The Prime Time Division is for reiners 50 years and older and affords our skilled veteran competitors the opportunity to earn an extra paycheck at NRHA events. The NRHA Derby offered both Open and Non Pro Prime Time divisions. In order to provide a level playing field, a handicap system is used to benefit the riders at both the NRHA Futurity and NRHA Derby. The “Limited” Division rider in the Open and Non Pro derbies walked into the show pen with a one-point advantage from each judge; the “Intermediate” rider had a half point added to his or her score, and the “Open or Non Pro” rider started their pattern with the traditional “70.” At the NRHA Derby, the Prime Time winners were determined by the highest score of the qualifying go round, including their handicap if applicable.
The $5,000 added 2005 NRHA Derby Open Prime Time winner was Brent Wright riding Custom Mahogany (Custom Crome x Gay Doc Nell) for Arcese Quarter Horses USA. Brent scored a 224.5 and earned $2,154.80 for the win. Custom Mahogany went on to place third overall in the Open Derby Finals where she earned $33,575.13!
Steve Schwartzenberger’s qualifying go round score of 221 earned second place in the Derby Open Prime Time Division and a check for $1,481.43. Steve rode Country Bay Berry (Country Dun It x Great Red Berry) owned by Linda Wise. They finished tied for 18th in the Derby Open Finals and earned $2,238.02 for that ride.
In the NRHA Non Pro Derby, Lee Schild was the Prime Time winner aboard his Juiced Up Doc (Smart Like Juice x Jokes Startime). Lee earned $2,096.58 for his qualifying go round score of 218 and then earned an additional $1,185.11 for his 13th place tie in the NRHA Non Pro Derby Finals.
Frank Bolea and Dr. Jim Morgan tied for second place, each earning $1,128.93 in the Non Pro Derby Prime Time Division Bolea rode Triple X Starlight (Seven X Starlight x Savannah Hickory) while Morgan rode Hesa Friendly (Hesa Smart Chic x Seduction). Morgan went on to tie for reserve in the Non Pro Derby earning $7,327.64; Bolea placed 20th on Triple X Starlight and picked up an additional $385.49.
In its efforts to be “all inclusive” and user friendly to the entire membership, NRHA offers Open, Intermediate, and Limited divisions in the NRHA Open and Non Pro Derby as well as the NRHA Futurity. The addition of the Prime Time divisions in these major events gives our seasoned, skilled competitors another opportunity to earn a paycheck and make their trip to an NRHA major event memorable.
