News
European Non-Pro and Youth Qualifiers Set for 2025 The Run For A Million Competition in Las Vegas as Nico Sicuro and Colonels Dancing Gun Race Closer to Top 10 Open World Championship Finish Line
Lyon, November 3 – The 2024 NRHA European Derby concluded on Sunday at the Equita Lyon International show in Lyon, France. Alongside NRHA ancillary action, qualifiers were held for the 2025 The Run For A Million (TRFAM) $50,000-Added Non Pro Championship and Youth Reining Championship, featuring riders from five European countries. These events will take place in Las Vegas on August 11–16, 2025.
GL EVENTS NRHA Grand Prix Open
The renowned Italian duo, Nico Sicuro and Colonels Dancing Gun (NRHA Fifteen Million Dollar Sire Gunner x Dance Little Spook), a 10-year-old stallion owned and bred by Quarter Dream Srl, secured the $11,000-Added GL Events NRHA Grand Prix Open win with a score of 219. Sicuro expressed his pride, saying, “He’s always been an incredible athlete for everyone who has shown him, and I am so proud of what we achieved together. It’s been a long year as we’ve been hauling for the NRHA Open World Championship and currently lead the Top Ten rankings. This would be an amazing way to close out Colonels Dancing Gun’s career and is a well-deserved result for owner and breeder Pietro Marseglia of Quarter Dream. As our motto says, ‘If you can dream it, you can do it!’”
Nico Sicuro
GL EVENTS NRHA Grand Prix Intermediate Open
In the $5,500-Added GL Events NRHA Grand Prix Intermediate Open, two riders shared the top podium spot with a score of 216: Anders Josefsson of Sweden, aboard KR Ima Dream (NRHA Twelve Million Dollar Sire Magnum Chic Dream x KR Ima Tejon), owned by Annemanna AB, and Johannes Hasenauer of Austria, riding Daniela Fuith’s Psychokiller (Tinseltownsmokingun x Hot Ice Surprise).
Anders Josefsson
Johannes Hasenauer
APHA Chrome Cash Open
Hasenauer and Psychokiller also triumphed in the $1,250-Added APHA Chrome Cash Open. “My horse felt great in the warm up pen, so I went in confident,” Hasenauer said. “I was unsure about our right spins, but overall, I’m thrilled with how everything went. We entered today because we had a mishap in the Open Derby qualifier and I wanted to redeem myself since it was my only horse that didn’t make the finals. Winning the APHA Chrome Cash was a bonus. It’s wonderful to have opportunities that promote the breed and offer extra earnings for Paint Horses.”
Gunna Sparkle NRHA Grand Prix Non-Pro & Euro-Horse Limited Non-Pro
Casey Reynaud of France rode his homebred gelding, Sparkin Step (Horizons Big Step x Shining Sparktolena), to a score of 217, claiming the $7,700-Added Gunna Sparkle NRHA Grand Prix Non-Pro and the Euro-Horse $495-Added Limited Non-Pro. The duo also earned their spot for the 2025 TRFAM Non Pro Championship.
Casey Reynaud
“It’s an amazing feeling to win on a ‘home made’ horse,” Reynaud shared. “Clémence Neveux trained him, and I recall him being a late bloomer. Waiting for him to develop was the right choice, and her role in his success has been significant.” Reynaud, who initially wasn’t interested in reining despite his family’s involvement, said, “Watching my sister show sparked my own passion. Competing at The Run For A Million has been a dream, and it will be my first time showing in the U.S. I’m looking forward to the experience.”
2025 TRFAM $50,000-Added Non-Pro Championship Qualifiers:
Casey Reynaud (FRA)
Nikolai Stiller (GER)
Francesca Sternberg (GB)
Wolfgang Hammer (AUT)
Bo Brutsaert (BEL)
APHA Chrome Cash Non-Pro
Germany’s Nikolai Stiller and his mare, Hollywood Gunrunner (NRHA Fifteen Million Dollar Sire Gunner x Dun It For Missy), scored 216.5 to win the $1,250-Added APHA Chrome Cash Non-Pro. The two-time NRHA Non-Pro World Champion was delighted, saying, “My mare performed wonderfully. I was a bit slow, but she delivered on everything I asked.” Stiller added, “The Chrome Cash classes are great for promoting Paint Horses, and the earnings contribute to their lifetime earnings.”
Nikolai Stiller
NRHA Youth 14–18
Tobia Cesare Lonati of Italy and Sevenchextocash (NRHA Million Dollar Sire Big Chex To Cash x Lil Chic Peppy) scored 216 to win the NRHA Grand Prix Youth 14–18, presented by NRHA France, and placed second in the TRFAM 2025 Youth Championship Qualifier. “My horse was perfect today,” Lonati said. “Our run went smoothly, and I’m thrilled to compete in the U.S. for the first time.”
Tobia Cesare Lonati
NRHA Youth 13 & Under
Germany’s Emanuel Gebert delivered an impressive run with Wimpys Wanna Dance (NRHA Thirteen Million Dollar Sire Wimpys Little Step x Dance Little Spook), scoring 218 to win the NRHA Grand Prix Youth 13 & Under, presented by NRHA France, and secure a spot in the TRFAM 2025 Youth Championship. “My horse was amazing, and our performance came together perfectly,” Gebert said. Excited to return to Las Vegas, he added, “Competing at TRFAM in 2023 was incredible, and I’m excited to go back.”
Emanuel Gebert
2025 TRFAM Youth Reining Championship Qualifiers:
Emanuel Gebert (GER)
Tobia Cesare Lonati (ITA)
Federica Faccincani (ITA)
Sarah Koegler (GER)
Lavinia Padrini (ITA)
For full results and further information: NRHAEUROPEANDERBY.com.
Photos by Wanted Photo
NRHA European Derby Media Contact
Simona Diale / International Horse Press
Mail: internationalhorsepress@gmail.com
Girinon Triumphs at NRHA European Derby Open and Qualifies for The Run For A Million 2025 Million Dollar Competition
Lyon, November 2 – The sold-out Oklahoma Arena was electric on Saturday night as 62 Open Finalists competed in the $182,361-Added NRHA European Derby Open Finals. With just one horse-rider combination left in the second section, the pressure was on for French rider Arnaud Girinon and his striking 5-year-old palomino, Flexing Guns N Town. The score to beat was a 228 scored by Germany’s Nina Lil; without hesitation, Girinon delivered a breathtaking performance that earned him a score of 230 from the judges.
Arnaud Girinon
Flexing Guns N Town, a stallion by NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire Hollywoodstinseltown out of Shesa Fashion Gun, owned and nominated by Anna Maria Scheiflinger, arrived at the 30th edition of Equita Lyon with $74,758 LTE. The duo claimed the $82,612-Added Level (L)4 European Derby Open Championship and clinched the ticket for The Run For A Million (TRFAM) 2025 Million Dollar Championship. The $11,000-Added TRFAM Qualifier, featuring 13 entries, precedes the prestigious event set for August 11-16, 2025, in Las Vegas. Additionally, Girinon and Flexing Guns N Town took home the $1,250-added APHA Chrome Cash Incentive L4 Open Derby Championship.
Arnaud Girinon
“Today was just amazing. We have been working toward this success with this horse for so long. We were Reserve Champions three times in previous derbies, missing out by just half a point each time. Tonight, everything fell into place,” Girinon shared. Reflecting on the TRFAM qualification, he added: “This achievement is incredibly emotional for me. It’s the kind of success you dream of, and I knew my horse was capable of it—he truly deserved this. Qualifying in my home country, surrounded by family, made this victory even more special.”
Nina Lil showcased a stellar run aboard Jewel Dream, a 5-year-old mare by NRHA Twelve Million Dollar Sire Magnum Chic Dream out of GR Hug A Jewel. Owned by Martin Bachmann and nominated by Edoardo Bernardelli, the pair scored a 228 to claim the NRHA European Derby L4 Reserve Championship, the $47,222-Added L3 Championship, and the $34,565-Added L2 Championship.
Nina Lil
“She’s an incredible mare, capable of earning pluses on every maneuver. I didn’t expect such a standout run, but she was flawless today,” said Lil, who has trained the mare for a year. “Dominik Reminder initially started her, followed by Davide Brighenti and then the reins passed on to me last year. I also trained and showed her dam and they share similar qualities: an exceptional mind and great stops. I’m excited for her future offspring and she already has one foal on the ground. We look forward to many more.”
Anne Grether of the Netherlands claimed the L3 and L2 Reserve Championships aboard RS Reininghorses BV’s Tr Voodoo Doll (NRHA Four Million Dollar Sire Shiners Voodoo Dr x Wallawhizagun) with a score of 220.5. The 6-year-old mare was nominated by Tamarack Ranch LLC.
Anne Grether
Germany’s Jasmin Andersdotter rode Sparkling And Spooky, a 5-year-old gelding by NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire A Sparkling Vintage out of NRHA Million Dollar Dam Ebony Spook, to a 216 score to secure the $17,961-Added L1 Open Championship during the first section of the Finals. The horse was bred and nominated by NRHA Two Million Dollar Owner Rosanne Sternberg and is owned by Alina Sira Herzlinger.
Jasmin Andersdotter
“This was my last year competing in the Level 1 so winning a Level 1 Championship was my goal. Achieving this at the final show of the season makes it even more meaningful,” Andersdotter said. “I’ve shown him since last year’s futurities, and this year, we never missed a final. I’m proud of him—he’s amazing.”
Denmark’s Patrick Capobianco and Voodoo Majestic Gun (Shiners Voodoo Dr x Gunna Be Majestic), a 7-year-old gelding owned by Cecilie Lyndrup and nominated by Quarter Dream Srl, earned the L1 Reserve Championship with a score of 215.5.
Patrick Capobianco
Ancillary Action
Austrian rider Nadja Hammer, paired with Rafal Dolata’s 12-year-old stallion Mercedes Rooster (NRHA Million Dollar Sire Cromed Out Mercedes x Rooster Ata Party), continued her success by scoring 216 to win the $3,850-added NRHA Grand Prix Intermediate Non Pro.
Sunday’s Schedule
The 14th NRHA European Derby will conclude with the $7,700-Added Gunna Sparkle NRHA Grand Prix Non Pro, the Euro Horse $495-Added Limited Non Pro/TRFAM 2025 Non Pro Qualifier, the $1,250-Added APHA Chrome Cash Amateur, and the NRHA Grand Prix Youth presented by NRHA France/TRFAM 2025 Youth Championship Qualifier. The day will also feature the $11,000-Added NRHA Grand Prix Open, $5,500-Added Intermediate Open, and $1,250-Added APHA Chrome Cash Open.
Photos: Courtesy of Wanted Photos
Follow the Action Live: nrhaeuropeanderby.com/live
More Information: NRHAEUROPEANDERBY.com | EQUITALYON.com
NRHA European Derby Media Contact:
Simona Diale / International Horse Press
Email: internationalhorsepress@gmail.com
Giarratano and The Electric Bandit Claim the ELEMENTA NRHA European Derby Non Pro Level 4 Championship on Home Turf
Lyon, November 1 — First in the draw in the second section of the $99,869-Added ELEMENTA NRHA European Derby Non Pro held at Equita Lyon, France’s Alexandre Giarratano and his stallion The Electric Bandit (Dont Miss My Guns x Electra Stop Ruff), thrilled the crowd with a powerful performance in the NRHA European Derby Non Pro Level (L) 4 Finals, taking the $41,702-Added Championship with a score of 221. As they entered the arena, cheers erupted, spurring them on to deliver a precision-perfect run. Nominated by David Roux, the 6-year-old palomino stallion and Giarratano celebrated a memorable win on home ground.
Alexandre Giarratano
“This horse never ceases to amaze me and I am thrilled with this Championship that means a lot to me. In these past two years he has given me so much and the results just kept flooding in so I really cannot say more than ‘wow, he’s amazing!’ I owe a lot of his success to my trainer, Jeffrey Touroute-Thomas, who is moving to the U.S. next year…we both will miss him, even though I wish him all the best, and we will see how things will work out.”
Level 3
Italy’s Fabio De Iulio followed his qualifying round success by riding his 8-year-old stallion RS Cronos Jac (RS Great Jac Feona x RS Shadow Olena) nominated by Claudio Risso to victory in the $26,535-added L3 Non Pro Championship. The crowd-favorite scored a 218.5, capturing the title as well as the L4 Reserve-Championship adding yet another achievement to RS Cronos Jac’s record. “My horse [RS Cronos Jac] was a little tired tonight but, as always, he tried to perform to the best of his ability. He’s won a lot this year and I’m so proud of him even though of course I would have loved to win the Level 4 as well! I’m really happy with my second horse, Gunnaroostyah, who was super special too; in my mind our score was higher than a 216.5 when I was done with my last maneuver, but the judges were all on the same page so I guess that’s what my run was worth. We did however ride to the L3 Co-Reserve Championship and also tied for fourth place in the L4.”
Fabio De Iulio
Level 2
Belgium’s Bo Brutsaert achieved an unexpected win on her 6-year-old mare KB Cut The Cuteness (CJ Whiz x KB Jenny Whiz A Gun), owned and nominated by her father Koen Brutsaert. Their impressive run earned a 216.5 score, tying for the $20,025-Added L2 Non Pro Championship, the L3 Co-Reserve Championship, and tying for fourth place in the L4. Brutsaert expressed her surprise: “I didn’t expect our run to go this well tonight. My mare really pulled it together.” With a possible sale on the horizon, Brutsaert plans to show the talented mare in future derbies if she remains in her family-owned stable.
Bo Brutsaert
Level 1
Israeli rider Dean Raichel and his mare, Voodoo Flo Jo (NRHA Four Million Dollar Sire Shiners Voodoo Dr x Very Smart Flo Jo), who he nominated, made an impressive debut in France tying for the L2 Championship, clinching the $11,606-added L1 Championship, earning the L3 Co-Reserve Championship with a score of 216.5. “My mare was amazing today, giving her all,” Raichel shared proudly. He acquired the mare four years ago, competing successfully in Israel before bringing her to Europe for breeding. “She’s an incredible mare with a great mind and heart. Tonight, even though she was a bit nervous, she focused and delivered.” Raichel now considers the next step for Voodoo Flo Jo, who will be bred in Europe.
Dean Raichel
Verena Rigott of Italy rode her 6-year-old Great Gotta Whiz (NRHA Nine Million Dollar Sire Spooks Gotta Whiz x Shirleys Cashin In), nominated by Ambrosini Quarter Horses ASD, to the second highest score of 215, claiming the L1 Reserve Championship.
In the $2,200-Added Youth Non Pro Derby presented by NRHA France, Belgian Jody Fonck and her 5-year-old mare MT Okies Sweetnes (NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire SG Frozen Enterprize x Okies Eldorado), nominated by Imelda Maria Maertens, impressed with a 218 score, claiming the European Non Pro Youth Derby Championship. Praising her mare’s reliability, Fonck said, “She’s an incredible mare with huge stops, and tonight’s ride was so much fun.” With plans to move to the USA in January to join NRHA Four Million Dollar Rider Casey Deary’s team, Fonck is considering whether to bring her mare along or find her a new home. Martina Zeni and Luca Zeni’s owned and nominated 5-year-old stallion RZ SG (SG Frozen Enterprize x Rz Filina Whiz) scored a 211 for the Reserve Championship.
Jody Fonck
Chrome Cash
Representing Great Britain, Francesca Sternberg and her 8-year-old gelding, Red Dirt Paleface (NRHA Four Million Dollar Sire Pale Face Dunnit x Lost In Tinseltown), showcased American Paint Horse prowess in the $1,250-added APHA Chrome Cash Incentive L4 Non Pro Derby Championship with a score of 213.5. “This is his last year of derbies, and he gave his all today,” Sternberg shared, fondly recalling her gelding’s gentle, affectionate nature. She plans to continue competing with him in Ranch Riding classes and pursue a World title.
Francesca Sternberg
Ancillary Action
Earlier in the day, Austrian Nadja Hammer topped the $495-added LL Technologie NRHA Grand Prix Limited Open with a score of 216 aboard Mercedes Rooster (NRHA Million Dollar Sire Cromed Out Mercedes x Rooster Ata Party), owned by Rafal Dolata. The 12-year-old stallion, formerly owned by NRHA Professional Jonáš Bujnoch, returned to Lyon, marking a successful run since winning the NRHA European Derby L1 Open in 2018 with Bujnoch in the saddle.
Saturday’s Schedule
The $3,850-added NRHA Grand Prix Intermediate Non Pro will kick off Saturday’s events followed by the highly anticipated $182,360-Added NRHA European Derby Open Finals as well as the second European qualifier for The Run For A Million 2025 Million Dollar Championship, the richest event in the history of reining which will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada, on August 11-16 next year.
Photos by Wanted Photos
Follow the Action Live: nrhaeuropeanderby.com/live
More Information: NRHAEUROPEANDERBY.com | EQUITALYON.com
Media Contact
Simona Diale / International Horse Press
Email: internationalhorsepress@gmail.com
Girinon and Flexing Guns N Town Dominate NRHA European Derby Open Qualifier
Lyon, October 31 – The second day of competition at Equita Lyon, France, hosted the $182,361-Added NRHA European Derby Open Qualifier. A total of 124 horses entered across four levels competed for a place in the Finals set for Saturday, November 2.
French rider Arnaud Girinon, last to enter the Oklahoma Arena, topped the $82,612-Added Level (L) 4 Open Qualifier with a 222.5 score riding Anna Scheiflinger’s owned and nominated 5-year-old stallion, Flexing Guns N Town (NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire Hollywoodstinseltown x Shesa Fashion Gun). The duo also claimed the $1,250-Added American Paint Horse Association (APHA) Chrome Cash Incentive L4 Open Derby qualifier.
Arnaud Girinon
In the $47,222-Added L3 and $34,565-Added L2 divisions, Germany’s Nina Lill performed to a 222 on Jewel Dream (NRHA Twelve Million Dollar Sire Magnum Chic Dream x GR Hug A Jewel), a 5-year-old mare owned by Martin Bachmann and nominated by Edoardo Bernardelli.
Nina Lill
Denmark’s Patrick Capobianco scored a 215.5 on Voodoo Majestic Gun (NRHA Four Million Dollar Sire Shiners Voodoo Dr x Gunna Be Majestic), a 7-year-old gelding owned by Cecilie Lyndrup and nominated by Quarter Dream SRL, to lead the $17,961-Added L1.
Patrick Capobianco
Open Derby Finals Bubble Scores:
Level 4: 217
Level 3: 215.5
Level 2: 214
Level 1: 209.5
Friday’s Schedule
The $495-Added LL Technologie NRHA Grand Prix Limited Open — counting 35 entries — will kick off the day, followed by the ELEMENTA NRHA European Derby Finals. Here, 55 finalists will compete for the prestigious European titles across four levels and the Youth Non Pro division. Winners of the $1,250-Added APHA Chrome Cash Incentive L4 Non Pro Derby will also be determined.
Tickets are now available for the NRHA European Derby Open Finals and the highly anticipated The Run For A Million 2025 Million Dollar Championship Qualifier on Saturday, November 2.
Photos by Wanted Photos
Follow the Action Live: nrhaeuropeanderby.com/live
For more information, visit NRHAEUROPEANDERBY.com or EQUITALYON.com.
NRHA European Derby Media Contact
Simona Diale/International Horse Press
internationalhorsepress@gmail.com
The NRHA European Derby Kicks Off at Equita Lyon With De Iulilio Leading the Non Pro Qualifier
Lyon, October 30 — The 2024 NRHA European Derby launched with a thrilling start at the Longines Equita Lyon international show, where the ELEMENTA Non Pro Derby Qualifier took center stage in the Oklahoma Arena today. The event’s 14th edition opened with 122 competitive horse-and-rider duos, each vying for a coveted spot in the Non Pro finals on Friday, November 1.
Italian rider Fabio De Iulio delivered the day’s highest score, an impressive 218.5, on his stallion RS Cronos Jac (RS Great Jac Feona x RS Shadow Olena), securing the lead in both Level (L) 4 and L3 divisions. The 8-year-old stallion was nominated by Italian breeder and NRHA Hall of Famer Claudio Risso.
Fabio De Iulio
In the L2, Dutch rider Suzanne Scharroo and her Xtra Platinum Blonde (Platinum Vintage x Java Light), a 6-year-old mare nominated by Isabeau Rhode, tied with Germany’s Franziska Wegner and her ND A Dance Wiz Walla (NRHA Five Million Dollar Sire Walla Walla Whiz x Resolve To Dance), 7-year-old mare nominated by Nathalie Derua, with both pairs scoring a 216 and holding the lead for most of the day.
Suzanne Scharroo
Franziska Wegner
The L1 saw a three-way tie for the lead, with riders from Germany, Slovakia, and Italy each scoring a 213 to secure spots in Friday’s final: Germany’s Luisa Von Beverfoerde on her gelding nominated by Barbi Boyle Sunset On Ice (NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire SG Frozen Enterprize x Sunset Whiz), Slovakia’s Lydia Capkova aboard her mare Cash That Whiz (NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire Lil Joe Cash x Oh That Whiz) nominated by Lucia Orlova, and Italy’s Federica Faccincani with her CS Redhot N Nifty (Gotta Nifty Gun x Nicos Custom Gunner) nominated by XCS Ranch LLC.
Luisa Von Beverfoerde
Lydia Capkova
Federica Faccincani
Leading the Non Pro Youth division was Belgian rider Jody Fonck with the second-highest score of the day, a 217.5, riding MT Okies Sweetnes (SG Frozen Enterprize x Okies Eldorado), a 5-year-old mare nominated by Imelda Maria Maertens.
Jody Fonck
Great Britain’s Francesca Sternberg posted the highest score (215) in the APHA Chrome Cash Incentive L4 Non Pro Derby qualifier riding her dependable gelding Red Dirt Paleface (NRHA Four Million Dollar Sire Pale Face Dunnit x Lost In Tinseltown).
Francesca Sternberg
Thursday, October 31, will feature the NRHA European Derby Open Qualifier counting 127 combinations across the four levels. The day will conclude with the Non Pro Draw Party which will determine the starting order for Friday’s Non Pro Finals.
Tickets for the NRHA European Derby Open Finals and the highly anticipated The Run For A Million 2025 Million Dollar Championship on Saturday, November 2, are now available.
Photos by Wanted Photos
Follow the action live at nrhaeuropeanderby.com/live
For more information, visit NRHAEUROPEANDERBY.com or EQUITALYON.com.fr
NRHA European Derby Media Contact:
Simona Diale/International Horse Press
internationalhorsepress@gmail.com
NRHA European Derby: It’s Show Time at Equita Lyon
The 30th edition of the renowned Longines Equita Lyon international horse show officially welcomed NRHA European Derby horses and riders on Sunday, October 27. This year, the event counts a record number of entries with 122 horses in the Non Pro divisions and 114 in the Open. Notably, the Open Level (L)1, Non Pro L4, and NP L3 divisions have achieved the highest entry numbers since the Derby’s inception in Manerbio, Italy, in 2011.
Participants in the prestigious event will have the chance to qualify for The Run For A Million 2025 Million Dollar Championship, the $50K Non Pro Challenge, and the Youth Championship. For the second consecutive year, Equita Lyon Western Horseshow will serve as the exclusive European qualifier for one of reining’s top-paying competitions.
Another highlight is the NRHA European Derby Chrome Cash, sponsored by the American Paint Horse Association (APHA). Chrome Cash awards are available to Paint horse owners in the following categories:
- Open Level 4 Derby — $1,250 added
- Non-Pro Level 4 Derby Division — $1,250 added
- APHA Non-Pro Ancillary — $1,250 added
- APHA Open Ancillary — $1,250 added
The event provides Paint enthusiasts with a remarkable chance to showcase their talent on an international stage and win significant prizes. To participate, you need an APHA-registered horse and a current membership.
Today, the first riders and horses took to the Oklahoma Arena at Equita Lyon, competing for a spot in the ELEMENTA NRHA European Derby Non Pro and Youth Finals, scheduled for Friday, November 1. Tickets for the NRHA European Derby Open Finals and The Run For A Million 2025 Million Dollar Championship on Saturday, November 2, can be purchased here.
Follow the action live here.
For additional information: NRHAEUROPEANDERBY.com
Longines Equita Lyon: EQUITALYON.com
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NRHA European Derby Media Contact:
Simona Diale / International Horse Press
Email: internationalhorsepress@gmail.com