Craig Schmersal and Commanders Nic have been knocking on the door since the 2002 NRHA Futurity where they placed fourth.  They were second at the NRHA Derby last year - but just would not be denied in this year’s Open Derby finals. Craig guided his son of Boomernic out of Miss Bam Bam Command to a powerful score of 225 for the win. Craig and his wife Ginger own Commanders Nic, the little horse with the big talent.  He earned the guaranteed NRHA Derby Open Division paycheck of $50,000 plus go round money.

 

There was a tie for second place between Andrea Fappani riding Juston Palmer’s NQH Little Jac and Sam Smith riding Joe Wolfe’s Okies Check Mate.  Both riders were just a half point behind Schmersal with a 224.5.  NQH Little Jac is by Jac Daniels Neat and out of Annies Little Squaw.  Okies Check Mate is by Okie Pauls Document and out of Dry Reins Sable.

 

Smith earned a win in the Derby Intermediate Open division on Okies Check Mate and picked up third place money as well aboard Robert Rosenfeld’s Ruf N Smart by Lil Ruf Peppy and out of Smart Little Doll.  Jerry Fowler was the Reserve Champion in the Intermediate Open Division and the Champion of the Limited Open Division on Manntanna LLC’s Ebony Shines by Shining Spark and out of Ebony Whiz.  Khi Bergmann scored a 221 on Debra and Kim Sloan’s Mif Dee Bay by Mifillena and out of Wilma Dee for the Limited Open reserve title.  Maryse Dupaul, riding Lorrie and Terry Thrasher’s Barbies Dun It by Hollywood Dun It and out of Just Plain Barbie, scored a 220 for third place.

 

Youth Riders Shine

 

C. R. Hogendorp has been hot this season and continued to scorch the competition in the NRHA Youth 14-18 Division.  Hogendorp scored a 217 on his Melon Kali Jac to win the 16-horse class.  Tyler Baumgardt riding his Little Roan Chick was second with a 214.5 followed by Shevin Schwartzenberger who placed third on her Bueno Time Chex.

 

Hampton Deck earned a win in the NRHA Youth 13 & Under Division aboard Chex N Sugar with Rebecca Murray placing second on Gatolotto.  Brandon Boyle placed Sunset Whiz third.  Sunset Whiz is owned by Barbi and Michael Boyle.

 

The show is winding down with International Day on Sunday, May 23, 2004, and the competition promises to be tough.  The USEF Young Rider Reining Medal class is slated for 10:00 a.m. followed by the Bayer/USEF $75,000 added Open Reining Championship Finals at 1:00 PM.