Press Releases

For Immediate Release
May 16, 2006
National Reining Horse Association

The 2006 NRHA Derby

NRHA Non Pro Derby Jump Starts the Show
Mandy McCutcheon leads the way

Fresh off her Co-Championship at the National Reining Breeders Classic (NRBC) Mandy McCutcheon scored a 219 on Rawhides Banjo (Dunit Rawhide) to lead the way in the first go round, first section of the NRHA Non Pro Derby. There was a five-way tie for second between Matt Armenta on Sweet Magnum Dream (Magnum Chic Dream), McCutcheon on Dun It Found A Star (Hollywood Dun It), Ginger Schmersal on Dun It Reining (Hollywood Dun It), Lisa Cover aboard Mr Chocoholic (Chocolate Chic Olena) and Kim Dooley riding Smokin Dually (Gunner). Each rider scored a 217.5, which also gave Dooley the lead in the Intermediate Non Pro Division.

Tricia Hamilton, riding Whizout A Doubt (Topsail Whiz) for Bob Hamilton, scored a 216.5 to place second in the Intermediate Non Pro Division behind Kim Dooley riding Smokin Dually who was Co-Champion with McCutcheon of the NRBC Non Pro Derby.

Tyler Baumgardt scored a 215.5 to lead the Limited Non Pro Division on Lil Jewel (Lil Ruf Peppy). No stranger to the winner’s circle, Baumgardt and Lil Jewel won the 2006 Gordyville Breeders Cup Limited Non Pro and the Open to The World Derby Intermediate and Limited Non Pro divisions. Kathleen Armenta placed second on her Custom Twister (Custom Crome). Armenta recently won the Limited Non Pro Division of the NRBC Derby and just happens to be the mother of Matt Armenta who is sitting tied for second in the Non Pro Division of the NRHA Derby!

With an aggressive, yet precise performance, Brian Bell won the NRHA Novice Horse Open class and $1,188.73 on Boom Bay 2001 (Boomernic), owned by Ann Zambarano. Chip Stewart was second on Chics Voodoo (Smart Chic Olena) owned by Betsy Charmaine and Glenn Gagne. Stewart earned $943.99 for his ride.

The NRHA Derby Show continues today with the 1st go, 2nd section of the Non Pro Derby. Every contestant will have their eyes on the prize, be determined to best the leaders and move on to the clean slate finals, which will take place on Friday, May 19. The $2,000 added Intermediate Open class, run concurrently with the $500 added Limited Open and $500 added Rookie Professional class, is also on Tuesday’s program and promises to be very competitive.

The NRHA $80,000 added Open Derby begins on Wednesday morning at 8:00 am and includes a $50,000 added Intermediate Open, $5,000 added Limited Open and $5,000 added Prime Time Non Pro Division. All the action is taking place at the Oklahoma State Fair Park in Oklahoma City.