During the first section of the Open preliminary round of the 2021 6666 National Reining Horse Association Derby presented by Markel, 151 entries stopped, slid and circled for a chance in the finals. Those runs, combined with the 126 entries in Thursday’s section two, pushed the Open Derby up more than entries from 2020.
Contestants in the prelim round are competing for a spot in the clean-slate finals. The current high scores across the divisions of the Open preliminaries are:
Level 4 – Andrea Fappani & Starjac Vintage (A Sparkling Vintage x Starjac Miss) – 223
Level 3 – Justin Mathison & Shes Reddy On Line (Shine On Line x Guns R Reddy) – 222.5
Levels 2 & 1 – Franky Vazquez & Whizin Off With Guns (Tinker With Guns x Whizin Off Sparks) – 217
New to the Derby this year is a class especially for 4-year-olds, and that, combined with the Four Sixes Ranch guaranteed champion payout, is likely responsible for the increase in entry numbers. Currently leading the Tamarack Ranch Open Stakes and the GlycoGuard Novice Horse Open Derby, which, along with the Prime Time, will be awarded following the second section of the preliminary round on Thursday, are:
GlycoGuard Novice Horse Open Derby – Craig Schmersal & Xtra Vintagemahogany (A Sparkling Vintage x Custom Mahogany) – 219
Tamarack Ranch Open Stakes – Casey Deary & Down Right Amazing (Gunner x Shesouttayourleague) – 220.5
Tamarack Ranch Open Stakes – Franco Bertolani & Blueyedgirl (Gunners Tinseltown x Shining Survivor) – 220.5
Tamarack Ranch Open Stakes – Craig Schmersal & Xtra Kiss Me Again (Boom Shernic x SS Kiss Me Kate) – 220.5
Prime Time – Shawn Flarida & Guns And Dynamite (Gunners Special Nite x Chic Olena Starbuck) – 220
The Open preliminaries continue Thursday. The top 30 in the Open Levels 4-1 will advance to the clean-slate finals on Saturday. The draw for the finals will be decided during the Virtual Platinum Performance Open Draw Party on Friday morning.
For complete results and other information, visit NRHADerby.com.
Wednesday, June 23 at the 6666 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Derby presented by Markel kicked off in the Adequan arena with the second slate of Non Pro classes and the 8 & Up Non Pro Maturity.
Nearly 100 riders came out to try their best for a title, and in the end, Mike Hancock and Nics Custom Dually took home the Non Pro, Intermediate Non Pro, Prime Time Non Pro and 8 & Up Maturity Level 2 Non Pro championships. They were also Reserve in the 8 & Up Maturity Levels 4 and 3.
Hancock only decided to bring Nics Custom Dually to the Derby the week before, and Barbara Williams, Hancock’s longtime trainer and friend, legged the gelding up during the days prior. Even with the short amount of prep time, the duo scored a 146 for their wins.
For Hancock, an NRHA Past President, it was great to be back in the show pen after a couple years hiatus.
“I took off showing for the most part in 2019 and 2020 because of my duties as NRHA President,” Hancock said. “I showed a little bit but then got back into it more seriously this year.”
He started by bringing home Nics Custom Dually (Mister Nicadual x Custom Whizper), who he has owned since the horse was 3, back in February. He showed him twice while there, then decided to bring the gelding out to Williams to finish out some shows in Oklahoma. The 8-year-old gelding has lifetime earnings of $51,944, and Hancock said he can always count on him to spin and circle well.
“Today, he was awesome,” Hancock said. “Maybe being a pasture pony was a good thing.”
Hancock thanked his wife, Bryan, for her support, and Williams for taking care of his horses and being a good friend. He was excited for the chance to show at the NRHA Derby.
“I think where we were about 15 months ago when COVID first started, we weren’t even sure we were going to have a Derby,” Hancock said. “We had some brave souls and some stout-hearted people and had a good Derby last year, and then this year is phenomenal. We’ve survived, and I’m proud to be here.”
The Non Pro and Prime Time Non Pro Reserve championships went to Kim Niven and Pale Face Gunslinger (Pale Face Dunnit x Lost In Tinseltown), who is owned by Tim Anderson. The pair scored a 145.
In the Intermediate Non Pro, Raeanna Thayn and Roseswhiz (Spooks Gotta Whiz x Rose Electric Step), along with Bill Rhoads and Mega Maggie Mae (Magnum Chic Dream x Cinco De Mega), each scored a 143.5 to tie for Reserve.
Emily Morris rode Cross Step Wrangler (Starlights Wrangler x Hollywood Two Step) to Reserve in the 8 & Up Maturity Level 2 Non Pro with a score of 144.5.
McKinnon Larcombe & Designed With Shine – 8 & Up Levels 4 & 3 Champions
Some of the best horses often come out for the 8 & Up Non Pro Maturity, and the 2021 Derby was no different. During the Maturity, powerhouse mare Designed With Shine carried McKinnon Larcombe to the Levels 4 and 3 Non Pro championships.
Designed With Shine (Smart And Shiney x Taris Designer Genes) has lifetime earnings of more than $102,000. She had only been back under saddle about a month-and-a-half after giving birth to the first baby she’s carried herself.
“It’s a good feeling to win here,” Larcombe said. “She had a year-and-a-half off for maternity leave, so it was a special win. I was glad she got to have the time off.”
Larcombe didn’t try to run hard during the Maturity. Her main goal is the upcoming Run For A Million in September, so she used the Maturity to see how her mare would respond to pressure before it.
“She’s very talented and she has the biggest heart ever,” Larcombe said. “She’s the same, consistent horse every time you show her.
“I was second in The Run For A Million on her in 2019,” Larcombe added. “I actually won about $40,000 on her that year in ancillary competition. She’s a very, very special horse.
“Daisy” is owned by Larcombe’s aunt, Shauna. Larcombe thanked her for letting her show, along with the rest of her family.
“I have been working away from home, and so they have made sure she was legged up,” Larcombe said. “It’s not just me; it’s a crew. Thanks to my support system at the barn.”
Mike Hancock and Nics Custom Dually (Mister Nicadual x Custom Whizper) took Reserve in both Levels 4 and 3 with their score of 146. The pair also swept the ancillary Non Pro classes and won Level 2.
Bo Van Duys & Voodoo Smokin Annie – 8 & Up Level 1 Co-Champions
When Bo Van Duys rode Voodoo Smokin Annie to a 142 in the 8 & Up Maturity, winning the Level 1 Non Pro Co-Championship, it was extra sentimental. The NRHA Derby is one of Van Duys’ last shows before she leaves for college at Oklahoma State.
“We are just really clicking now, and it means a lot to finally get on her level,” Van Duys said. “We went in there nice, calm and cool. We tried to fix some things from yesterday. She went in and did what I asked, and it worked out.”
Voodoo Smokin Annie and Van Duys also tied for seventh in Level 2 and 10th in Level 3. The nare, who is by NRHA Million Dollar Sire Shiners Voodoo Dr and out of Caleys Smokin Peppy, is 8 years old. Van Duys’s mom, Holly, owns the mare, who was purchased from Sam Smith three years ago.
“Thanks to my trainer, Shane Brown, and my parents,” said Van Duys, who is 18.
Lisa Klaus & Dun Its Red Berry – 8 & Up Level 1 Co-Champions
Lisa Klaus and Dun Its Red Berry rode from early in the draw, marking a 142 which topped the 8 & Up Maturity Level 1 Non Pro. They had a long wait after that, ultimately tying for the Co-Championship.
“I wanted to go a little harder today than I did earlier in the week,” Klaus said of her game plan. “We tried to step it up a little more and lay it out there. I always try to be smooth and slow things down.”
Klaus and Dun Its Red Berry, who is by NRHA Six Million Dollar Sire Hollywood Dun It and out of Great Red Berry, also tied for seventh in Level 2, 10th in Level 3, 13th in Level 4, fifth in the Intermediate Non Pro and 13th in the Non Pro. Klaus was proud of her 12-year-old gelding, who she said carries her through the pattern without complaint.
“I have four little kids at home. I used to ride and show a bit more, but it’s a bit harder for me, so I need one like him that can be there and be solid for me,” Klaus said.
She thanked trainer Abby Lengel, who she’s been riding with for a little over a year, and Lengel’s team. She also thanked her husband, Chris, who stayed home with the kids, and Melanie and Sebastian Petroll for finding Dun Its Red Berry for her.
Molly Cherry & Guaranteed A Magnum – 8 & Up Level 1 Co-Champions
As a two-time NRHA Derby Level 4 Open Champion, Guaranteed A Magnum needs no introduction. At this year’s Derby, he did something new, carrying his owner, Molly Cherry, to the 8 & Up Maturity Level 1 Non Pro Co-Championship after scoring a 142.
“It’s a blast to show a horse of this caliber, but it’s a lot to learn,” Cherry said. “I have to stay out of his way. I have been trying this year to show this horse more and get him dialed down to Rookie speed. We’re getting a little better each time.”
Cherry normally competes in the Rookie, and the Derby was her first time to show in the Non Pro. She tried to be smooth since she sometimes has trouble guiding her horse. Her efforts paid off, as in addition to the championship, she and the gelding tied for seventh in Level 2 and fifth in the Prime Time and Intermediate Non Pro.
Guaranteed A Magnum, an 8-year-old gelding by Magnum With A Dream and out of Guaranteed By Amos, is good at everything, Cherry said.
“I’m pretty blessed with him,” she added. “Thanks to my trainer, Arnaud Ferret, and his girlfriend, Lauren Love. They take such good care of him. Arnaud has done an awesome job getting him to adapt to my level. And thanks to my friend, Eric Mendrisa, who rides in the barn. He’s been supportive and helpful.”
Intermediate Non Pro and Prime Time Non Pro High Point
After the second slate of Non Pro ancillary classes wrapped up on June 23, Paul Queen and Outta Dough were named the Intermediate Non Pro and Prime Time Non Pro High Point winners. Queen said it was a great feat for Outta Dough, a stallion who is 16 years old.
“It feels great,” Queen said. “The old man keeps proving himself. He just keeps going. He’s 16 years old now, and he’s more of a family friend.”
Outta Dough, who is called “Ben” because “it cost a lot of Benjamin Franklins to get him,” is owned by Queen’s mom, Dorothy. He was originally trained by Mike Berg after Dorothy purchased him as a 2-year-old. To keep him sound at 16, Queen said he doesn’t overshow him. He keeps him at home and just takes him to the bigger shows.
“It’s so fun to ride him because it’s just kind of like a team,” Queen said. “He’s an awesome guy. I’m going to show him until he can’t show anymore.”
In addition to competing, Ben, who is by NRHA Four Million Sire Gallo Del Cielo and out of Dough Olena, does double-duty in the breeding shed. Some stallions don’t handle juggling the two jobs well, but Ben has kept his friendly demeanor.
“He’s your best friend no matter what,” Queen said. “You come in the barn at night, and he’ll nicker at you for a treat. He’s just everybody’s best friend and a ladies’ man. All the girls at the barn just love him. He’s so much fun.”
Queen thanked Dorothy, Berg and his trainer, Jared Leclair, who he’s been working with for a year.
“They’ve been right there for me and pushing me to do better and better all the time,” Queen said.
With 110 horses vying for the title, the GlycoGuard Novice Horse Non Pro Derby, held Tuesday, June 22 during the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel, was a tough division to master, but Addisyn Schmersal led the field during her second time showing Xtra Vintagemahogany. The pair won the championship and $5,112 with their score of 219.
“She was really good for me, and I’m pretty excited,” Schmersal said. “My strategy was just to make sure she and I were both ready, and to keep a positive vibe. I do that by thinking positive thoughts — just keep thinking everything will be good no matter what, and just keep showing.”
“Bambi,” who is by NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire A Sparkling Vintage and out of Custom Mahogany, excels at her stops, Schmersal said. The mare, who was bred and nominated by Silver Spurs Equine, and Schmersal also placed second in the Colston Paving Stakes, earning an additional $4,399.
Schmersal also qualified for the Level 4 and Youth Non Pro finals, to be held Friday. The 15-year-old high school sophomore hopes to show the mare in the upcoming Run For A Million Non Pro.
“Thank you to GlycoGuard for sponsoring this class and giving us another division to show in,” Schmersal said. “It was fun to be entered and have the chance to win in something else other than the regular non pro derby divisions. Also, thanks to my parents for allowing me to show her, and all of the team for helping me get ready and taking care of my horses.”
The Novice Horse is an important division that is needed in the industry, said Caitlyn Caldwell, Senior Sales Representative for GlycoGuard.
“We’re incredibly happy to sponsor this division, and this is our first year as Corporate Partners for NRHA. We wanted to make sure that everybody has the opportunity to learn about the GlycoGuard products,” Caldwell said. “I’ve always had reiners, and I’ve been in the horse industry my whole life. I started this company seven years ago, and I think it’s so important for gut health from the amount of stress and training our horses go through.”
The company, whose slogan is “The official partner of the equine champion,” hopes to help all reiners have healthier horses. The GlycoGuard supplement, a specially formulated direct-fed microbial used to support digestion and a healthy gastrointestinal system, supports overall gut health for all equine athletes.
After a great show, Lauren Love and Rebelvintage (A Sparkling Vintage x Wimpys Got Action) finished reserve in the GlycoGuard Novice Horse Non Pro, fourth in the Colston Paving Stakes Non Pro and won the Story Book Stables Amateur with their score of 218. They earned $3,111 in the Novice Horse, $2,828 in the Stakes and $7,487 for winning the Amateur, and they qualified for the finals in Levels 4 and 3.
After two days of the Non Pro preliminaries, the first champions at the 6666 National Reining Horse Association Derby presented by Markel were crowned, and the Colston Paving 4-Year-Old Non Pro Stakes Championship had Lane Colston’s name all over it. The 17-year-old rode to the win on Lil Ruf Whizkey after marking a 219.5.
“It’s exciting to have something else for young horses to show in,” Lane said. “It’s pretty cool!” Lane collected $7,228 for the win.
The Colston Paving Non Pro Stakes was sponsored by Lane’s parents, Kevin and Amy, who own Colston Paving, Inc. Kevin believed the division would benefit the reining industry as a whole.
“I really felt like it was something necessary so these 4-year-old horses would have something to go do. There are a lot of them that get parked all year, and this gives people a reason to get them out and keep working on them.
“We’re glad to be able to sponsor it and have the opportunity to do it,” Kevin added. “We want to support NRHA however we can. This is something that just needs to happen from now on.”
Lane praised Lil Ruf Whizkey (Whizkey N Diamonds x Lil Ruf Startime), who was bred and nominated by Terry Leffew, for his stellar performance during their winning run. ‘“Cowboy” is good at everything, especially his turnarounds,” Lane said. “The gelding is a true show horse. He is so talented and one of the top two or three horses I have ever had. I cannot say enough good things about him. He keeps getting better and better as he gets older.”
The duo will compete in Friday night’s Level 4 and Youth Non Pro finals, then Lane hopes to show again at the High Roller Reining Classic in September.
Addisyn Schmersal and Xtra Vintagemahogany (A Sparkling Vintage x Custom Mahogany) took Reserve in the Colston Paving Stakes, worth $4,399, with their score of 219. They also won the new GlycoGuard Novice Horse Non Pro division. The pair collected an additional $5,112 for the Novice Horse title and qualified for the Level 4 and Youth Non Pro finals.
The Non Pro preliminary round of the 2021 6666 National Reining Horse Association Derby presented by Markel continued on Tuesday, June 22. In addition to record payouts in every level, Non Pro Levels entries (excluding the new Story Book Stables Amateur and Colston Paving Non Pro Stakes) hit an all-time high this year, with 1,013 total entries, up from 832 in 2020.
By Tuesday evening, the competitors were whittled down to the top 30 in the Non Pro Levels 4-1; top 20 in the Prime Time Non Pro and Youth Non Pro; and top 15 in the Masters Non Pro. Those riders will advance into the clean-slate finals, to be held Friday. There, the champions of each division will take home, for the first time, guaranteed payouts from the Four Sixes Ranch.
Unofficially the bubble for advancing to the finals are:
Level 4 – 215.5
Level 3 – 213.5
Level 2 – 212.5
Level 1 – 210
Prime Time – 214*
Masters – 212.5*
Youth – 210
*Includes handicap.
Winning each division of the Non Pro preliminaries were:
Level 4, Prime Time & Masters – Michael Garnett & Lil Patron (Lil Joe Cash x Miss Rey O Shine) – 221.5
Level 3, 2 & Prime Time – Shaunda Rai Blinzler & Smoke In Whizkey (Whizkey N Diamonds x Suga Suga) – 218.5
Youth – Lane Colston & Lil Ruf Whizkey (Whizkey N Diamonds x Lil Ruf Startime) – 219.5
The draw for the Non Pro finals will be held during the Platinum Performance Non Pro Draw and Welcome Party Wednesday evening, which will also feature Reiners Rope, a fundraiser benefitting the Reining Horse Foundation Dale Wilkinson Memorial Crisis Fund.
Three championships were decided during the Non Pro preliminaries. Lauren Love and Rebelvintage (A Sparkling Vintage x Wimpys Got Action) won the inaugural Story Book Stables Amateur division, while Lane Colston topped the new Colston Paving Non Pro Stakes on Lil Ruf Whizkey (Whizkey N Diamonds x Lil Ruf Startime). Addisyn Schmersal was the victor in the GlycoGuard Novice Horse Non Pro on Xtra Vintagemahogany (A Sparkling Vintage x Custom Mahogany).
The preliminary round of the Open Derby kicks off on Wednesday. This round, which continues through Thursday, will determine the winners of the GlycoGuard Novice Horse Open Derby and the Tamarack Ranch Open Stakes, along with the finalists of the Open Derby. The Finals, slated for Saturday, June 26, features the Four Sixes guaranteed payouts to each Open champion.
Complete results, draws, news, and more can be found at NRHADerby.com.
