The first go round, first section of the $80,000 added NRHA Open Division was full of talented riders and extraordinary equine athletes. Just when you think it doesn’t get any better than this, the first go round, second section gets underway. Todd Crawford, riding Lena Gallo for Lapke Quarter Horses/John Lapke, scored a 226.5 to take the lead in the qualifying go round.
Lena Gallo is by NRHA Million Dollar Sire Gallo Del Cielo and out of Heavenly Doc. The 2000 stallion was purchased by Lapke Quarter Horses as a yearling at the Polo Ranch Sale, pasture bred as a two-year-old, then put to work as a reining horse. Ridden by Brent Wright, Lena Gallo was a 2003 NRHA Futurity Open Division finalist and, ridden by Crawford, went on to be a 2004 NRHA Derby finalist. Most recently, Todd guided this talented stallion to a tie for second place in the National Reining Breeders Classic Derby Open Division in Katy, Texas.
The first go round, first section leaders, JD Whizkey (Topsail Whiz x JD Milligan) and Smart Spook (Smart Chic Olena x Gay Sugar Chic) maintained an excellent field position. Both are sitting in a tie for second at the completion of the go round. JD Whizkey is being shown by Cody Sapergia for Lance Griffin and Smart Spook, the 2004 NRHA Futurity Open Division Champion, is being ridden by Shawn Flarida for Rosanne Sternberg.
Stefano Calcagnini, riding Lil Ruf N It (Hollywood Dun It x Lil Ruf N Trouble) for Tim McQuay, scored a 221.5 to take the lead in both the $50,000 added Intermediate Open and $5,000 added Limited Open divisions. Tricia Hamilton, riding Lenas Taxman (Lenas Wright On x Zans Light Sparkles) for Bob and Linda Hamilton, was just a half point behind with a 221. Tricia and Lenas Taxman are second in the Intermediate and Limited Open divisions as well.
The clean slate finals for all Open divisions of the 2005 NRHA Derby is slated to begin on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. and will continue through the evening show schedule.
Multiple NRHA World Champion Jessicah Keller earned the win in the 32-horse Novice Horse Non Pro class on Night Deposit Chex owned by Hilldale Farm. Night Deposit Chex is by NRHA World Champion Nu Chex To Cash, Hilldale Farm’s senior stallion. Tricia Leone placed second on her Uno Cody Jaci (Jacs Masterpiece x Uno Cody Miss).
On Thursday evening the Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau hosted the Celebration of Champions and NRHA Town Talk Forum, which offered a Bar-B-Que dinner for NRHA members and friends. It was well attended and enjoyed by all.
A Derby Spotlight Sale Demonstration and Champagne Brunch will precede the annual NRHA Derby Spotlight Sale, scheduled for Saturday at 10:00 a.m. For more information on the NRHA Derby Show contact the NRHA office in OKC at 405-946-7400 or log on to the NRHA website
