skilled trainers, have captivated audiences with their athleticism and potential.
$1,000-added Novice Horse Open Level 3 and 2 Champions – Sean McBurney and Americasnextdiamond
NRHA Professional Sean McBurney and the Rhodes River Ranch-bred, -nominated, and -owned Americasnextdiamond scored a 146.5 to win both the Level 3 and 2 $1,000-added Novice Horse Open classes.
“Americasnextdiamond was great to show today,” said McBurney. “She was in the broodmare field for a while but she looked real good, and we wanted to get more money on her. We started showing her, and hopefully, we get to use her for The Run For a Million qualifier this year.”
The 9-year-old mare by NRHA $3 Million Sire Whizkey N Diamonds and out of Americasnextgunmodel has $10,591 in NRHA lifetime earnings (LTE) all with McBurney at the reins.
$1,000-added Novice Horse Open Level 1 Co-Champions – Lucas Gayoto Ocanha, Jordan McBurney, and Jared Leclair
There was a three-way tie for the lead of the Novice Horse Open Level 1 with a score of 143.5.
Lucas Gayoto Ocanha rode LV Doo The Hustle (Shiners Voodoo Dr x Steppin N Hustlin), a 5-year-old gelding owned by Oxbow Ranch LLC.
“‘Caesar’ been such a unicorn for me,” said Ocanha. “I started riding him because I have that bond. He’s special for me because he has a great mind. He is just the same every day, every time. He gives me everything every day and that’s why he’s special for me.”
Bred by Ixtul Quarter Horses LLC, the horse has nearly $2,200 in NRHA LTE, while his pilot—a fairly new NRHA Professional—has just under $1,500 in NRHA LTE.
Scott DeTro’s Chic On The Town and Jordan McBurney were the second set of leaders in the Level 1. The 2017 Rosanne Sternberg-bred and -nominated mare is by Gunners Tinseltown and out of Sugarplum Chic.
“‘Paris’ is a great mare to have in the barn,” said Jordan. “She has been a super fun horse, and I’m really proud of her today. Scott has been showing her and let me take a trip on her here and she was really fun. She is a kind horse and great to have.”
Jared Leclair Rode rode Sparkling Magnum (Magnum Chic Dream x Electric Sparkle) to also tie for the title.
“I showed the mare all year and won multiple bronze trophies on her,” said Leclair. She’s a real gritty, big stopper, big turner. She’s your typical show horse mare. She’s strong and I look forward to showing her for the rest of the year.”
The 6-year-old mare is owned by Lisa Mauzerall and was bred by Wendy Hausner.
The future of reining shines bright as the Novice Horse Open champions are celebrated. These exceptional young horses have proven their talent and promise, leaving the crowd eager to see them develop into future champions. The 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel continues to showcase the very best in the sport, and these Novice Horse Open champions represent the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.
Excitement built as the 2024 6666 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Derby presented by Markel reached a pivotal point. The conclusion of preliminary competition in the Non Pro Derby has set the stage for a thrilling finals showcase. With record-breaking purses on the line at every level, riders and their equine partners have delivered exceptional performances, captivating the audience and raising the bar for reining excellence.
Colston Paving 4-year-old Stakes Champions – Indy Roper and Guns Required
Indy Roper and the Tim Roper-owned Guns Required remained at the top of the Colston Paving 4-year-old Stakes leaderboard after scoring a 220 in the second section of the non pro preliminary. Roper purchased Guns Required at the NRHA Markel Futurity Sales as a yearling, but this was only their second time together in the showpen.
“There was something that drew me to him in the stall; he was quiet and charismatic,” said Roper. “I showed him yesterday, and he was dialed in and exceptional. I have to thank [NRHA Professional] Brian Bell because he has put in a lot of time and effort and showed the horse as a 3-year-old.”
Nominated by NRHA Corporate Partner Toyon Ranch, the gelding by Gunners Tinseltown and out of Icing Required has over $21,000 in NRHA lifetime earnings (LTE), of which nearly half came with Roper at the reins.
Elementa Amateur Derby Co-Champions – Laura Bell and Ruf Smokin Gunner
After the third day of non pro competition, Laura Bell and her own Ruf Smokin Gunner entered the Jim Norick Arena as the Elementa Amateur Derby Co-Champions. The Karl Hapcic-bred gelding (Not Ruf At All x Smokin Lady Gunner) and Bell scored a 221 to claim the title.
‘“Franklin’ was maybe not the top pick for everybody for their horse,” said Bell. “I just saw something special in him and decided to give him a chance, and I’m glad I did because he’s turned out to be my little unicorn. He just shows up every day and does his job. Every horse show I go to, he exceeds the horse show before. He deserved to get the blue ribbon today. It was pretty cool.”
Elementa Amateur Derby Co-Champions, Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Novice Horse Non Pro Derby Champions, and APHA Chrome Cash Division Co-Champions – Joetta Bell and Trashy Little Dream
To say Joetta Bell and her horse, Trashy Little Dream, had a fantastic day would be an understatement. After scoring an impressive 221, the duo were named Elementa Amateur Derby Co-Champions, the Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Novice Horse Non Pro Derby Champions and the American Paint Horse Association (APHA) Chrome Cash Division Co-Champions.
“She is a really special horse that I had tried to buy for a long time from Steve Archer,” said Joetta. “She is more than just a show horse; she is part of our family. She is so easy and fun to ride that I feel like I am running faster than I actually am. A lot of times I need to step it up and have good eyes, and Kole [Price] helped me do that.”
The 6-year-old mare (Magnum Chic Dream x Shesa Little Trashy) was nominated for the Derby by NRHA Million Dollar Rider Justin Mathison.
APHA Chrome Cash Division Co-Champions and Prime Time Non Pro Derby Preliminary Leaders – Julie Boer and Out Of The Furnace
Julie Boer and her own Out Of The Furnace (Inferno Sixty Six x Shinaka) were the other duo named APHA Chrome Cash Division Co-Champions with a 221. Their handicapped score of a 222.5 earned landed them in the top spot of the Prime Time Non Pro Derby after the preliminary round.
“Out of the Furnace, is affectionately known as ‘Joe Jingle,’ said Boer. “Joe got his name after the late Joe Hayes. Joe bred and raised him. He’s a pretty special horse—pretty mellow, easy going but gives 110, super talented, fun to be around” and loves his peppermints after I show him.
Level 4 and Level 3 Non Pro Derby Preliminary Round Winners – Emily Opell and Shining N Tinseltown
Emily Opell and Shining N Tinseltown’s 222 from the second section held on to take the top spot in the Level 4 and 3 non pro preliminary round.
“He is so consistent,” said Opell, who won the 2022 Level 2 Non Pro Derby Championship with the stallion. “He is very business-like, there is never any foolishness and he is a sweetheart. We have had him since he was a late 3-year-old.”
Opell says that NRHA Professional Brandon Brant trained the stallion, and since she has owned him, she has done the training herself.
“It means everything to me,” said Opell, reflecting on competing at the 2024 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel. “It is wild to me that we can come out and do this together, and I am so blessed to have a horse like this.”
Level 2 and Youth Non Pro Derby Preliminary Round Winners – Michelle Fumagalli and TR Mr Joe
18-year-old Michelle Fumagalli and TR Mr Joe’s 221.5 earned the duo top spots in both the Level 2 and Youth Non Pro Derbies after three days of preliminary competition. The Tamarack Ranch LLC-bred and -nominated horse is by NRHA $2 Million Sire Lil Joe Cash and out of Ms Whiz Dunit has over $30,000 in NRHA LTE.
Level 1 Non Pro Derby Preliminary Round Winners – Lindsey Lester and Pale Black
Lindsey Lester and Pale Black held onto their lead of the Level 1 after the non pro preliminary round concluded, which they set during the second section. Lester and the 6-year-old mare, by NRHA $3 Million Sire Pale Face Dunnit and out of Blazing In Black, scored a 219 to secure the top spot.
Seventeen-year-old Lindsey Lester had less than $2,300 in NRHA LTE before entering the Jim Norick Arena this week.
Pale Black was bred by Hickory Creek Ranch LLC and nominated by Ginger Schmersal.
Masters Non Pro Derby Preliminary Round Winners – Carol Bell and Vintage Couture
Carol Bell and Vintage Couture (Platinum Vintage x Couture Tag) were another duo who held onto their lead from section two. The pair scored a 220, including the handicap.
The 6-year-old stallion, bred by Bell’s husband George, has $76,000 in NRHA LTE with NRHA $2 Million Rider Brian Bell. Carol and George own the stallion together, making this win a celebration for the entire family.
As these talented Non Pro riders prepare to vie for championship glory, one thing is certain: the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel promises a finals showdown unlike any other. With record-breaking payouts motivating every maneuver and a world-class field vying for the coveted titles, fans are in for a truly unforgettable reining experience. If you cannot be at OKC Fairgrounds, visit the free live feed at nrhaderby.com or watch on the Cowboy Channel.
The energy is electric at the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel! The second section of the Non Pro Derby prelims concluded today at the OKC Fairgrounds, showcasing another impressive display of horsemanship by talented riders and their dedicated equine partners. With record-breaking purses across all levels of non pro competition, the competition heated up as riders vied for top scores and the chance to vie for a share of the Derby’s impressive payout, a product of NRHA’s robust nomination program.
As non pros entered the second section of the preliminaries, the competition continued to get tougher as leaders changed across the board.
Level 4 and 3 Non Pro Leaders – Emily Opell and Shining N Tinseltown
Emily Opell and Shining N Tinseltown, 2022 Level 2 Non Pro Derby Champions, shook up the leaderboard with a 222 to break a three-way tie for first place.
Opell and the 6-year-old stallion had amassed $62,949 in NRHA lifetime earnings (LTE) before the show began and look to continue their hot streak together.
Bred by Charles Vaughan, the stallion is by NRHA $2 Million Sire Shine Chic Shine and out of Wimps Tinseltown.
Level 2 Non Pro and Elementa Amateur Derby Leaders – Laura Bell and Ruf Smokin Gunner
Laura Bell and her own Ruf Smokin Gunner (Not Ruf At All x Smokin Lady Gunner) rose to the top of the Level 2 Non Pro and the Elementa Amateur Derby after scoring a 221 in section two of the preliminary competition. The 5-year-old gelding was bred and nominated by Karl Hapcic and has nearly $16,000 in NRHA LTE with both Bell and her fiance, NRHA Professional Cody Sapergia, at the reins.
Level 1 Non Pro Leaders – Lindsey Lester and Pale Black
Seventeen-year-old Lindsey Lester and her 6-year-old mare took the top spot in the Level 1 after scoring a 219.
Pale Black (Pale Face Dunnit x Blazing In Black) was bred by Hickory Creek Ranch LLC and nominated by Ginger Schmersal. The mare, owned by Jamie Lester, had $7,052 in NRHA before entering the showpen today.
Youth Non Pro Derby Leaders – Addisyn Schmersal and Enterprizingattitude
After scoring a 220.5 in the first preliminary round, Addisyn Schmersal and Enterprizingattitude still hold the lead in the Youth Non Pro Derby. The 5-year-old gelding’s successful career started and stayed within the family. Hickory Creek Ranch LLC bred and own the gelding who was nominated by her mom, Ginger Schmersal. Prior to Addisyn showing the horse, all of his earnings are with her dad, NRHA $5 Million Rider Craig Schmersal, at the reins.
Masters Non Pro Leaders – Carol Bell and Vintage Couture
Carol earned a 220, including handicap, to take the lead of the Masters Non Pro after the second section of the non pro preliminaries with her equine partner Vintage Couture (Platinum Vintage x Couture Tag).
The 6-year-old stallion’s career started and stayed in the Bell family as it was bred by George Bell, nominated by Carol, and is currently owned by George and Carol. Prior to Carol Bell taking the reins, Vintage Couture had been exclusively shown by NRHA $2 Million Rider Brian Bell. Prior to entering the Jim Norick arena, the stallion had more than $76,000 in NRHA LTE.
Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Novice Horse Non Pro Derby Leaders – Mandy McCutcheon and Disco Ball
NRHA $3 Million Mandy McCutcheon and Disco Ball lead the way in the Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Novice Horse Non Pro Derby after section two of the competition with a score of 220.
The 4-year-old mare, by NRHA Million Dollar Sire Smart And Shiney, was bred and nominated by her husband, Tom, and is currently owned by the couple. Mandy rode the dam, Party Nite, to the 2019 National Reining Breeders Classic Non Pro Championship.
After a 220-point performance in the Jim Norick, Indy Roper and Guns Required took control of the Colston Paving 4-year-old Stakes. Owned by Tim Roper and nominated by NRHA Corporate Partner Toyon Ranch, the 4-year-old gelding (Gunners Tinseltown x Icing Required) was ridden by NRHA $2 Million Brian Bell before Indy, who has nearly $600,000 in NRHA LTE, took over the reins.
Prime Time Non Pro and APHA Chrome Cash Leaders – Julie Boer and Out Of The Furnace
Julie Boer and her own Out Of The Furnace brought the heat with a handicapped score of 222.5—taking the lead in both the Prime Time Non Pro and the American Paint Horse Association (APHA) Chrome Cash divisions. The 2018 gelding, bred by the late Joe Hayes, is the progeny of NRHA $2 Million Sire Inferno Sixty Six and Shinaka.
The non pro competitors continue to vie for their spot to compete in the finals for record-breaking purses. The final day of preliminaries are tomorrow, June 19. At 6:30 p.m. tomorrow there will be the Platinum Draw Party in the Platinum Zone (sale arena) to decide which spot each competitor will have in the finals. Watch the finals in person at the OKC fairgrounds, on the Cowboy Channel, or on our free live feed at nrhaderby.com.
Following a day of exceptional competition at the 2024 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel, champions were crowned in the Novice Horse Ancillary Derby and the inspiring Ancillary Para Reining Championship. These divisions, designed to showcase developing equine and rider partnerships and celebrate equestrian inclusivity, provided a thrilling stage for rising stars.
Novice Horse Non Pro Level 1 Champion; Novice Horse Non Pro Level 2 and 3 Co-Champions – Lexi McCutcheon and Paramount Tag
Lexi McCutcheon, who recently married NRHA $2 Million Rider Cade McCutcheon, first entered the show pen in April of last year and has already earned more than $62,583 in NRHA lifetime earnings (LTE).
Today, she rode to the top of the Novice Horse Non Pro classes on Paramount Tag (Gunners Special Nite x Stiletto Tag). Owned by her in-laws, Tom and Mandy McCutcheon, the 4-year-old gelding has $1,528 in NRHA LTE.
“‘Manny’ is just an easy horse,” said McCutcheon. “He’s a 4-year-old gelding. One of our assistants trained him last year and showed him. Then Mandy showed him in the novice horse at the 100X, and did well, so she was giving me pointers at this show for things to do. You tell him where to go and he goes there. He’s just a sweet boy—kind of goofy, but pleasant to be around.
“I’m going to show him in the second slate of the novice horse here. Then my cousin just bought him. He’s her first reiner so she will take the reins from there.”
Novice Horse Non Pro Levels 2 and 3 Co-Champions – Anne-Marie Roy and Magnum A Dare
Anne-Marie Roy and JCR Performance Horses LLC’s Magnum A Dare rode to a 140 to Co-Champion in the Novice Horse Non Pro Levels 2 and 3. The 2017 gelding by NRHA Hall of Famer Magnum Chic Dream and out of Adarable was bred by Terry Martin and has been shown by Roy’s trainer, NRHA Million Dollar Rider Jared Leclair in the past.
“‘Dallas’ is a seven-year-old gelding, and I’ve had him for about four months,” said Roy. “I started showing him in Jacksonville this year. We did a little weekend school show before this and this is the first show showing we’ve done.”
Roy, who has over $8,500 in NRHA LTE, drives on weekends to train with Leclair.
“I’m one of those weekend non pro riders” said Roy. “I live in Houston and drive up to Jared Leclair’s—a five-hour drive on the weekends—to hang out with Dallas. The love of reining for me, in terms of getting away from my day job, is great, and it’s something I look forward to; so that five-hour drive doesn’t seem so bad. In terms of his personality, he has tons. I can say he is known as the John Belushi of the barn. He probably has the messiest stall, ironically, when you get on him he gets all neat, proper, and correct. He takes care of me, he forgives me and I’m really looking forward to our journey.”
Para Reining Champions – Elizabeth Kelley and Pale Face Whiz
Elizabeth Kelley and Pale Face Whiz scored a 142 to earn the Para Reining division today in the Adequan® Arena.
“This is Pale Face Whiz, better known as ‘Junior,’” said Kelley. “He takes very good care of me. Everything I ask him to do he does. It’s unbelievable how well he takes care of me.”
Kelley praised the horse for taking care of her in any situation, explaining that his ability to be a teammate allows her to push herself more each time she enters the show pen.
She will compete again on Thursday night in the Para Reining Championship sponsored by Dechra and NRHA Corporate Partner Hart Trailer. The prestigious title has $3,500-added and will award a Bob’s Custom Saddle to the champion.
The 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel continues to be a premier event for reining enthusiasts of all levels. The success of the ancillary Novice Horse and Para Reining classes exemplifies the show’s dedication to fostering the growth of the sport and providing a platform for riders with a passion for reining. Congratulations to all the champions and participants in these exciting divisions!
The Adequan® Arena at the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel transformed into a stage for exceptional reining talent today. The open division of the Derby’s ancillary competition took center stage, showcasing a group of elite riders and their remarkable equine partners. With a vibrant atmosphere and a chance to earn prestigious championship buckles, the competition provided a thrilling display of athleticism and precision.
$10,000-added 8 & Up Level 4 Open Maturity Champions – Matthew Palmer and Frozen Shining Gun
Matthew Palmer, NRHA Professionals Committee member, scored a 148 on Frozen Shining Gun to win the $10,000-added 8 & Up Level 4 Open Maturity Championship.
“He is a really special horse for me. He was brought over here from Poland,” said Palmer. “He’s been with me since The Run For A Million (TRFAM), and he was the first horse I showed at TRFAM, so it’s been a special ride with him. One of the best things about him is he has so much try, and he’s been there consistently for me throughout his career. He’s quite amazing.”
The 8-year-old gelding is by Colonels Shining Gun and Frozen Slide and is owned by Rachel Stanevich.
“He was actually the one I broke my foot on in Scottsdale right before the run for TRFAM qualifier, so this is my first ride back on him since I got hurt, and I felt like he and I needed to get back to the dance together. He was special for me today.”
$5,000-added 8 & Up Level 2 Open Maturity Champions – Sebastian Petroll and Xtra Miss Wimpy
NRHA Executive Committee member Sebastian Petroll scored a 146 to win the $5,000-added 8 & Up Level 2 Open Maturity. He rode a 9-year-old mare, Xtra Miss Wimpy, who has led him to great success in the show pen and his daughter. Along with winning larger titles like the NRHA Corporate Partner Bob’s Custom Saddles Showdown with Petroll at the 2022 NRHA Futurity, the mare is also a Short Stirrup horse for Petroll’s daughter, Lanie.
“This mare has been with us for the last six years and is part of the family now,” said Petroll. “She is really special mentally. What makes today special for me is getting to show her and to do good in the 8 & Up Maturity, is that I also showed her first daughter here [at the 2024 NRHA Derby] so it doesn’t happen very often that you get to show a daughter and mother at the same horse show, so that was a lot of fun.”
Xtra Miss Wimpy is by NRHA $4 Million Sire Shiners Voodoo Dr and out of Little Smart Wimpy, bred by Ixtul Quarter Horses LLC and owned by Ellen Cummins.
$6,000-added Open Champions – Jared Leclair and Makendiamonds
NRHA Million Dollar Rider Jared Leclair and Makendiamonds scored a 149.5 to win the $6,000-added open class. Leclair and the 8-year-old mare have had a lucrative career together, and she boasts $246,484 in NRHA LTE for owner Dorothy Queen.
“She’s an 8-year-old mare that I’ve had a lot of history of showing,” said Leclair. “I qualified with her for TRFAM this year. I plan on showing her there, and I used this class to get her prepped for TRFAM. She’s a really special mare. We’ve got two babies on the ground by her this year. She’s got a lot of personality; we have a great relationship. Showing together, we’ve had a lot of success. I really look forward to showing her at TRFAM. I had a great warmup showing today, and I’m looking forward to the future.”
Leclair also serves on the NRHA Judges Committee. The mare he rode is by NRHA $3 Million Sire Whizkey N Diamonds by Makeit In Tinseltown, bred by CDR Farms and owned by Dorothy Queen.
$2,000-added Intermediate Open Co-Champions – Arnaud Ferret and Johnette Burman
In the second slate of the Intermediate Open, it took a 145 to win top honors, and a pair of NRHA Professionals were up to the task: Arnaud Ferret and Johnette Burman
For Ferret, it was a repeat of Saturday’s performance. He rode Conquistadors Dun It (NRHA $6 Million Sire Hollywood Dun It x Conquistadors Sandy) to a 145 to win the first slate of the Intermediate Open and returned to the show pen to win the same class on the same horse with the same score. The duo also earned the high-point championship buckle from Montana Silversmiths.
“We had a pretty good run. He was fun to show,” said Ferret. “He’s a big stopper, big turner, and he’s been really good to have in the barn. The owner has been showing him in the green reiner and the rookie. He’s an angel. He takes care of everyone. He’s just fun to have in the barn. After work, they love to give him cookies; he can’t wait. As soon as we get off of him, he just wants his cookie.”
The 10-year-old gelding was bred by Double Run Farm and is owned by Garret Stevens.
Burman rode Hey Good Lookin, a 7-year-old gelding who also competes in rookie classes with owner Diana Duffey.
“I just feel like this is a pretty special horse. I’ve been showing horses for a long time and there are not many horses that can do what he does,” said Burman. “His owner shows him in the rookie, and I’ve been lucky enough to be able to show him in the open as well. I’ve been lucky enough in my career to have a couple of horses like this, so I kinda know the special ones and, to me, those are the special horses. I think these horses that go to horse show after horse show and show a couple of times and still give it all they have that day are pretty special. They kinda need their own little set of recognition. This is one of those horses. I was pretty proud to ride him today and have a lot of fun showing him.”
The gelding is by NRHA $4 Million Sire Shiners Voodoo Dr and out of Ritas San Jo and was bred by Double Run Farm.
$500-added Limited Open Champions – Mandy Faust and Xtra Wimpys Catalyst
Mandy Faust and Xtra Wimpys Catalyst scored a 146 to top the Limited Open. Earlier this week, ‘Zorro’ won the Non Pro, Intermediate Non Pro, Limited Non Pro and Prime Time Non Pro with a 145.5 with his owner Kent Ray Taylor at the reins.
“He was just perfect for me. We are getting ready for Sunday for the non pro for his owner Kent Ray Taylor,” said Faust. “Zorro was just wonderful. He didn’t make any mistakes, and I just went on into my pattern. He was perfect,” said Faust. “We had a run-in pattern. He stopped big and turned nice for me. He was so much fun to circle that was the most fun about the whole pattern, we had to lope off into a small slow and he showed off right away.”
The 9-year-old stallion bred by Milholland Training Inc. is by NRHA Hall of Famer Wimpys Little Step and out of Im Not Blonde.
Limited Open High-Point Champion – Eduardo Giannasi and Boujee
“I just won the Limited Open high-point,” said Giannasi, who rode Boujee (NRHA Hall of Famer Magnum Chic Dream x Chexanicki). “I scored the same score on this mare as I did on Saturday. She is a really good show horse, I think, and [she is out of] a really good mare Chexanicki. A fun fact here at the show: I got to talk to Arnaud Ferret, Lauren Love and Mirjam Stillo who all rode some of the sons and daughters of Chexanicki, and that taught me a lot about trusting this mare in the show pen.”
Boujee was bred by Alpha Quarter Horses LLC and is owned by NRHA Corporate Partner Thorsport Inc.
To learn about Boujee and Giannasi’s previous wins this week, read here.
$500-added Rookie Professional Champions – Juan Robledo Coppiano and Alpha Sushi Chic
Juan Robledo Coppiano and Alpha Sushi Chic earned the top spot in the Rookie Professional in the first slate. He then won again today, making him the champion of the high-point buckle from Montana Silversmiths.
“Being here in the United States has been a dream for me,” said Coppiano. “I have watched all of the shows, the [NRHA] Derby, the [NRHA] Futurity and the NRBC [National Reining Breeders Classic] online for a long time. Being here and able to show in this arena is a dream for me and getting the championship today is just amazing; it feels unbelievable.”
The 8-year-old mare is owned, bred and nominated by Alpha Quarter Horses LLC and is by Wimpy Chic and out of Shiney Sushi.
To learn about Coppiano’s success earlier this week, read here.
Limited Non Pro Champions – McKenna Sparrow & Pretty Has Cash
Fifteen-year-old McKenna Sparrow from Washington rose to the top of the leaderboard in the second slate of the Limited Non Pro after scoring a 140.5 on her own Pretty Has Cash (NRHA $2 Million Sire Lil Joe Cash x Prettywhizprettydoes).
“Cash is pretty special because he loves bananas,” said Sparrow of the gelding bred by Clint Haverty. “He’s also the first I’ve gotten to really show in the showpen. He is very fun to ride, he has a sweet personality and he is really fun to be around.”
Sparrow joined NRHA just one year ago and already has $1,374 in NRHA LTE.
Limited Non Pro Champions High-Point Champion – Courtney Hammit & Ruff Spook
Courtney Hammit and David Hammit’s Ruff Spook (NRHA Hall of Famer Smart Spook x Ruffle Me Up) took home the Limited Non Pro High Point Championship.
“Ruff is very, very special to me because he came into my life when I was going through a hard time,” said Hammit of the Greg Hill-bred stallion. “He has made my life so much more fun and interesting. His personality is that he loves to be loved on. He’s a very spoiled boy, but out of all the horses, he deserves it the most. We had a great run. Mr. Nathan [Piper] and I have been working pretty hard, Mr. Nathan has done a great job working with me and I just have to get myself 100% so he’s [Ruff] 110%.”
As the final riders exited the Adequan® Arena today, the excitement for the remainder of the ancillary competition remained palpable. The upcoming days promise continued displays of exceptional horsemanship and fierce competition. Stay tuned for further updates on the captivating ancillary events at the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel.
