During Tuesday night’s SmartPak Texas Hold ‘em Tournament at the National Reining Breeders Classic, John McIlravey won the pot and took home top honors when he became the poker champion. Although the tournament is a fun pastime event for the reiners, it also offers a charitable aspect. Part of the proceeds from the poker tournament went to Rein In Cancer, a charitable organization which, to date, has raised over a million dollars for cancer patients in the reining industry.

McIlravey, not being much of a poker player said his strategy was more of beginner’s luck than a well-versed poker player’s would have been. His main goal was to outlast his trainers and coaches Dany and Fred Tremblay. “My strategy was to stay away from Dany and Fred Tremblay because they are such good players,” McIlravey said. “I’m the only one really around the Tremblay’s team that doesn’t ride, so I don’t get to win, everybody else gets to.”

SmartPak has sponsored the Texas Hold ‘em Tournament at NRBC for several years and it has grown to be a favorite event at NRBC. SmartPak is the largest equestrian retailer in the US, and they have a mission to make the world a better place for both horses and riders. From creating innovative solutions like SmartPaks to offering expert advice and information educating riders the company is dedicated to enhancing the equine industry. To learn more about SmartPak visit its website at SmartPakEquine.com.