The Oklahoma City Fairgrounds buzzed with excitement today as the first day of competition in the Open Derby at the 2024 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel kicked off. Top NRHA Professionals and their exceptional equine partners took center stage in the Jim Norick Arena, showcasing their talents and vying for a coveted spot in the prestigious Open Finals.
Level 4 Open and APHA Chrome Cash Leaders – Luca Fappani and Trashy Dreams
At the end of section one, Luca Fappani and Trashy Dreams, by Hall of Famer Gunnatrashya and out of This Chicsdundreamin, held the lead in the Level 4 after entering the show pen at draw number four and marking a 224. The pair also currently tops the American Paint Horse Association (APHA) Chrome Cash division. The 6-year-old mare, owned and nominated by Neiberger Performance Horses LLC, first entered the show pen as a 4-year-old under NRHA Million Dollar Rider Fernando Salgado. Fappani took over the reins the following year. Together, the duo has more than $40,000 in NRHA lifetime earnings (LTE).
Level 3 Open Leaders – Arno Honstetter and McNastyy
Arno Honstetter and McNastyy lead the first section of the Level 3 Open Derby with a 223.5. They also lead the Clark’s Pump-N-Shop Novice Horse Open Derby and the Tamarack Ranch 4-year-old Stakes. The Sarah Christen owned stallion by Gunnatrashya and out of Miss Mcdreamy. Honstetter is the head trainer at Story Book Stables, the nominator of 4-year-old McNastyy, who is owned by Sarah Christen.
Level 2 and Level 1 Open Leaders – Gabriele Landi and Trashya N Hollywood / Leonardo Kellermann and Magoworthy
Two NRHA Professionals are tied to lead the Level 2 and Level 1 with a 218.5. Gabriele Landi rode Trashya N Hollywood, a 5-year-old stallion bred and owned by Marc and Kathy Gordon. The stallion is by Gunnatrashya and out of Sheza Hollywood Chic and has nearly $15,000 in NRHA LTE.
Leonardo Kellermann rode Magoworthy, a 5-year-old stallion is bred, nominated and owned by Terry Leffew. The stallion is by Hall of Famer Spooks Gotta Whiz and out of Banjoes Shining Star.
Prime Time Open Leaders – Franco Bertolani and Blueyedgirl
The Open Derby Prime Time leader is Franco Bertolani and Blueyedgirl, who earned a 220.5 for owner Bruna Bertolani. The 7-year-old mare has more than $94,000 in NRHA LTE and was bred and nominated by Cardinal Hill Training Center LLC. Blueyedgirl is by Gunners Tinseltown and out of Shining Survivor.
With the first day of competition complete, anticipation continues to build for the remaining sections of the Open Derby. The fight for a spot in the lucrative Finals on June 22nd is wide open, promising a thrilling week of reining action ahead. The action continues tomorrow with section two of the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel beginning at 8 a.m. in the Jim Norick Arena. While at the event, join us for the Buckle Ceremony to celebrate the 2023 World and Reserve World Champions; the 2023 Top 20 Professionals, Non Pros and Owners; and the 2023 NRHA Professionals of the Year.