Riding Sam Smith’s Chexanicki, a four-year-old mare by Bueno Chexinic and out of Fancy Footwork, Kelle Smith of Belle Center, Ohio, scored a 220.5 to win the NRHA Non Pro Derby clean slate finals.  The field was tough and deep, but Kelle’s show pen savvy and Chexanicki’s willingness and athletic ability held true.  Lisa Cover, from Ardmore, Oklahoma, rode Just Gotta Shine by Shining Spark and out of Zans Pretty Penny to the reserve championship title with a score of 219.5 while Sally Broten, River Falls, Wisconsin, rode Mega Ditto by Marthas Mega Jac and out of Okie Dokie Dunnit, to third place with a score of 219.

 

Fresh off his NRBC Intermediate Non Pro victory, Frank Bolea, Gilroy, California, guided his wonderful Easy Otie Whiz to the win in the NRHA Derby Intermediate Non Pro Division.  Easy Otie Whiz, by Topsail Whiz and out of Miss Poco Easy, scored a 216.5.  Frank also won the NRHA Derby Non Pro Prime Time Division.  Sarah Johnson, Gainesville, Texas, riding Craig Johnson’s Smart Catalena by Smart Chic Olena and out of Poco Catalynx, scored a 215.5 for the reserve title while Fred Christen made his trip from Whitehouse, Ohio, worthwhile.  Fred rode Heza Bigtime Bingo by Itsa Bingo Greyhound and out of Sheza Royal Seeker to third place with a score of 214.

When Heather Pierce’s sister went to college, Heather had the opportunity to ride her horse: Woodunit Be Sweet by Hollywood Dun It and out of Sweet Stage.  Heather, who hails from Bonsall, California, used the opportunity well and won the Limited Non Pro Division of the NRHA Derby with a score of 216.  Martin Franks, from Franklin, Tennessee, rode Mr Solanos Kid, by Brennas Kid and out of Solanos Melody, to second place with a score of 215.5 while Fred Christen picked up third placer money on Heza Bigtime Bingo.

 

The Limited Non Pro And Open Classes

 

The Limited Non Pro class got the day started at 7:00 a.m.  Two riders scored a 215.5 prompting a run-off for first place.   Madelyn Mooney, Riverside, California, scored a 216.5 with her second run on Ranchero Whiz by Topsail Whiz and out of Prescribed Happiness and won the class.  RR Nicolodeon, owned and shown by Elizabeth Trinchero from Gilroy, California, finished in second place. RR Nicolodeon is by Double R Doc and out of Nica Time.

 

The day’s program ended with the $4,000 added NRHA Open class.  Todd Crawford, Blanchard, Oklahoma, scored a 223.5 on Commandalena owned by Christina Knox, Ardmore, Oklahoma, to win the Lawson bronze and a paycheck for almost $2,000.  Craig Schmersal riding Timorie Budge’s Vintage Boom scored a 219.5 for the reserve championship.

 

The NRHA Derby will continue at the Oklahoma State Fair Park through Sunday, May 23^rd, which is being billed as “International Day.” The USEF Young Rider Reining Medal Finals and the $75,000 added Bayer/USEF Open Reining Championship Finals are on the show bill. For more information contact the NRHA office in OKC: 405-946-7400.