Oklahoma City, OK – November 27, 2007 – A 230 remains the high score to beat in the second go-round of the NRHA Open Futurity. The competition is shifting into high gear now at the 2007 NRHA Futurity & Adequan® North American Affiliate Championship (NAAC) Show at the Oklahoma State Fair Park in Oklahoma City, OK. The final section of the go-round in the Cinch NRHA Non Pro Futurity ended on Tuesday with the final section of the second go in the Open Futurity happening on Wednesday.
Shawn Flarida, of Springfield, OH, held on to the top spot in the Open Futurity division following the second section of the second go-round. He scored a 230 on RC Fancy Step in the first section of the go that was held on Monday. RC Fancy Step is owned by Mark Schols & Jimmy Pierce.
There’s a new leader in the Intermediate Open division following Tuesday’s competition, Matt Flarida of Midway, KY. The 2006 Intermediate Open Futurity Reserve Champion scored a 224 on Style In Storm owned by Dave and Barbara Wilkins, of
Shelbyville, KY.
Robin Schoeller’s score of 219.5 remains the high score of the second go in the Limited Open Division. Schoeller, of Springfield, OH, rode Wimpys Pinesail owned by Charles Vaughan, of Lafayette, IN.
The third section of the go-round in the Cinch NRHA Non Pro Futurity came to an end on Tuesday with no change in the standings.
Multiple Cinch NRHA Non Pro Futurity Champion Kelle Smith ended with the high score. Smith, of Belle Center, OH, scored a 221 on her Taka Ticket.
Josh Hattig, a multiple Non Pro Derby and Cinch Non Pro Futurity Champion, finished the leader in the Intermediate Non Pro division. Hattig, of Frederick, CO, scored a 219 on Dudes Whippersnapper owned by Brad Hattig, of Berthoud, CO.
The highest score in the Limited Non Pro go-round was Lindsey McCutcheon, of Whitesboro, TX. She scored a 215 on Sweet Mega Brown, owned by Scott and Kathy McCutcheon, also of Whitesboro, TX.
The highest scoring Prime Time Non Pro rider to advance to the Non Pro Futurity Finals is Nancy Flathers, of Orange, CA. Flathers scored a 218.5 on her Smart Coco Chic.
The Youth Non Pro Futurity Champion was Carlie McKinzie, of East Wenatchee, WA. McKinzie scored a 215.5 on Almond Bark Chic, owned by George and Cindy McKinzie also of East Wenatchee, WA. McKinzie was the 2006 Intermediate Non Pro Derby Co-Reserve Champion. Jordan Donnelly, of Aubrey, TX, won Reserve in the Youth Non Pro Futurity. Donnelly scored a 214.5 on her Ikes Top Sail.
Competition in the Adequan North American Affiliate Championship and Ancillary classes resumes Wednesday following the Open Futurity Second Go-Round. Wednesday is also “Think to Wear Pink” day at the NRHA Futurity in recognition of the “Rein In Cancer” campaign. Each time an exhibitor competes in a pink shirt on Wednesday, he or she will receive a special pink “Rein In Cancer” wristband compliments of Pro Management of Byars, OK. The wristbands can also be purchased. All proceeds will benefit the OU Cancer Center.
Highlights coming in the next few days at the NRHA Futurity include spectacular international reining in the FEI World Reining Masters 2007 on Thursday evening, November 29. Don’t miss the Cinch NRHA Non Pro Futurity Finals beginning Friday at 11:00 am, November 30. Later Friday evening will be a special Invitational Freestyle event featuring many past freestyle reining champions, followed by the $10,000 added Open presented by Rhodes River Ranch and the $2,000 added NAAC Open presented by Bar Double C Ranch.
Saturday, December 1, will be filled with many exciting events including the Performance Horse Rookie of the Year, a special clinic with Stacy Westfall presented by Horse & Rider magazine, the Champagne Brunch with Legends, the NRHA/Markel Insurance Futurity Prospect sale, and the Elite Trailer Sweepstakes. All leading up to the main event! The Open Futurity Finals where one rider will be awarded a check for $125,000 at the end of the night. There are plenty of events to see at the 2007 NRHA Futurity & Adequan® North American Affiliate Championship (NAAC) Show now through December 1 at the Oklahoma State Fair Park in Oklahoma City, OK.
