Brant and Electric Wind top the second section of the Open Futurity go-round – Paige Barton and Diamond Oak are NAAC Limited Non Pro Champions

Press Release | Reining –The second day of competition at the 2016 NRHA Futurity & Adequan North American Affiliate Championship Show (NAAC) offered excitement as the second section of the Open Futurity first go-round took place in the Jim Norick Arena in Oklahoma City.

With only two riders left to go, Brandon Brant riding Electric Wind (Jacs Electric Spark x Wind Her Up Chic), owned by CCOW Partnership and nominated by Cardinal Hill Training Center LLC, lit up the stage with his performance. The duo closed their run with a 222 topping the $255,000*-added Level (L)4 Open division after three riders tied for ûlead in the first section with a 221.5 yesterday: Shawn Flarida riding Whiz Gata Prize (Topsail Whiz x Smart Little Prize), a stallion owned by E. Alberto Casasco and nominated by Robert Santagata, Robin Schoeller riding Spitfire Spook (Smart Spook X Miss Satin Whiz), a stallion nominated, bred, and owned by Polly Hilliard and Craig Schmersal aboard Pale Black Gun (Pale Face Dunnit x Blazing In Black) a stallion owned, bred and nominated by Hickory Creek Ranch LLC.

In the first section of the $125,000*-added L3 Open division, Nathan Piper had taken the lead after posting a 219 aboard High Rolling Spook (Smart Spook x Shining High Roller) for owner Toyon Ranch LLC. Today, Piper rode another Toyon Ranch LLC owned horse to the top score in the second section, Smart Ebony Spook. Aboard the palomino mare by Smart Spook and out of Ebony Shines, nominated by John and Nancy Tague, the young NRHA Professional posted a 220.5.

Fernando Salgado and Loveya (Gunnatrashya x Love Em N Lena), owned and nominated by Camela Essick, bested Aboomen Revolution (Boomernic x Urika) and Ruben Vandorp’s 218.5 by half a point in the $62,500* -added L2 division.

Holding on to the top score in the $30,000*-added L1 division after yesterday’s performance are Arnaud Ferret and Spooks Gotta Cowboy (Spooks Gotta Whiz x Marq Of Cita), owned and nominated by Bernandino Cervantes.

(*subject to change based on nominations)

NAAC Limited Non Pro Champions are Paige Barton and Diamond Oak

In a field of 103 qualified horses and riders, Paige Barton and her Diamond Oak were draw 102 with a 216.5 to best the other entries. In 2015, the duo had taken reserve honors and this year they were
determined to take home the championship and the trophy, and they did! The young rider and her 7-year-old gelding by Like A Diamond and out of Jr Colored Oak closed their performance with a 217. “My horse was a really good boy today! In the warm-up pen he was really hooked on and was with me all the way in the show arena too!” said Paige following the awards presentation. “I got him close to two years ago from Arno Honstetter, who did an awesome job with him, and now I train with Martin Padilla who is perfect! I’ve a great horse…he’s special.”

Michelle Miola and Bella Juice, a 7-year-old mare by Smart Like Juice and out of Bella Conquistador, owned by Silver Spurs Equine, settled for reserve honors.

On Saturday, riders will be vying for the NAAC Limited Open and Rookie Professional titles.

A special thank you to the NRHA Partners:

Adequan, Anderson Bean Boot Company, Bluebonnet Feeds, Cardinal Reining Horses, Cinch, Classic Equine, Downunder Horsemanship, John Deere, Kiser Arena Specialists, Lucas Oil, Protect the Harvest, Markel Insurance Company, Merial, Montana Silversmiths, OKC Convention & Vistors Bureau, Platinum Performance, Quarter Horse News, Rios of Mercedes, Santa Hill Ranch, Silver Spurs Equine, Silver Spurs Saddles, SmartPak, Trailguard, Xtra Quarter Horses and MS Diamonds, Texas.

NRHA Event Sponsors: RAM, Sandbur, Not Ruf At All, Twin Cities South Trailers, Twin Cities South Sundowner Trailers, Story Book Stables, Star Spangled Whiz, Shorty’s, Continental Saddlery, Equine Oasis, Bob’s Custom Saddles, KO Trading, Elite Stallmat Rentals, Scott Cleaners, Avila’s Proshop, Brandt Blankets, Mr Electric Spark, Old Sorrel Western Sports Apparel, John Vance Autogroup, Boot Barn

For more information and to keep up with all the class results, special events and happenings throughout the week, visit nrhafuturity.com. For more live instant updates, follow the show on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Live Score & Webcast: http://nrhafuturity.com/live

Founded in 1966, the National Reining Horse Association is a nonprofit association dedicated to promoting and encouraging the development of and public interest in the sport of reining. The focus is on developing and maintaining suitable standards of performance and judging and in providing a fun filled, family-oriented atmosphere. The NRHA would like to continue the celebration of our 50th anniversary with our corporate partners, members and supporters for making this association a true success.

Source: Press Release