Gorrell Wins NRCHA Derby on Quick As Einstein

Jake Gorrell and Quick As Einstein won the National Reined Cow Horse Association Derby on June 26 with a 656 composite score.

June 30, 2005 — Jake Gorrell scored his first National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) major win on June 26 when he won the NRCHA Derby on Quick As Einstein, owned by Joe and Bobbie Stone. Gorrell’s 224 score in cow work gave him a 656 composite (217, 215, 224) and clinched the title for him. Quick As Einstein is by As Smart As The Fox and out of High Brow Jose.

For the win, Gorrell received $28,310, plus a Bob’s Custom Saddle sponsored by Platinum Performance. He also received a custom Tom Balding Silver Bit sponsored by Tom Balding Bits & Spurs, and like rest of the top five in each Derby division, a custom-embroidered NRCHA Derby jacket compliments of Nutrena.

Gorrell also won the Intermediate Open Division, good for another $6,800. He finished eighth in the open ($5,960) and third in the Intermediate Open ($4,250) on Paid By A Starlett (Paid By Chic X Starwards Ginger) owned by Dana Roulet. And on Roulet’s other horse, Shesa Little Pleaser (Chic Please X A Shining Starlet), he tied for 13th in the ppen ($2,890) and fifth in the intermediate ($2,550) for a weekend total of $50,760.

Gorrell and Quick As Einstein won the Fresno Futurity, showed in the finals at the Idaho Futurity and placed at the recent NRCHA Hackamore Classic.

“He’s the best in the cow work,” said Gorrell. “He could have been a cutter. He’s so gritty down the fence, and he runs hard and turns hard every time.”

The Reserve Championship in the open went to veteran champion John Ward, on Jennifer Gamel’s Mister Smoking, with a 655 composite (219, 217, 219). By Mister Dual Pep and out of Miss Smoking Leo, Mister Smoking added $20,860 to his lifetime earnings for the finish and a custom Tom Balding silver-accented snaffle bit sponsored by Tom Balding Bits & Spurs.

The Intermediate Open Reserve Champion was Shadd Parkinson on Spursuasion owned by Debra and Dorn Parkinson. Parkinson’s 649.5 (213, 220, 216.5) took the reserve title and $5440, and also finished him sixth in the open, good for another $8,940.

Jimmy Stickler claimed the Limited Open Championship on Shesa Taris Catalyst, owned by Mel Smith with a 647 composite (213, 216, 218). That win earned $5,400. Tucker Robinson piloted Gunna Be A Peppy, owned by Jack and Phoebe Cooke, to the Reserve title, good for $4,500.

Michelle Cowan rode Stylin Elan (Docs Stylish Oak X Playboys Classy Chic) to the Derby Non Pro Championship with a 649 composite (215, 220, 214) and earned $13,800. Michelle won her Intermediate division, good for another $5,880.

Anne Reynolds was second in the Non Pro, with 645.5 (214, 215, 216.5), to earn $10,800 on Shirley Shine (Shining Spark X Shirley McLain). Second in the Intermediate Open, after a dramatic comeback with a hot cow work, went to John Showalter on Im Real Classy (Tangys Classy Peppy X Dot Olena), with a 645.5 (209, 211, 224).

The NRCHA, the 56-year-old 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. For more information, visit the NRCHA official website.

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