The 2006 NRHA Non Pro Derby Finals, evening session, began when Mandy McCutcheon walked to the center of the pen prepared for battle on Dun It Found A Star (Hollywood Dun It) owned by Tim McQuay. Mandy presented a blistering pattern #5 that earned a 221. Just two horses later, Tricia Hamilton, Scottsdale, AZ, knew what she had to beat, scored a 223 and went to the NRHA Non Pro Derby winner’s circle on In It For The Chics (Smart Chic Olena) owned by Tricia’s mom, Linda.
In It For The Chics was a 2004 NRHA Open Futurity finalist with Troy Heikes in the saddle and in 2005, Tricia was the Reserve Champion in the NRHA Derby Limited Open Division. This was a two-in-one win for Hamilton as she also finished the day as the Non Pro Derby Intermediate Non Pro Champion.
McCutcheon, Aubrey, TX, and Rawhides Banjo (Dunit Rawhide), also owned by Tim McQuay, matched her first score of 221 to tie for reserve with Dun It Found A Star. Mandy and Rawhides Banjo won the 2005 Cinch NRHA Non Pro Futurity.
There was a tie for second in the Intermediate Non Pro Division between Kim Dooley, Scottsdale, AZ, riding her Smokin Dually (Gunner) and Carlie McKinzie, East Wenatchee, WA, aboard RU Missin Diamonds (Like A Diamond) owned by George and Cindy McKinzie. Both riders scored a 218.
The NRHA Non Pro Derby had two sections – one in the afternoon – one in the evening. Rick Ford, Scottsdale, AZ, riding Willy Wonka Chic (Chocolate Chic Olena) owned by Cinder Lakes Ranch, scored a 215.5 in the afternoon and had to wait until the completion of the evening’s performance to see if his score would hold. It did. Ford won the Limited Non Pro Division of the NRHA Non Pro Derby. Debbie Hubbert, Gainesville, TX, riding her Shes Cowismatic (Lenas Wright On) was second with a score of 214.
The NRHA Derby Prime Time Non Pro Division win was earned by Bernie Paetzel, New Vienna, OH, aboard his Toriana Dun It (Mr Tori Kid) followed by Mike Garnett, Lincoln, NE, on his No Ordinary Kid (The Great Kid).
Ancillary Action
Brian Welman, Hastings, MN, won the $4,000 added NRHA Open class with a score of 223 earned on Brennas Golden Dunit owned by John Rivard. Bryant Pace, Smithfield, NC, was second with a 221.5 on Hes One Smart Chic owned by Susan Lomangino.
The day began with the 45-entry $200 added Limited Non Pro class. Darlene Turner, Aubrey, TX, earned the win on her Mif Dee Bay with a score of 216. Allison Serio, Kennett Square, PA, was second on Louise Serio’s Okie Dun Did It.
Saturday’s agenda includes the NRHA Derby Spotlight Sale featuring the top bloodlines in the performance horse industry as well as the NRHA Youth 13 & Under and 14-18 classes and the NRHA Collegiate Reining Championship billed as the “Ultimate Catch Ride” event.
The 2006 NRHA Derby Open Finals are scheduled to begin on Saturday at 2:00 pm with the $50,000 added Intermediate Open and $5,000 added Limited Open divisions followed by the evening session, featuring the $80,000 added Open Division at 6:00 pm. The field is strong and deep, promising an exciting finale to a week of typically tough NRHA competition and family fun.
