A Composite Score Of 437.5 Makes The Open Division Finals

Riders competing in the NRHA Futurity Open Division Finals slated for Saturday night needed a 437.5 to earn a shot at the $175,000 guaranteed first place prize. Duane Latimer, riding Lance Griffin's The Great Whiz (Topsail Whiz x Pines BH), scored a 227.5, which gave him the highest composite of 452.5. Scott McCutcheon, riding MC Mega (Marthas Mega Jac x BH Song And Dance) owned by Scott and his wife Kathy, is sitting second with a composite 445. Tim McQuay, riding Silk N Hollywood (Hollywood Dun It x Silk N Sable Pine), purchased by McQuay at the 2002 NRHA Futurity Prospect Sale, is sitting tied for third with Craig Schmersal riding Timorie Budge's Tazmanian Sailor (Cee Blair Sailor x Senoritas Sue).

The Intermediate Open Futurity standings have Dean Brown, riding Hickory Smoked Chex leading the way. Hickory Smoked Chex (Chex In My Pocket x Nino Hickory Lady) is owned by Angela Bartel and Rod Needham. Van Luse is second in the standings on Dunnies Prescription. Steve Archer, riding Dave Archer' s Holymasterwhiz (Topsail Whiz x Holly O Jay) earned a 221 with his second ride, earning a third place composite of 440.

Qualifiers for the Cinch NRHA Non Pro Futurity Finals had their draw party on Wednesday afternoon in conjunction with a wine tasting. Peachy Canyon Winery provided the wonderful wine. The Non Pro Futurity clean slate Finals will take place on Friday.

NRHA Ancillary Classes Get Under Way Jose Vazquez Wins The NRHA Saddlesmith Non Pro Class Jose Vazquez, riding smart Like Juice, scored a 217 to win the $5,000 added NRHA Saddlesmith Non Pro class and went home with $2,513.39 and a truckload of goodies supplied by NRHA and a host of generous NRHA Futurity award sponsors. Christina Knox, riding her Commandalena, was the Non Pro Reserve Champion and earned $2,126.71. Lisa Cover, riding Just Gotta Shine, earned third place and a paycheck of $1,353.36.

Intermediate Non Pro

Sandy Kaplan, riding Chiqua Little Lena earned the Intermediate Non Pro championship and a paycheck of $1,274.88. There was a tie for second place between Leslie Weibel riding Roger Weibel's Shine A Whey and Jill Walton riding Smart Sexy And Chic. Both riders earned $887.86

Novice Horse Open

Clint Haverty, riding Susan Ray's Hot Little Pistol earned a 220 for the win in the 48-horse Novice Horse Open class, earning $793.28 for his efforts. Mae Bee N Okie, ridden by Tanya Jenkins for Lu Ann Ward, was the Reserve Champion and earned $507.70. Troy Heikes guided Peter Phinny's Northern Enterprise to third place earning $349.04.

Extra - Extra - Extra

Tonight's the night and everybody's excited! Casino Night which will take place in the Made In Oklahoma Building at the OKC State Fair Park starting at 9:00 pm. Sponsored by BiTerra Quarter Horses and benefiting the Reining Horse Sports Foundation (RHSF), the evening promises to be tons of fun! The tables close at 11:30 and the Auction begins. We're betting the bidding will be fast and furious. Thanks to BiTerra's Terry Owens, there are some amazing items being offered - everything from George Strait concert tickets - to an NRHA Las Vegas Convention Package - to an 18-karat diamond bracelet. Tickets are on sale at the RHSF Booth on the west side of the State Fair Arena

The Score. a daily publication produced by NRHA offers up to the minute news on what's happening at the NRHA Futurity & Championship Show. Classic S Ranch, Germany, is presenting its own, hilarious "History of Reining." Each morning, reiners can't wait to see what's next.