Oklahoma City, OK; June 28, 2008 – At the NRHA Derby, State Fair Park, Friday, June 27, Million Dollar Rider Mandy McCutcheon, Aubrey, TX, rode her father’s (Tim McQuay) I Spin For Chics (Tangys Classy Peppy x Chics Koko Angel) to the Non Pro Derby championship earning a paycheck of $16,056.37 a Cimarron horse trailer, Pard’s saddle, and a multitude of other awards.
Tied for reserve champion was Jessicah Keller riding Hilldale Farm’s Helluva Chex (Nu Chex To Cash x Full Sis) and Sandra Bentien, Auburn, CA, who also earned the Intermediate Non Pro title. Riding her Make It With A Twist (Dun It With A Twist x SR Mischief Maker), Bentien’s final’s paycheck was more than $18,989 for the two divisions.
Linda Longfellow rode her SLJ Sweet N Juicy (Smart Like Juice x Jacks My Sugar Daddy) to top the field of 89 for the win in the Limited Non Pro division. Longfellow also rode to first place in the Prime Time Non Pro division.
There were 15 riders who competed in the Derby’s newest division – the Youth Non Pro - Carlie McKinzie East Wenatchee, WA, rode Mr Moth Money (Jerry Lees Surprise x Miss Moth Money) to the inaugural win. The gelding is owned by McKinzie’s parents, George and Cindy McKinzie.
The Adequan® USEF Reining Championship (FEI CRI 4 Star) presented by Equine Coach determined Team USA for the 2008 FEI Reining World Championship in Manerbio, Italy, September 11-14. Craig Schmersal guided Mr Dual Rey (Mister Dual Pep x Robin Red Rae) owned by Holly Casey, Mansfield, GA, to win the class and earn a $7,000 paycheck. Placing second was Jordan Larson riding Lena Gallo (Gallo Del Cielo x Heavenly Doc) owned by Lapke Quarter Horses, Logan, IA. Rounding out the team of four were Tom McCutcheon (Sarah Willeman’s Ruf Hearted Jac [Lil Ruf Peppy x Miss Jac Of Hearts]) and Pete Kyle (Sandi Holt’s A Bueno Poco Dunit [Hollywood Dun It x Champs Poco Girl]) who tied for third place.
Early in the day, the Limited Non Pro class of 89 entries was held in Barn 6. When all was said and done, Ashton MicKunas, Fort Worth, TX, had the highest score aboard Cadillac Whiz (Topsail Whiz x Farrah Command).
Tonight the $80,000 added Open, along with the Intermediate and Limited Open divisions, will be held and a new Derby Champion will be crowned!
With nearly one-half million dollars to be awarded, the 2008 NRHA Derby runs June 23-28 in Oklahoma City. 20 corporate partners and derby sponsors make this major international reining event possible. Those sponsors include: Adequan®, Century Investment Group, Rocky Mountain Clothing Company, Cimarron Trailers, Classic Equine, C.R. Morrison, Kiser Arena Specialists, Jerry Kimmel, Land O’ Lakes/Purina Mills LLC, La Quinta Inn & Suites, Markel Insurance Company, MD Barns, Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau, Pard’s, Performance Horse, Platinum Performance, Quarter Horse News, Rios of Mercedes/Anderson Bean Boot Company and SmartPak.
