JD Yates and Bald N Shiney Win 2011 NRCHA World's Greatest Horseman Steer Stopping and Cow Work Prelims

After a disappointing performance in the herd work that improved only slightly in the rein work, JD Yates and Bald N Shiney made a huge comeback to make the finals of the 2011 National Reined Cow Horse Association World's Greatest Horseman. "I have been behind at some of the largest ropings in the world, and came back to win," said Yates, who has won over $1.3 million in PRCA competition. "I've made up 15 seconds before, so I knew I could make up 15 points tonight."

The pair did it by marking the high score in both the steer stopping and rein work - a 224 and a 226, respectively. Bald N Shiney's owner Nelle Murphy could be heard cheering on her 17-year-old cow horse, by Shining Spark out of Lenas Raffle Lady, from the moment he came into the arena. "He is so happy to be doing this," she said. "I am so proud of him and JD."

Yates and Bald N Shiney earned a paid entry into the World's Greatest Horseman by winning the World's Greatest Shootout at the American Quarter Horse Association's Battle In The Saddle in July, 2010. "It is a great honor to be representing the Battle In The Saddle here in San Angelo," Murphy said.

Murphy collected $4,000 between the two go-round wins, as well as two Gist Silversmiths buckles - one sponsored by the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo Association and one sponsored by Stuart Ranch.

Along with his professional rodeo career, Yates is a 33-time AQHA World Champion and has three AQHA Super Horse titles.

Bald N Shiney is a many-time AQHA World Champion, with titles in Amateur Heading, Amateur Heeling, Amateur Working Cow Horse, Senior Working Cow Horse, and Senior Heeling. He was also the AQHA All-Around Amateur Champion, and with Nelle was the NRCHA Non Pro Bridle World Champion and Snaffle Bit Futurity Amateur Champion.

Yates and Bald N Shiney will compete in the clean-slate finals held Sunday, February 6.

The NRCHA Celebration of Champions, held at the 1st Community Credit Union Spur Arena in San Angelo, Texas, features the Circle Y Ranch Derby, the NRCHA World Championship Show presented by John Deere, and the NRCHA World's Greatest Horseman. The show in its entirety can be seen free of charge thanks to NRCHA Official Videographer Galloping Video. To view the live webcast, visit the NRCHA website or Galloping Video's website at www.gallopingvideo.com.

The National Reined Cow Horse Association, now in its 62nd year, is the governing body of cow horse competition, is responsible for promoting the sport, insuring high standards of competition and educating members and the public about the history and tradition of the cow horse. Through the support of a Corporate Partner family that includes Adequan, Bob's Custom Saddles, Cinch, Classic Equine, Gist Silversmiths, John Deere, Markel Insurance Company, Nutrena, Pfizer Animal Health, Platinum Performance, Quarter Horse News, Rios of Mercedes, Running W Designs, the Silver Legacy Hotel and Casino, and Merial products UlcerGard and EQUIOXX, the association works to keep the vaquero tradition alive in today's equine industry. For information on the National Reined Cow Horse Association, call 580-759-4949 or visit the NRCHA Official Web Site at www.nrcha.com.