November 23, 2018 – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – The competition stayed fierce as another 113 horse and rider pairs entered the Jim Norick Coliseum hoping to qualify for the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Open Futurity Finals to be held Saturday, December 1 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. After the dust settled and the last maneuver had been marked, Nathan Piper, riding Patriot for owners Shannon & Hershel Reid, had the highest score of the first go, second section with a 222 ½ [video]. Patriot is by NRHA Five Million Dollar Sire Smart Spook and out of Dunnit A Lil Ruf.
Marking the second-highest score of the day was Vintage Galaxy (by NRHA Million Dollar Sire A Sparkling Vintage and out of Smart Lil Whiz) ridden by Martin Muehlsaetter. The pair slid their way to a 222 amongst some tough competition [video]. Vintage Galaxy is owned by Martin & Kim Muehlstaetter.
Two riders tied for the third-highest score of the day. Casey Deary piloted Americas Supermodel (by NRHA Million Dollar Sire Walla Walla Whiz and out of Americasnextgunmodel) for owners Whitmarsh Arcese Partnership. Together they marked a 221 ½ [video]. Gunna Stop and Austin Lee Roush, who drew as the first draw today, made it count for owner Alexandria Gokey by also marking a 221 ½ [video]. Gunna Stop is by NRHA Million Dollar Sire Gunnatrashya and out of Stop Little Sister.
Despite the best of efforts, no horse and rider combination could beat the 224 marked yesterday by NRHA Million Dollar Rider Casey Deary and Gunnarickashay.
Starting at 8 a.m. tomorrow, another 117 pairs will run through the gates of the coliseum in hopes of jumping to the top of the leaderboard, advancing to the semifinals, and earning a position in Saturday’s finals. For further information, results, live stream, and live score, visit nrhafuturity.com
Nrha press release