Category: Derby

The horse show action continued in the Adequan® Arena at the 6666 National Reining Horse Association Derby presented by Markel. Monday started with the second slate of the Intermediate Open, Limited Open, and Rookie Professional, then wrapped up with the second slate of the Limited Non Pro.

High point titles were also awarded, with the winners presented with buckles from NRHA Platinum Event Sponsor Montana Silversmiths.

Intermediate Open (2) Champion – Markus Gebert & MAQ Voodoo Doll

Markus Gebert of Germany won the second slate of the Intermediate Open aboard MAQ Voodoo Doll, a 2019 mare owned by Iris Austin.

MAQ Voodoo Doll, or “Frenchie,” as she’s known around the barn, is sired by NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire Shiners Voodoo Dr and out of Gunners Doll. She was bred by La Maqueline and was shipped to the United States as a yearling.

Markus and Frenchie are a new team- in fact, Markus just started riding the mare two weeks ago. He and his family came to the United States so his son, Emanuel, could compete at the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel and qualify for the Run For The Million. That plan left Markus without a horse to show. However, the mare’s owner, Iris, has known the Gebert family for over a decade and was happy to have Markus show Frenchie.

Iris explained, “She was supposed to be my Derby horse. I’m an open rider also, but I’m swamped with ranch riders, and since Markus had nothing to show, I told him to just take her so she has something today.”

Markus made a point to thank Iris, his family, and everybody at home in Germany for their support.

Limited Open (2) Co-Champion – Yali Avraham & Alpha Taris Chic

Yali Avraham and Alpha Taris Chic won the Limited Open (2) in a three-way tie with a score of 140.5. Alpha Taris Chic, a 2018 gelding owned by Jordan Wright Du Plessis, is by Wimpy Chic and out of Taris Attraction.

“He was just a good horse to show,” Avraham said. “It was very fun.”

Avraham thanked Jordan Wright Du Plessis for letting her ride Alpha Taris Chic and Gunny Matheson for his coaching.

Limited Open (2) Co-Champion – Janina Gauthier & Smart N Up

Janina Gauthier and Smart N Up won the Limited Open (2) in a three-way tie with a score of 140.5

“I’m super excited,” Gauthier said. “I have not been in the show pen for almost eight years now, so to be back at it and be here is definitely amazing.”

Smart N Up is a 2018 mare by NRHA Eight Million Sire Smart Spook and out of Ruffle Me Up. She was bred by Rosanne Sternberg and owned by Eileen Crane. Gauthier will show her two more times throughout the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel.

Gauthier thanked her husband and his team at Jonathan Gauthier Performance Horses for supporting her in this opportunity to be in the show pen.

Limited Open (2) Co-Champion – Luca Cozzo & Pretty With A Twist

Luca Cozzo and Pretty With A Twist won the Limited Open (2) in a three-way tie with a score of 140.5.

Pretty With A Twist is a 2019 mare by NRHA Five Million Dollar Sire Spooks Gotta Whiz out of Make It With A Twist, owned by Brianne Forrest.

“I just put my hand down, said whoa, and let her do the rest,” Cozzo said regarding his high-scoring stops.

Cozzo will show Pretty With A Twist again throughout the duration of the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel and is excited to continue watching this mare mature in the show pen. He graciously thanked Kole Price for his help and support throughout both at the show and at home.

Intermediate & Limited Open High Point – Fabricio Suris Da Silveira & Spooks Gotta Juice

Fabricio Suris Da Silviera and 2019 stallion Spooks Gotta Juice won the high point for the Intermediate and Limited Open Classes.

Spooks Gotta Juice is by NRHA Five Million Dollar Sire Spooks Gotta Whiz and out of Shiner Like Juice. He was bred and is owned by NRHA Two Million Dollar Owner Smart Like Juice Inc.

Rookie Professional High Point and (2) Champion – Lucas Gayoto Ocanha & Xtra Magic Doctor

Lucas Gayoto Ocanha won the Rookie Pro’s second slate and the Rookie Pro High Point aboard Xtra Magic Doctor.

This 2014 stallion, known around the barn as “Magic Mike,” is owned by Eric Mendrysa and has lifetime earnings of over $60,000. Bred by Cache Performance Horses, LLC, Magic Mike is by Three Million Dollar Sire Shiners Voodoo Dr and out of Aleena Starlight.

This was only Lucas’s third time to show Magic Mike, an opportunity he is very thankful for, “I have to say thank you to Eric and Trevor for the opportunity to show this horse. He’s a fun horse… a big stopper, big turn, big circle…and he improved a lot from the first round.”

Today’s wins are just adding to this horse’s success so far at the Derby – he won the Rookie Level 2 yesterday with his owner, Eric.

Limited Non Pro High Point – Adele Cunningham & KB Bucks N Guns

Adele Cunningham and KB Bucks N Guns won the Limited Non Pro High Point, placing first in the Limited Non Pro (1) and reserve in the Limited Non Pro (2).

KB Bucks N Guns, a 2014 gelding owned by Kaylene Cunningham and bred by Koen Brutsaert, is sired by NRHA 13 Million Dollar Sire Gunner and out of Smart Whizzin Jenny.

“He was a little more fired up today,” Cunningham said regarding KB Bucks N Guns. “He was just ready to go out there and do his job.”

Cunningham gave a special thanks to the Tishman barn, her parents, and her sister for allowing her the opportunity to ride KB Bucks N Guns.

Limited Non Pro (2) Champion – Jenna Ratke & Rio One Step Closer

Jenna Ratke won the second slate of the Limited Non Pro today on her 2012 gelding, Rio One Step Closer.

The 11-year-old gelding, sired by NRHA 12 Million Dollar Sire Wimpys Little Step out of Miss Remi Chic, has over $17,000 in lifetime earnings. “Rio” and Jenna have had quite a bit of success since becoming a team in 2019, including winning the 2022 14-18 Youth World Championship. However, this was their first win at the Derby, but they’ve been in the Top 5 and Top 10 in the past.

“He’s really surprised me, like he’s 11 this year. I was not expecting this at all from him,” explained Jenna. “I’m very happy that he’s still with me here.”

This talented duo still has a couple more runs this week, then they are on to the Central Ohio Reining Horse Association show in Findlay, Ohio, in a couple of weeks. Jenna made a point to thank her mom, as well as Jesse and Stephanie Gentile, for their support & guidance.

Ancillary action continues Tuesday with the first slate of the NRHA Novice Horse Non Pro classes. A complete schedule, results, link to the live webcast, and more can be found at NRHADerby.com.

As the weekend came to a close at the 6666 National Reining Horse Association Derby presented by Markel,  the Adequan® Arena saw more than 110 runs in the ancillary Classic Equine Green Reiner and Toyon Rookie Free-For-All classes. NRHA Corporate Partner Toyon Ranch has long been a supporter of the Rookie program and, at the NRHA Derby, has generously paid the entry fees for all Rookie contestants.

In addition to the great prizes presented in the Adequan® Arena, exhibitors have a chance to win high-point buckles made by NRHA Platinum Derby Sponsor Montana Silversmiths. The first High Point championships were awarded Sunday morning.

Classic Equine Green Reiner Level 1 (2) and High Point – Cody Bell & Smart Chicago Spook

Cody Bell and Smart Chicago Spook, a 2014 gelding owned by Thomas Tucker, won the Classic Equine Green Reiner Level 1 (2) and High Point with a score of 140.5.

Smart Chicago Spook, bred by Bob Loomis, is by NRHA Five Million Dollar Sire Spooks Gotta Whiz and out of Smart Chicago Lena.

In talking about the gelding, Bell shared, “He’s just the best ever. Really a team player of a horse, every time we get out of the stall, he’s just like- let’s do this.”

Bell has been riding Smart Chicago Spook for less than a year and has shown him twice throughout the Derby. During today’s run, Bell focused on his speed during circles and keeping himself calm.

At the end of his winning run, Bell took the time to thank his family and Thomas Tucker.

Classic Equine Green Reiner Level 2 High Point – Morgan Bagnell & My Foolish Dream     

Morgan Bagnell and My Foolish Dream, a 2017 mare owned by Morgan’s grandmother, Kathy Bagnell, won the Green Reiner Level 2 High Point.

This win was very special for 17-year-old Morgan, a Rockwall, Texas native, as “Lilly” was bred and raised by her family- she is sired by Nine Million Dollar Sire Magnum Chic Dream and out of Dun Up Sensational.

When asked about her mare, Morgan explained, “She’s very special to us; we bred and raised her. It’s definitely a very special moment to have her here and share this with our family. I know they’re very excited about this. She’s a very sweet horse. And she’s definitely very deserving of this one. It’s a family affair.”

Morgan added, “Coming into my run today, I just wanted to focus on being smooth and being relaxed and comfortable for her because I know it does help her a lot. I just wanted to make sure that she was having fun…and we did; we had a bunch of fun!”

Classic Equine Green Reiner L2 (2) Champion – Heather Dawn Ronek & Gotta Magic Gun

Heather Ronek and Gotta Magic Gun, a 2016 gelding bred by Misty Valley Performance Horses, won the second slate of the Classic Equine Green Reiner Level 2.

“Steamboat,” as he’s affectionately known around the barn, is sired by Two Million Dollar Sire Spooks Gotta Gun and out of Nu Magic Cash.

Today’s win was exciting for Heather- it was her first class win in the reining events with the gelding and her very first Derby. “This is our first year showing,” remarked Heather, who recently switched to reining from the All Around events. “We’re consistently getting a little better and a little better. This is really exciting because we haven’t won anything yet as far as classes go, but we were Reserve High Point for Rookie and Green at the Cactus and then High Point Green at the NRBC.”

The next stop after the Derby for this talented duo will be the APHA World Show, where Heather and Steamboat will compete in the Solid Paint Bred Reining events under the guidance of Bud Lyon Performance Horses.

Toyon Ranch Rookie Free-For-All Level 1 & Prime Time Rookie (1) Champion – Kent Ray Taylor & Xtra Wimpys Catalyst

Kent Ray Taylor and Xtra Wimpys Catalyst, a 2015 stallion bred by Milholland Training Inc, won the first slate of both the Toyon Ranch Rookie Level 1 & Prime Time Rookie with a 140.5.

The eye-catching black stallion, known around the barn as “Zorro,” is sired by NRHA 12 Million Dollar Sire Wimpys Little Step and out of Im Not Blonde, and has over $61,000 in lifetime earnings.

Kent describes Zorro as his “heart horse,” stating, “I love him; he does whatever you want him to do, he’s super easy, and he’s beautiful. He’s always ready for me. So if there’s a good run in there, it’s because he’s ready, and I’m ready. When there’s a bad run, it’s because he’s ready and I’m not.”

Kent made a point to thank the whole Schmersal team… especially Mandy, who always makes sure Zorro is ready for him. He also thanked Toyon Ranch for sponsoring the class.

“I absolutely thank Toyon Ranch for all they do. They also sponsored classes for us at the NRBC,” he said. “It takes a lot to do that, and sometimes the sponsors don’t get thanked for that (support).”

Toyon Ranch Rookie Free-For-All Level 2 (1) Champion – Eric Mendrysa & Xtra Magic Doctor

Eric Mendrysa and Xtra Magic Doctor, a 2014 stallion bred by Cache Performance Horses LLC, won the first slate of the Toyon Ranch Level 2 Rookie with a 141.

The talented stallion, known around the barn as “Magic Mike,” is by NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire Shiners Voodoo Dr and out of Aleena Starlight. He had lifetime earnings of over $60,000 before Eric purchased him just one month ago. “I just bought him from Janice Laney,” Eric explained. “I’ve been hounding her for a while trying to get him bought. She finally agreed to it.”

In their short time together, the duo has already had quite a bit of success. “I took him to the Redbud and got him qualified for the AQHA World Show and showed him in some ranch riding,” he said. “This is only our second time showing. He’s a really good confidence booster and really, really fun for us to show.”

Eric plans to utilize his new teammate to gain confidence for his derby horse and to continue to show at AQHA shows in Reining and Ranch Riding events. He made a point to thank Trevor Dare, Laura Dare, and the whole Dare team for cheering him on, Janice Laney for selling him “Magic Mike,” and Toyon Ranch for sponsoring the rookie classes at the NRHA Derby.           

Ancillary action continues Monday with the second slate of the NRHA Intermediate Open, Limited Open, Rookie Professional, and Limited Non Pro classes. A complete schedule, results, link to the live webcast, and more can be found at NRHADerby.com.

The Open preliminary round of the 2023 6666 National Reining Horse Association Derby presented by Markel came to a close Sunday, June 18. While the finalists are celebrating the chance to compete for big money on Saturday, a few are already counting their money from titles awarded during the preliminary round.

Shawn Flarida won the Tamarack Ranch Open 4-Year-Old Stakes, while Craig Schmersal and Fernando Salgado tied for top honors in the Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Novice Horse Open Derby.

Craig Schmersal and Fernando Salgado Tie to Win Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Novice Horse Open Derby

Craig Schmersal and Fernando Salgado tied with a score of 221.5 to win the $15,000-added Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Novice Horse Open Derby. Schmersal rode Rootin Tootin Nite, while Salgado rode Swooon.

“He turned really great; he circled really cute,” Schmersal, an NRHA Four Million Dollar Rider, said. “He’s the kind of horse you find yourself rooting for just cause he’s so cute, you just wanna take him home.”

Rootin Tootin Nite is by NRHA Five Million Dollar Sire Gunners Special Nite and out of West Coast Bay. The 2018 stallion is owned by Wendy Elkins and was nominated by Linda Campbell.

Swooon is by NRHA Five Million Dollar Sire Spooks Gotta Whiz and out of Sheza Smart Wimpy. The 5-year-old stallion is owned by Coma Ranch LLC and was bred and nominated by Loren Booth.

Although Salgado, an NRHA Million Dollar Rider, says he has had repeated bad luck with this horse, that changed today. “I showed him last year in the Futurity and I had some really good runs, but something always happened, so he never won a dollar until today,” Salgado said. “But he’s still one of my most favorite horses ever.”

Both the riders took the time to thank their family and staff for their dedication and hard work and to Clark’s Pump-N-Shop for making this class possible.

Shawn Flarida Wins the Tamarack Ranch Open 4-Year-Old Stakes, Open Prime Time, and APHA Open Chrome Cash

With a score of 226.5, Shawn Flarida and Andiamoe had a sweeping win of the Open Prime Time, Open Chrome Cash, and the Tamarack Ranch Open 4-Year-Old Stakes.

Andiamoe, by NRHA Nine Million Dollar Sire Gunnatrashya and out of NRHA Million Dollar Dam Wimpys Little Chic, is a special mare for Flarida. Her family has contributed greatly to his $7 million career, as he has previously won the NRHA Futurity on her, her sire, her dam, and her grandsire.

“My confidence in this mare has never wavered. It wouldn’t waver at any point,” Flarida said. “She’s so confident; she’s so good. If she was a human being, she’d show up a half hour early and stay a half hour late; it’s just who she is.”

The Stakes, open to 4-year-old horses only, debuted in 2021, and the support of the division was soon evident. Tamarack Ranch immediately jumped at the chance to sponsor the $40,000-added Level 4 Open Stakes.

Recognizing the popularity of the 4-year-old Stakes division and to support its longevity, the NRHA Board decided to add an additional $100,000 (to the Open and Non Pro divisions) beginning in 2023, bringing the total added money of the Tamarack Ranch Open Stakes to $110,000. To learn more about the 4-Year-Old nomination program and NRHA’s investment in the future of this group of horses, visit here.

Flarida took time to thank Tamarack Ranch for their support of riders who are entered on younger horses. “Gabe Hutchins from Tamarack, he’s already come by and given me a hug. They’ve done such a great job,” Flarida said. “They’ve just changed the sport.”

The payout for the Tamarack Ranch Open Stakes paid well and deep – to 15th place!

$110,000-added Tamarack Ranch Open Stakes Placings

1. Shawn Flarida and Andiamoe, $30,989.08

2. Andrea Fappani and Mic Dropp, $18,862.92

3. Cade McCutcheon and Trashya Quik, $14,147.19

4. Arno Honstetter and Shine Whiz Jewels, $12,126.16

5. Gabriel Borges and 007, $10.105.145

5. Fernando Salgado and Swooon, $10.105.145

7. Gennardo Lendi and Stepin Out Gunnin, $7,410.43

7. Craig Schmersal and Enterprizingattitude, $7,410.43

9. Craig Schmersal and Revolver 45, $4,378.89

9. Jason Vanlandingham and Shinetime Spook, $4,378.89

9. Jason Vanlandingham and Rufalicious, $4,378.89

9. Duane Latimer and CS Especially Moody, $4,378.89

13. Cade McCutcheon and Lost In The Trash, $2,357.87

13. Rodrigo Nieves and Spook Lil Whiz, $2,357.87

15. Abby Lengel and Bringnthaheat, $1,347.36

The Open preliminary round of the 2023 6666 National Reining Horse Association Derby presented by Markel is in the books. In 2022, it was a clean sweep for record-breaking Open Levels 1-4 payouts. With this year’s numbers finalized, the 2023 event once again broke records in all four levels!

The Level 4 also saw record entries with 280, surpassing the previous record of 270 set in 2022. The Level 2 Open and the Tamarack Ranch Open Stakes also had record entry numbers. Total entries across all levels and divisions reached 951, and the total payout for the Open Derby divisions rose to $906,136 – a 14 percent increase!

The large field of competitors was narrowed down to the top 30 in the Open Levels 4, 3, 2, and 1. Those entries advanced to the clean-slate finals, which will be held Saturday, June 24. The Open preliminaries also decided the champions of the $110,000-added Tamarack Ranch Open 4-Year-Old Stakes, the $15,000-added Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Novice Horse Open Derby, and the Open Prime Time.

Unofficially the bubble for advancing to the finals is:

Level 4 – 220

Level 3 – 217.5

Level 2 – 214.5

Level 1 – 209

Winning each division of the Open preliminaries were:

Level 4 – Jason Vanlandingham & Gunnabebigtime (Gunnatrashya x Big Time Jazzy) – 227.5
Owner & Nominator: Tami Nelson

Level 3 – Dany Tremblay & All Guns On Crush (PS Mega Shine Chic x All Guns On Deck) – 223
Owner: Fred Tremblay, Nominator: Adh-Mor Ranch

Level 2 – Gabriel Diano & Gunna Bet My Boon (Gunnatrashya x Flo N Blu Boon) – 220
Owner: Cabana RT La Aurora, Breeder & Nominator: Alpha Quarter Horses, LLC

Level 1 – Sumer Opinker & Always A Magnum (Magnum Chic Dream x Always A Dunit) – 216
Owner: Pamela Williams, Breeder: Petska Trinity Equine, LLC, Nominator: Jeffery Petska

Level 1 – Santiago Cilleruelo & Flinn Gunna Mark Ya (In Like Flinn x ARC Gunna Mark Ya) – 216
Owner: Justice Performance Horses, Breeder: Jody Puno, Nominator: Neiberger Performance Horses

Level 1 – Abby Kampmann & Lylith (A Sparkling Vintage x Dun It Got Lucky) – 216
Owner: Slide or Die LLC, Breeder: Cade McCutcheon, Nominator: Roxanne Koepsell

Tamarack Ranch Open 4-Year-Old  Stakes & Open Prime Time – Shawn Flarida & Andiamoe (Gunnatrashya x Wimpys Little Chic) – 226.5           
Owner, Breeder, & Nominator: Arcese Quarter Horses USA

Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Novice Horse Open Derby – Craig Schmersal & Rootin Tootin Nite (Gunners Special Nite x West Coast Bay) – 221.5           
Owner: Wendy Elkins, Nominator: Linda Campbell

Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Novice Horse Open Derby – Fernando Salgado & Swooon (Spooks Gotta Whiz x Sheza Smart Wimpy) – 221.5
Owner: Coma Ranch, Breeder & Nominator: Loren Booth

The draw for the Open finals will be decided during the Platinum Performance Open Draw Party on Thursday, June 22, at 10 a.m. The Draw Party, open to everyone, will be held in the Platinum Zone in the Sale Arena.

Be sure to purchase tickets to cheer on your favorite finalists on Saturday, June 24, at 5 p.m.

Complete results, draws, news, and more can be found at NRHADerby.com.

Photo of Jason Vanlandingham & Gunnabebigtime by Chelsea Schneider Media.

The second section of the Open preliminary round of the 2023 6666 National Reining Horse Association Derby presented by Markel took place Saturday, June 17. After 104 rides in the Jim Norick Coliseum, there was little change to the leaderboard.

The clean-slate Finals will be held on Saturday, June 24 at the OKC Fairgrounds. It will be an action-packed event with the largest check in Derby history- $100,000- being presented to the Open Champion.

The Open preliminary rounds will wrap up tomorrow, Sunday, June 18, with the final 99 draws. The current high scores in Levels 4-1 are:

Level 4 – Jason Vanlandingham & Best Shine – 227
(Shine Chic Shine x Best Stop) 
Owner: Robert Santagata, Breeder & Nominator: Wagman Ranch Inc

Level 3 – Dany Tremblay & All Guns On Crush – 223
(PS Mega Shine Chic x All Guns On Deck)
Owner: Fred Tremblay, Nominator: Adh-Mor Ranch

Level 2 – Gabriel Diano & Gunna Bet My Boon – 220
(Gunnatrashya x Flo N Blu Boon)
Owner: Cabana RT La Aurora, Breeder & Nominator: Alpha Quarter Horses, LLC

Level 1 – Sumer Opinker & Always A Magnum – 216
(Magnum Chic Dream x Always A Dunit)
Owner: Pamela Williams, Breeder: Petska Trinity Equine, LLC, Nominator: Jeffery Petska

Level 1 – Santiago Cilleruelo & Flinn Gunna Mark Ya – 216
(In Like Flinn x ARC Gunna Mark Ya)
Owner: Justice Performance Horses, Breeder: Jody Puno, Nominator: Neiberger Performance Horses

The preliminary rounds not only determine who returns to the Finals- they also decide the champions of the $110,000-added Tamarack Ranch Open 4-Year-Old Stakes and the $15,000-added Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Novice Horse Open Derby. The winners of these events, along with the Open Prime Time and the American Paint Horse Association’s Open Chrome Cash, will be announced at the conclusion of the preliminary rounds tomorrow. The current leaders for these divisions are:

Tamarack Ranch Open 4-Year-Old Open Stakes – Cade McCutcheon & Trashya Quik – 223
(Gunnatrashya x Nestle Quik Chic)
Owner: Vaughn Zimmerman, Breeder & Nominator: William Newman, Jr

Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Novice Horse Open Derby – Craig Schmersal & Rootin Tootin Nite – 221.5
(Gunners Special Nite x West Coast Bay)
Owner: Wendy Elkins, Nominator: Linda Campbell

Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Novice Horse Open Derby – Fernando Salgado & Swooon – 221.5
(Spooks Gotta Whiz x Sheza Smart Wimpy)
Owner: Coma Ranch, Breeder & Nominator: Loren Booth

Open Prime Time: Matthew McDowell & Xtra Voodoo Dr – 221 (includes handicap)
(Shiners Voodoo Dr x Wound Up Wimp)
Owner: Mona Bodaness, Breeder & Nominator: Silver Spurs Equine

Open Chrome Cash: Trevor Elliot Dare & Gangsta Sixtysix – 223.5
(Inferno Sixty Six x Rush N Cat)
Owner: Julio Mora Hernandez, Breeder: Lorenzo Lotti, Nominator: Slide or Die LLC

The top 30 (plus ties) in the Open Levels 4-1 will advance to the clean-slate finals on Saturday, June 24. The draw for the Finals will be decided at the Platinum Performance Open Draw Party on Friday, Saturday 23, at 10 a.m.

For complete results and a competition live stream, visit NRHADerby.com.

Photo of current leader Jason Vanlandingham and Best Shine by Waltenberry Photography.