Non Pro Finalists Set for Richest NRHA Derby in History

Andrea Fappani and Dreamy Little Sailor Win 7 & Up Open

The second section of the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Non Pro Derby took over the Oklahoma State Fair Coliseum Arena on Wednesday, June 27. The second section included nearly 100 non pro entries vying for their share of $180,000* in added money and the estimated $270,000+ payout (purse and nominator incentives). This year’s NRHA Derby looks to be the richest in history with approximately $885,000 being paid out to owners and nominators by the end of the show.

Scottsdale, Arizona’s Kim Muehlstaetter ($307,000 NRHA LTE) and Daddy Day Care (Nic It In the Bud x Shiners Pretty Woman by Shining Spark) marked a 219 to tie for the top position in the Level 4 Non Pro division. Kim and husband Martin own the 2008 stallion bred by Carol Rose. Daddy Day Care has earned $23,000 in NRHA competition and was most recently third in the Level 4 Non Pro division at the 2012 National Reining Breeders Classic (NRBC) with Kim.

During the first section, Jose Vazquez (Markham, Ill.) and Moonshine Juice (Smart Like Juice x Wind Her Up Shiner by Shining Spark) earned a score of 219 and, ultimately, took the win in the Prime Time Non Pro division. Moonshine Juice ($51,000 NRHA LTE) was bred by Smart Like Juice, Inc.

Moving into the lead in the Level 3 Non Pro division and tying for fourth in the Level 4 Non Pro division with a 218 was Sarah Johnson (Gainesville, Tex.) and Sailor Made (Sailing Smart x Doc Santa Belle by Colonels A Doc). Sarah ($164,000 NRHA LTE) and Sailor Made won the Level 4 and Level 3 Non Pro divisions in the inaugural NRHA Cowtown Classic Novice Horse Derby last year. Sarah’s father, NRHA Million Dollar Rider Craig Johnson, is the owner and breeder of the 2006 gelding.

Anne Reynolds (King Hill, Id.) and Shiney And Verysmart (217) held onto the lead in the Level 1 and 2 Non Pro divisions, as well as the second highest score in the Prime Time Non Pro division. The pair recently won championship titles in the Level 2, Level 1 and Prime Time Non Pro divisions at the 2012 Cactus Reining Classic Derby. NRHA Million Dollar Owner Lance Griffin (De Winton, Alberta) and his homebred Kachina Tag N Chex (Whiz N Tag Chex x Kachina Oak by Docs Oak) matched Reynolds’ score to tie for second place in the Prime Time Non Pro division. Kachina Tag N Chex was a 2010 NRHA Open Futurity finalist with Duane Latimer and a Level 4 Non Pro division finalist with Griffin’s daughter, Samantha, at the 2012 NRBC. Griffin and the 2007 gelding have $391,000 and $33,000 in NRHA lifetime earnings, respectively.

Plainview, Texas’ Jaci Marley ($18,800 NRHA LTE) and Jennifer Marley’s Dun Git A Nicadual ($31,000 NRHA LTE, Mister Nicadual x Gotta Git Ya Dun by Hollywood Dun It) took the championship title in the Youth Non Pro divisionwith a 214. In addition to $737, she’ll receive a saddle from Bob’s Custom Saddles, a $2,500 gift certificate from Twister Trailer, a Montana Silversmiths buckle, a pair of Anderson Bean boots, a $100 Pard’s Western Shop gift card, Classic Equine boots, 25 pounds of Platinum Performance CJ, 9 pounds of Assure Guard, two bags of feed from Purina and a $100 SmartPak gift card.

$15,000-ADDED 7 & UP OPEN
NRHA also welcomed the second NRHA Derby Show running of “7 & Up” classes for horses age seven and older. In the $15,000-added 7 & Up Open, NRHA Professional and NRHA Two Million Dollar Rider Andrea Fappani rode Morris Kulmer’s Dreamy Little Sailor ($73,000 NRHA LTE, Magnum Chic Dream x Enjoy A Lena by Gay Bar Lena) to the level 4 open championship with a score of 219.5. NRHA Professional Brian Welman and Reminhick ($19,700 NRHA LTE, Reminic Ringo x Hometown Hickory by Badger Starlight) took the top honors in the Level 3 Open division for owner Travis Jon Lemke with a 217. In the Level 2 and Level 1 Open divisions, a 216 sat atop the leader board: NRHA Professional Tracy Mc Reynolds and The Whiz Way ($31,300 NRHA LTE, Topsail Whiz x Dun It The Hard Way by Hollywood Dun It).

MORE ABOUT THE SHOW
The NRHA Derby Show welcomes horse enthusiasts from all backgrounds and interest levels. The first five days of the competition are free to the public making it an excellent option for the whole family. The event also offers many activities outside of the show ring such as a trade show with more than 50 vendors from around the country, NRHA Collegiate Reining Championship, NRHA Interscholastic Reining Championship, NRHA Awards & Hall of Fame Banquet, Interscholastic Equestrian Association Western National Finals and much more.

FOR THE LATEST NEWS
For the latest news from the NRHA Derby Show, be sure to follow NRHA on Facebook and Twitter. Score updates, event reminders and video will be posted daily to keep reiners around the world informed as the news develops. In addition, NRHA will post the top three runs of the day from the NRHA Open Derby and NRHA Non Pro Derby go rounds and finals. Visit nrhaderby.com daily to watch the runs at your convenience 24/7.

CORPORATE PARTNERS
The NRHA would like to thank the following Corporate Partners for their support of the NRHA Derby: Adequan, Arenus, Bob’s Custom Saddles, Cinder Lakes Ranch and Reproduction Center, Classic Equine, Darling 888 Ranch, Horse&Rider, John Deere, Kiser Arena Specialists, Markel Insurance Company, Merial, Montana Silversmiths, Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau, Pard’s Western Shop, Platinum Performance, Purina Mills, Quarter Horse News, Rios of Mercedes / Anderson Bean Boot Company, Miller International – Cinch / Cruel Girl, Silver Spurs Equine, SmartPak, Twister Trailer and World Development Group. NRHA also appreciates the contributions of Event Sponsors KO Trading, Sandbur Productions, Scott Cleaners and Shorty’s Caboy Hattery.

Incorporated in 1966, the National Reining Horse Association is the standard setting body of the sport of Reining. NRHA, with their International Headquarters in Oklahoma City, is responsible for promoting the sport of reining and working to ensure the highest standards of competition. To learn more about the NRHA, its programs and family of corporate partners, visitnrha.com.

* - Estimates based on NRHA Nomination Program and 2011 NRHA Derby entries.