For Immediate Release – June 15, 2020 – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – The Non Pro preliminary round of the 2020 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Derby presented by Markel kicked off on Monday, June 15. While there was concern that the current pandemic would dampen entry numbers, this year’s show is especially robust.
This year’s Non Pro Derby features 249 entries, a big jump from 214 the previous year.
Currently tied for the lead of the Non Pro preliminary round are McKinnon Larcombe and Mandy McCutcheon. Both women piloted their horses to a 218.5.
McCutcheon was riding Party Nite, by Gunners Special Nite out of Topsail Survivor. The 5-year-old mare, owned by Mandy and her husband Tom, topped the preliminary round of the NRHA Non Pro Derby with Mandy last year.
Larcombe and Gunners Bar Fly also lead the Level 3 Non Pro and Youth Non Pro preliminaries. Gunners Bar Fly, a 6-year-old mare by Gunner and out of Blonde At The Bar, is owned by McKinnon’s aunt Shauna Larcombe.
Harper Conner and Money Carlo put together a solid run, resulting in a 217.5. Conner and the 5-year-old stallion by A Sparkling Vintage out of Chex Drive, currently top the Level 2 Non Pro preliminaries.
Currently holding the high score of the Level 1 Non Pro preliminaries with a 213.5 is Madison Gustin and her horse Win My Cash. This 5-year-old mare is by Lil Joe Cash and out of Win My Shine.
Holding steady with the top score of the Bob’s Custom Saddles Novice Non Pro Derby is Adam Donahue and Not Ruf, a 4-year-old gelding, with a 216.5. The Bob’s Custom Saddles Novice Non Pro Derby Championship will be decided at the completion of the preliminary round, so Donahue and Not Ruf, by Not Ruf At All out of Kays Freckles, are sitting pretty. The duo also lead the Prime Time Non Pro preliminaries.
Sitting atop the Masters Non Pro leaderboard is Michael Garnett and his horse Hollywood Nites. Garnett and Hollywood Nites, a 7-year-old by Gunners Special Nite out of Dun It For Chex, marked a 215.5.
Non Pro preliminary competition continues Tuesday. The top 30 in the Non Pro Levels 4-1, the top 20 in the Prime Time Non Pro and Youth Non Pro, as well as the top 15 in the Masters Non Pro, will advance to the clean-slate finals on Friday. The draw for the finals will be decided during the Virtual Platinum Performance Non Pro Draw Party on Wednesday evening.
For complete results and other information, visit NRHADerby.com.