Competition at the 2006 National Reined Cow Horse Association Derby continued June 21 at the Paso Robles Event Center in Paso Robles, California, with the Non Pro divisions competing in rein work preliminaries. From Ardmore, Oklahoma, William Cowan marked a 220.5 to take over the lead in both the Non Pro and Intermediate Non Pro divisions.

William Cowan and his mare Chicy Long Legs, by Smart Chic Olena and out of Boomerita, earned a 215 in Tuesday’s herd work preliminaries before adding the 220.5 in the rein work. William’s 435.5 composite leads the Non Pro by one point and the Intermediate by 10 points.

The 2005 NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Non Pro Champions Anne Reynolds, of King Hill, Idaho, and More Magic Please, by Chic Please and out of Magical Lena, made a tremendous comeback with the high rein work score – a 222. More Magic Please marked a 197 in the herd and moved into seventh after his rein score. Atascadero, California, Non Pro Jo Anne Carollo also marked a 222 in the rein work prelims to move up to ninth. Jo Anne and ARC Hollys Chicadee, by Chic Please and out of Hickorys Holly Cee, received a 194 in the herd work preliminaries and have a 416 composite going into the final phase of preliminary competition – the cow work.

In the Amateur division, Laurel Morais of Pleasanton, California, maintained her lead with a 210 in the rein work. Laurel leads her division by 6.5 points riding Brooksinics Sis, by Brooksinics Badger and out of Chantillys Sis, with a 420 composite.

Open Derby entries will return to the arena June 22 to compete in the rein work and the preliminaries will conclude Friday morning, June 23, with all divisions competing in cow work. The top horses and riders in each of six divisions will advance to the Derby Finals, which take place Sunday, June 25.

The action began Wednesday morning with the Open and Non Pro Bridle Spectacular herd work. The Bridle Spectaculars are added-money classes that showcase some of the most talented finished cow horses in the country. In the Open, John Ward leads the 18-entry field with Smart Little Pepinic, by Smart Little Uno and out of Pepinic. John and the stallion, owned by the Ward Ranch of Kingsburg, California, marked a 223 to lead the class.

From Gainesville, Texas, Patty Ralls leads the 22-entry Non Pro with her talented gelding Chromium Cowboy, by A Chic In Time and out of Marvelous Miss. Patty and Chromium Cowboy earned a 217 in the herd. The Non Pro Bridle Spectacular will wrap up Thursday with the rein and cow work while the Open Champion won’t be determined until Saturday afternoon.

For more information on the NRCHA Derby, including results and a complete schedule of events, please visit the Association’s official website at www.nrcha.com

The National Reined Cow Horse Association, the governing body of cow horse competition, is responsible for promoting the sport, insuring high standards of competition and educating members and the public about the history and tradition of the cow horse. Through the support of a Corporate Partner family that includes Bailey Hats, Bayer Corporation, Bob's Custom Saddles, Cinch, Inc., Classic Equine, MD Barns, Platinum Performance, Inc., Nutrena, Skyline Gold and Silversmiths, Bloomer Trailer Mfg., National Ropers Supply, Quarter Horse News & Performance Horse magazine, the Reno Hilton, Farnam products Vetrolin Liniment and Farnam dewormers IverCare, ComboCare, LiquiCare P and Continuex, Fort Dodge West Nile Innovator, Rios of Mercedes, Merial products ULCERGARD and GASTROGARD, Great American Insurance Company and the Silver Legacy Hotel, the association works to keep the vaquero tradition alive in today’s equine industry. For information on the National Reined Cow Horse Association, call 580-759-4949 or visit www.nrcha.com