The Prime Time Non Pro division of the National Reining Breeders Classic set for August 26-September 6 has always provided a lucrative playing field for Non Pros of a certain age. Now, thanks to Story Book Stables, it’s TWICE as good as before, with $20,000 added to the division at the 2020 NRBC!
Story Book Stables co-owner Brenda Joyce is extremely passionate in her support of people of all economic levels who create the backbone of the reining industry and especially Prime Time riders. In her words, “There is a huge group of very competitive Non Pros today who are over the age of 50 that deserve to run for a respectable amount of added money. It is a division that continues to grow and deserves a little bit more attention. This group of competitors has typically been involved for many, many years and continues to invest, compete and they are excellent horse people. Beefing up the Prime Time just makes sense.”
NRBC President Tom McCutcheon agrees, “Thanks to Story Book Stables, the added money in the Non Pro Prime Time just doubled and we are, for the first time, able to offer $20,000 in that division at the 2020 NRBC. As a group, Prime Time Non Pro riders are the ones who are totally devoted to reining. They support it with their time, their money and participation across the board, from buying horses for open riders to showing themselves and serving as volunteers. It’s great to have an opportunity to reward them.”
Story Book Stables is the culmination of a lifetime passion for owners Brenda Joyce and Rick Christen. When the pair met at the High Roller Reining Classic in 2013, both were avid Non Pros who were breeding show horses for themselves and competing on them. After they married, they shared horses, swapped embryos, and then built Five Bells Ranch in Scottsdale, Arizona. Their ranch encompasses 22 acres in the heart of Rio Verde, Arizona. It includes a 41-stall show barn, a 280 x 150 covered arena and state-of-the-art amenities for mares, foals, yearlings and show horses.
“We realized what we had as a combined force – how many horses we had in training, how many babies on the ground, how many yearlings. Between the two of us, we had a dozen really great mares. It was time to take SBS to the next level and go big time. We have Arno Honstetter training out of our facility and he is doing a great job for us as well as his own clients. We also keep a few horses with other trainers which keeps it exciting.” Story Book Stables is committed to a small but elite breeding program with their two stallions, Star Spangled Whiz and Wimpys High Bid, and an exceptional band of broodmares. “We are focused on our mares. People think we only breed to our own stallions, but we breed to outside stallions like Gunnatrashya, Voodoo and a few more. We have a great crop of twos and yearlings this year.”
In 2019, Brenda realized it was time to seriously begin developing an Open program. “I’m not sure when we were bitten by the Open bug, but for sure, in 2019, I wanted trainers on Open horses, especially at the Futurity, not trying to make the Open Finals on my Non Pro horses.” In the fall of 2019, Story Book Stables purchased the 3-year-old Super Marioo. The rest is history with Cade McCutcheon’s historic win on Super Marioo at the Futurity in not just the L4 Open, but in Level 2 and 3 as well. “What a way to end the first year of our Open Program!”
For information on Story Book Stables, visit the website at storybookstables.com. To enter the NRBC Prime Time Non Pro, visit nrbc.com.
There’s no way around it, showing horses can cost major bucks. For parents, hauling their children to events can cost hundreds, even thousands, of dollars. That’s why Brad and Amanda Kelly’s sponsorship, “Crushing the Fees,” under the name of their stallion PS Mega Shine Chic, affectionately known as Crush, is so special. The Kelly’s are known for their support of youth riders and have committed to continuing that special sponsorship at the 2020 National Reining Breeders Classic in Tulsa August 26 – Sept. 6.
This year the Kelly’s, new parents themselves since their son, Carson, was born last December, continue their focus on youth by “Crushing the Fees” for youth entries. At the 2020 NRBC, youth entry costs are paid, including entry, video, drug and judges’ fees, for all ancillary and ARC classes!
NRBC President Tom McCutcheon noted, “With all the expense of showing these days, it’s great that Brad and Amanda are committed to helping our youth. Their commitment helps ensure that the reiners of tomorrow are able to go show, even in these uncertain times.”
PS Mega Shine Chic is a 7-year-old AQHA stallion by Shine Chic Shine out of Megas Sugar Baby. With Dany Tremblay at the reins, he was a 2016 NRHA Futurity Level 4 Open Finalist and 2017 NRBC Level 4 Open Reserve Champion, a two-time NRBC Open Level 3 Champion, and in 2019, won the $100,000 Shootout at the Run for a Million. His first foals will come of age next year. For more information visit the website at crushpsmegashinechic.com.
The Adh Mor Big Luck Ranch in central Alberta is not only the home some of great reining horses, it is also known for exceptional bucking bull bloodlines. Youth riders can enter the 2020 NRBC by visiting www.NRBC.com.
Following a board meeting on May 7, the National Reining Breeders Classic Board and Management has announced that this year’s show will be held in Tulsa, Oklahoma August 26 – September 6.
In an unparalleled show of generosity, the Global Reining Sport Group, which annually produces the Tulsa Reining Classic, made the decision to offer its dates to the NRBC. It was a landmark move in an unprecedented era.
Anne-Marie Burns, a partner for GRSG, said, “These are extremely difficult times for the reining world and we believe that we had to put the good of the industry ahead of the plans for our show. The NRBC, with its massive payout, is more important at this time.”
The offer was key in being able to hold the 2020 NRBC. NRBC President Tom McCutcheon noted, “We appreciate this important gesture from GRSG and thank them for their willingness to do what is best for the industry. We had been analyzing options since it became apparent that we would not be able to hold the show in Katy this year. Not every facility can host an event this large and frankly, there were not many dates that would work with the fall schedule already in place in our industry. Thanks to the Global Reining Sport Group’s willingness to work together, we can go forward and hold the NRBC.”
NRBC Secretary-Treasurer Cheryl Cody said, “In the next week, we will be revamping the schedule, show terms and deadlines to be able to give options to our exhibitors and owners as far as entries for these new dates. We will also work with our loyal sponsors and vendors to make this date and location work for everyone.” McCutcheon added, “This year’s NRBC will have a different look and feel, based on the new health restrictions, and we will be working through those in the coming weeks. We are confident that our participants will bear with us and continue to support us until we can get back to a more normal show for 2021 in Katy.”
Colleen McQuay, Vice President of the NRBC and a partner in Global Reining Sport Group said, “Both groups are tuned in to the fact that this will be futurity time and we want to offer opportunities for futurity horses. So, in addition to the NRBC’s normal set of classes, futurities have been added which will take place at the beginning of the show. There will be an Emerging Horse Futurity, a Developing Horse Futurity, an Open Futurity and a Non Pro Futurity. The NRBC will also host the South Central Affiliate Region Championships.”
Cody noted, “We value the contribution of officials and staff as they are such an important part of the team producing both events. We are contacting judges and event staff to work out the best scenario for a blended staff.”
The Board Members, Officers and Management of NRBC were quick to thank all the exhibitors, owners, vendors and sponsors who are so important to this event. For updates on the show, the schedule and conditions please check the website at nrbc.com.
On March 13, it was announced that the Run For A Million qualifier originally slated to take place at the Cactus Classic has been rescheduled to take place at the NRBC. This step was taken because of travel limitations for the Paramount Network film crews traveling from New York and Los Angeles.
At this time the NRBC is slated to begin in 29 days on April 12. The Board and Management of the NRBC hold the health and welfare of our exhibitors, owners and sponsors as the highest priority. We will continue to monitor the factors impacting the event and will update as any plans change in the case of postponement or rescheduling. In the case of cancellation, the NRBC will refund entry fees already paid.
The NRBC board and management team recognize the severity of the COVID-19 situation worldwide. Currently, the plan is to hold the NRBC April 12-19 as planned with safety measures in place and to create a series of precautions to protect all participants’ health and well-being.
NRBC President Tom McCutcheon noted, “The entire team agrees, at this point, that the show will move forward, but with an abundance of caution. Luckily, reports seem to indicate that open-air events are at a lower risk of spreading the virus than those held completely indoors, but we still plan to take all measures possible to ensure our exhibitors, owners and sponsors can have peace of mind while at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center.” He continued, “We do recognize that this is a very important issue and that the status of the spread of the disease can change daily and we will continue to update our exhibitors and participants as we get closer to the show.”
The Great Southwest Equestrian Center will be hosting the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show, a hunter and jumper event, beginning next week and is already working on implementing good practices for horse show participants and attendees. To help keep everyone healthy, attendees will be asked to help do their part to limit the transmission of the virus. National, state and local officials have outlined the best prevention protocols against COVID-19 as:
• Frequently wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
• Avoid close contact with those who are sick
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Stay home if you are sick
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and dispose of it properly
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipes
For further information, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov) provides the most up-to-date information regarding the virus and the precautions to take. The NRBC team will continue to be transparent with our exhibitors and provide updates as necessary should changes occur.
The 23rd Annual National Reining Breeders Classic, set for April 12-19 at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy, Texas is known for its exceptional awards and prizes. Nowhere is that more evident than with the buckles which are given at the prestigious event. Skyline Silversmiths of Marysville, California, creates them each year for the NRBC.
NRBC President Tom McCutcheon noted, “It’s always been part of the NRBC culture to have great awards and these buckles represent the NRBC well. People are always proud to wear them as a symbol of their accomplishments. We are glad to have Skyline on our sponsorship team and appreciate their support of the NRBC.”
Dave Hammond of Skyline Silversmiths and Vaquero Trophy & Tack said, “It is a real honor to be the official buckle maker for the million-dollar NRBC. The NRBC is one of the crown jewels of the Reining Horse industry and we are proud to be a part of it.”
NRBC Secretary-Treasurer Cheryl Cody noted, “Besides the Custom engraved buckles with the signature tooling that are given to Champions and Reserves in the NRBC Classic and Classic Challenge, there is another set of buckles that are extremely popular. The high point winners of the double slate of NRHA Classes also receive unique custom Skyline Silversmith buckles. This year those high point categories are Open, Intermediate Open, Limited Open, Rookie Professional, Novice Horse Open L1, Novice Horse Open L2, Novice Horse Open L3, Non Pro, Intermediate Non Pro, Limited Non Pro, Novice Horse Non Pro L1, Novice Horse Non Pro L2, Novice Horse Non Pro L3, Rookie Level 1, Rookie Level 2, Rookie Prime Time, Green Reiner Level 1, Green Reiner Level 2, Unrestricted Youth, Youth 14-18, Youth 13 & Under, Short Stirrup, and Youth Walk Trot.”
Skyline Silversmiths and Vaquero Trophy & Tack have been designing and making custom hand-crafted buckles, jewelry, and silver items for over 40 years. Hammond noted, “Our silversmiths come to work every day to our shop in Marysville, California, and create buckles that will represent lifetime accomplishments.”
Co-owners Ryan Fowler and Dave Hammond have competed in the rodeo and horse show world and know what winning a trophy buckle means. Hammond said, “We are proud that our buckles will represent the hard work, skill and competitive spirit that it takes for you and your horse to be a winner.”
For information on Skyline Silversmiths, visit the website at skylinevaquero.com or call Dave at 916 801 9465.
For the third consecutive year, the National Reining Breeders Classic Board and Management team are excited to present the Yellowstone Rookie Shootout, sponsored by Paramount Network’s hit series Yellowstone. The 2020 Yellowstone Rookie Shootout will continue a tradition of honoring Rookie Reiners with special time in the spotlight and a very special prize!
In order to be eligible for the Shootout, exhibitors must enter both slates of Rookie classes. The Top 5 composite scores (plus ties) from Wednesday and Thursday Rookie classes will advance to the Shootout with no additional entry fees. The Yellowstone Shootout round will be held in the Great Southwest Equestrian Center Coliseum Friday night prior to the start of the NRBC Open Classic Challenge. Shootout round qualifiers who have entered to qualify for the Rookie Competition at the Run For a MIllion will be qualified.
At NRBC, everyone gets a chance to win, and many get more than one chance. On Sunday, everyone who competed in both preliminary rounds of the Shootout except for Friday night’s champion may enter the Rookie Shootout Consolation round. In the Shootout Consolation, any Rookie who finishes in the top five who has entered to qualify for the Run For A Million will be qualified.
Yellowstone and Paramount Network came on board as sponsors in 2018, and after two successful seasons of incredible popularity, the show is now headed for season three and another Yellowstone Rookie Shootout. Avid reiner Taylor Sheridan is screenwriter, producer, and director of the hit series that stars Kevin Costner on the Paramount Network.
Yellowstone finished its record-breaking second season with a number of #1 ranks: the top summer series across all of cable TV among total viewers (5.1 million average); as well as the #1 scripted series in the key P18-49 (1.93 rating) and P25-54 (2.71 rating) demos among cable and broadcast; and cable’s #1 summer series among total viewers. Yellowstone chronicles the Dutton family, led by John Dutton, who controls the largest contiguous cattle ranch in the United States. Amid shifting alliances, unsolved murders, open wounds, and hard-earned respect – the ranch is in constant conflict with those it borders – an expanding town, an Indian reservation, and America’s first national park.
In 2020, the NRBC welcomes Glycoguard back for the second consecutive year. “We are glad to have the support of this progressive company,” noted Cheryl Cody, NRBC Secretary-Treasurer. “Glycoguard representative Caitlyn Caldwell is a proponent of healthy horses – and of reining, so in just a short year she has become a familiar face to many of our exhibitors.”
Originally marketed for foals, the usage propriety has been expanded and now when Glycoguard is given to adult horses, clients and vets are seeing dramatically improved digestion and nutrition absorption of feed. Many top reiners are using this product so it’s not surprising that Caldwell would choose to be a part of the NRBC. She noted, “Glycoguard Gel is a proud supporter of the 2020 NRBC, and we want only the best for all the equine athletes. If you don’t have your Glycoguard yet please contact me or find me at the show.”
Glycoguard is an oral activated microbial gel, containing the only direct-fed microbials: B. Infantis and L. Plantarum. Glycoguard is the only product on the market with this strain of bacteria, which unlocks key nutrients and short-chain fatty acids.
Caldwell said, “Glycoguard is safe and fast-acting for horses of all ages. Competition horses undergo lots of stress whether it be travel, training or competing so make glycoguard the first thing you reach for and remember a healthy gut is a happy horse/foal. It’s never too late to start Glycoguard.”
For information and to learn more about Glycoguard, visit the website at glycoguard.com or contact Caitlyn via call or text at 610-246-2073.
2020 will mark the ninth consecutive year that Markel Insurance has sponsored the National Reining Breeder’s Classic Markel Non Pro Draw Party. This popular party is set for Wednesday, April 15 at 7 p.m., upstairs in the Texas Children’s Hospital Arena Club at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy, Texas. The party has become an annual highlight for the National Reining Horse Association’s second-largest reining.
The Markel Insurance Non Pro Draw Party puts non pros on center stage at an event with special touches and special fun! The wine glasses lined up with numbers on the bottoms make for some fun times while each finalist draws a glass one-by-one to determine their running order. Who will get the first run of the finals? Come to the party to find out! Everyone is invited to attend. And thanks to the creative enthusiasm of Makel, there is always something special to remember from the event. From a beautiful dessert display, one year to amazing door prizes the next, the fun factor is definitely a key part of the event.
Markel Director of Western Disciplines and National Reining Horse Association Hall of Fame member, Frank Costantini has been a true NRBC fan and supporter for years and an integral part of the reining industry.
NRBC Secretary-Treasurer Cheryl Magoteaux Cody noted, “Frank’s onsite Markel team includes Non Pro reiners Chloe Lawrence and Karen Schedlauskas, and the combined years of experience as reiners and business people has resulted in a remarkable pool of reining knowledge.” Costantini, with his years of experience a Non Pro, an owner, an NRHA Board member, Committee Member and Chair, donor, President, visionary – has made him a part of NRHA history and culture and has propelled Markel to an unmatched relationship. Cody continued, “We are thrilled that he chooses to support the NRBC, personally and as the leader of the Markel sponsorship team.”
Frank added, “Markel is very fortunate to once again host the Non Pro Draw Party. We have been there for a number of years and we always try to come up with new and innovative ideas – come to the draw party this year to see what we can do to benefit reiners – everyone is invited to enjoy the festivities. Markel and the remarkable board and staff of the NRBC will always put our heads together to create something fun.”
Not only does Markel sponsor the Non Pro Draw Party, but it also awards the Markel Non Pro Commitment Award annually during the festivities. The announcement is always a surprise with only select NRBC staff and the Markel team knowing the new recipient for 2020.
With a long history of supporting the horse world in general and the reining industry in particular, Markel has insurance to fill all of your needs. For information on Markel Insurance, visit the booth at the NRBC and the website at http://www.horseinsurance.com.
When the curtain fell on the National Reining Breeders Classic Open Finals Saturday night, two outstanding horse and rider teams stood as Co-Champions. It started with draw 25 – Jason Vanlandingham and the 4-year-old reigning National Reining Horse Association Futurity Champion A Vintage Smoke. The talented duo marked a 227.5, which spectators knew would be tough to beat as only 11 horses were left to compete.
Then Nathan Piper and Patriot, another 4-year-old, rode into the Coliseum Arena. As the run progressed, it was clear the score would be a big one, and when another 227.5 was announced, the chatter started. What would they do? When the final horse had left the arena, the announcer broke the news that, for the first time in the NRBC’s history, there would be Open Level 4 Co-Champions, with each taking home $63,000.
Prizes include a year’s use of a custom 3-horse Sundowner trailer from Twin Cities Trailer Sales/Twin Cities South and Gary Raak, a saddle sponsored by Kyle Tack, an SPH saddle pad, boots from Anderson Bean, a custom vest from Palmer Performance Horses and Glycoguard Paste, product from Santa Cruz Biotechnology and Back On Track, and numerous prizes from NRBC.
Nathan Piper
Nathan Piper & Patriot
Nathan Piper is an NRBC veteran, but the Open Championship has proved elusive. Patriot proved to be a game changer. “I think I’m still in shock. Before I ran in, I felt pretty good about it. This horse is such a saint and is so good. He comes out every day and does his job,” he said. “He gives me a lot of confidence because he’s pretty predictable and he was getting better with every ride.”
Pattern 10 provides a great opportunity to make a good first impression with the run-in to a sliding stop. “When I ran in, I felt him drop his neck, and I knew he was in a good spot mentally. He gave me it all,” Piper said.
Piper trains out of Toyon Ranch, who bred and raised the young stallion by Smart Spook out of Dunit Lil Ruf. “They bought an embryo from Ann Salmon, and decided to sell him before the futurity. I didn’t want to lose him so I called Shannon and Hershel Reid and they agreed to buy him. It was a blessing; a gift from God, because I knew he would go quick,” Piper said.
The young age of Patriot and A Vintage Smoke made the decision to stay Co-Champions an easy one. “They have had such a hard two weeks that I think it’s good just to count your blessings,” Piper said.
Jason Vanlandingham & A Vintage Smoke
Jason Vanlandingham
When Jason Vanlandingham and A Vintage Smoke won the NRHA Futurity Championship, owner Diane Mesmer was already eyeing a Triple Crown win. “The NRBC was the one that kind of eluded me on Not Ruf At All until his very last year of eligibility. With the group of horses we have, against the group of trainers we have, it’s still not going to be easy to get that done, but I’m glad to have this one out of the way,” Vanlandingham said.
He added, “This is probably the toughest horse show we go to all year, and for us to come in with a 4-year-old – and Nathan’s horse is 4-years-old as well – and come out on top is a pretty big deal. I’m pretty fired up about how good our horses worked,” Vanlandingham said.
A Vintage Smoke is by A Sparkling Vintage out of Lady Smoke Peppy, and Vanlandingham said he’s a natural show horse. “He’s a very strong stopper. He came through the gate pretty hard and he swallowed the ground up on that first stop. He turned as good as he can for me tonight. He did the same at the Futurity. The best he turned around all week was on Finals night like here,” he said.
Vanlandingham was standing by and watched Piper’s run. “As soon as Nathan walked out, I said, ‘We have something to talk about.’ He said, ‘You’re two thirds of the way to the Triple Crown, and I’d like to leave it and save my horse,’” Vanlandingham recalled.
After a quick visit with Mesmer, the decision was made. “Diane said if we could save the horses, we would, and we would both leave as champions,” he explained.
Dany Tremblay
Dany Tremblay and PS Mega Shine Chic Win Second Open Level 3 Championship
Two years ago, Dany Tremblay and PS Mega Shine Chic won the Open Level 3 and tied for the Open Level 4 Reserve Championship. For Tremblay, this year’s win is just as exciting. “It’s awesome. To do it again with the same horse is awesome. I’m so happy. Last time he was a 4-year-old. I remember it like it was yesterday. He had a great run then, and today he was so honest,” Tremblay recalled. The pair also tied for seventh in the Level 4, bringing total earnings to $36,870.
The win also came with a custom saddle from Superior Saddlery LLC, an SPH saddle pad, a custom vest from Palmer Performance Horses, and product from M3 Products and Back On Track. Competing as draw three, Tremblay knew he’d have to go for it. “I tried to do everything I could, and he was so good. He’s a great show horse. He wants to be a Champion – he likes pictures,” he said with a laugh.
PS Mega Shine Chic, a 6-year-old stallion by Shine Chic Shine out of Marthas Sugar Baby, is owned by Adh Mor Ranch. “He’s owned by Brad and Amanda Kelly. This is another great moment for them, for me, and for this horse,” he said. “This horse has a great future ahead of him. He has beautiful babies on the ground now. They’re gorgeous. We can’t wait.”
Cade McCutcheon
Cade McCutcheon Wins First NRBC Open Title on Shes Got Good Guns
It was Cade McCutcheon’s first time to compete in the NRBC as an Open rider, but he proved he was ready, qualifying two horses to the Level 4 finals and winning the Level 2 on Shes Got Good Guns with a score of 221. The pair also finished second in the Level 3 finals and tied for ninth in the Level 4. “It went as good as I could have imagined,” McCutcheon said following the awards ceremony. Altogether, McCutcheon’s earnings on Shes Got Good Guns for the Open Levels 2 – 4 totaled $35,198.
Cade also won a custom saddle from Bob’s Custom Saddles, an SPH saddle pad, a custom vest from Palmer Performance Horses, and product from M3 Products, Nutrena, and Back On Track. The NRBC was only the second show for McCutcheon and Shes Got Good Guns, a 6-year-old mare by Colonels Smoking Gun out of A Bueno Poco Dunit.
She was trained by Duane Latimer, who made the Futurity finals with her, then shown by Todd Bergen at the NRBC, where she also made the finals. “She’s been a good mare for everyone, and she just keeps getting better. Tonight, I knew she wouldn’t do anything wrong, so I let her stay a little more fresh and it worked,” McCutcheon said.
It’s early in McCutcheon’s open career, which makes the opportunity to show Shes Got Good Guns even more special. “Roxanne Koepsell has been a client of ours for as long as I can remember. She’s been awesome. I’m really happy she trusted me with this horse. Not a lot of people would have trusted me with a horse as good as she is this early in my career, but she did, and I’m grateful,” McCutcheon said.
McCutcheon also noted that Shes Got Good Guns would get some much-needed rest before the NRHA Derby.
Josh Tishman
Josh Tishman and Magnum Style Claim Level 1 Championship
With a score of 217.5, Josh Tishman and Magnum Style claimed the Level 1 Championship, earning $2,968. It was the first time for Tishman to make the finals at the NRBC. “It’s pretty special to win today. This horse was actually my second of the day to show, and I just wanted to go in and be clean,” he explained. “He has tons of talent, so I knew if I was clean he would be good.”
The Level 1 title also came with prizes including a custom saddle from Continental Saddlery, an SPH saddle pad, a custom vest from Palmer Performance Horses, and product from M3 Products and Back On Track.
The 6-year-old gelding, owned by Mark Hurd, is by Magnum Chic Dream out of Easy Whiz My Money. “Mark’s daughter Elena rides this horse. They’re from the east coast, but she goes to TCU, so we have him at Casey Deary’s place so she could show him. She was actually at the college finals in Waco, so she asked me to show him,” Tishman explained.
While the pair were successful, Elena will likely take the reins back over for the NRHA Derby. “I thank Mark, Elena, Casey and Nicole and the whole Deary crew,” Tishman said.
Marie Kleiner riding Xtra Needs A Drink and Billy Williamson Gunners High Roller tied for Reserve honors with scores of 216.5. Each collected $1,581. Gunners High Roller, owned by Eitan Abu, is a 6-year-old stallion by Colonels Smoking Gun out of Yoplait Light. Xtra Needs A Drink, owned by Thiago Boechat, is a 4-year-old stallion by Wimpyneedsacocktail out of Ruby Chic Olena.
Dean Brown
Dean Brown Wins Prime Time and Development Division
Dean Brown qualified three horses to the finals and won the Prime Time division on Gunnatrashtheplace with a score of 219. He also won the Development Division on Einsteins Lil Prize during the preliminary round. Gunnatrashtheplace is a 6-year-old stallion owned by Jeff Levine of Levine Equine Enterprises. “He’s been a very good horse for me. I’ve made the finals at all the major events with him. I’ve had him since he was a 2-year-old. H’e just a very nice horse,” Brown said.
Gunnatrashtheplace is by Gunnatrashya out of All Chic N Shiny. “He did really good tonight. He showed really well,” Brown allowed.
There is no other entry fee to enter the Development Division, but to be eligible, a horse must not have won more than $2,000 prior to March 15. The purse is paid out to the highest advancing horses in the Open preliminaries. Dean Brown and Einsteins Lil Prize marked a 220 in the preliminary round to win the division, collecting $6,000. “He’s a newer horse for me. He got a little stargazed by the crowd tonight, but in the prelims he was focused and easy to show and did everything I wanted him to do,” he said.
Einsteins Lil Prize, a 4-year-old stallion by Einsteins Revolution out of the good producing mare Smart Lil Prize, is owned by Robert Santagata. “I thank both Robert and Jeff for the opportunity,” Brown said.
Fernando Salgado and RSC Ramiro finished second in the Development Division, worth $4,764. RSC Ramiro, by Gunner and out of Shesa Wimpy Lilqueen, is owned by Miguel Cavazos Guerrero.
