Craig Schmersal scored a scorching 231 aboard Whizs Katrina to win the Seminole Hard Rock Reining Classic level 4 open derby, Saturday night in Tampa, Florida. The win (unofficially) pushed Schmersal’s lifetime NRHA earnings over two million dollars, making him only the third to accomplish Two Million Dollar Rider status.

The Seminole Hard Rock Reining Classic derby open finals were deep and impressive, featuring 51 riders. To be in the money and the top 15 of the level 4 open derby, riders had to score at least a 221. The top five scored 226.5 and up.

 “There were a lot of big scores tonight and it was a great run for us,� said Schmersal.  “I have a lot of confidence in Whizs Katrina. She’s a pleasure to show and doesn’t second guess anything. I think I held my breath through the whole pattern.�

The mare is owned by John and Brenda Stevensen of San Juan Ranch, Shandon, California. “She’s the very first horse I’ve gotten to show for them and I’m very excited to make the call with the good news.�

Schmersal also rode Peppy Superboom to a sixth place open derby finish with a score of 224.5.

NRHA Professional Gabe Hutchins had an impressive showing, as well. He earned second in the level 4 open derby aboard Suzy De Champlain’s Agaze Juice with a 228.5 and fourth riding Robert Webb’s Smart Documentary to a 226.5.

Young and upcoming trainer, Brandon Brant of Roseland Farms in Columbus, Ohio took home top honors aboard two different horses in three divisions – earning over $9600 (not to mention three HRRC guitars.) His top score of the night was on Dunnit With A Splash. The duo scored a 224 to win the level 2 limited and level 1 open championships. He also rode Peeko De Oro to a 223.5 – good enough to win the level 3 intermediate open division and earn second in level 2 limited and level 1 open divisions.

Jose Seutter was close behind riding two horses himself to third and fourth place finishes.  He scored a 223 aboard Haidas Shining Spark (2^nd in the level 3 intermediate open and 3^rd in levels 2 & 1) and a 222.5 aboard Frank Marley’s Appaloosa stallion Some Kinda Shine (3^rd in level 3 intermediate and 4^th in levels 1 & 2).  Seutter earned over $8300.

 

Open Derby Results*

 Level 4 Open

1. Whizs Katrina & Craig Schmersal, owned by San Juan Ranch of Shandon, CA

2. Agaze Juice & Gabe Hutchins, owned by Suzy De Champlain of Trenton, FL

3. Cee Pepto Wood & Brian Bell, owned by The Old Friends Syndicate of Marietta, OK

4.T. Smart Documentary & Gabe Hutchins, owned by Robert Webb

4.T. Wimps Chocolate Chip & Shawn Flarida

Level 3 Intermediate Open

1. Peeko De Oro & Brandon Brant

2. Haidas Shining Spark & Jose Seutter, owned by Julio Ardizon of Miami, Florida

3.T. Some Kinda Shine & Jose Seutter, owned by Frank Marley III

3.T. Just Like A Jerry & Eric LaPorte, owned by Dorminy Plantation of Fitzgerald, GA

5. West Coast Willie & Jamie Bissell, owned by John M Jackson of Fort Valley, GA

Level 2 Limited Open

1. Dunnit With A Splash & Brandon Brant

2. Peeko De Oro & Brandon Brant

3. Haidas Shining Spark & Jose Seutter, owned by Julio Ardizon of Miami, Florida

4. Some Kinda Shine & Jose Seutter, owned by Frank Marley III

5. Tejons Smart Doc & Heather Johnson, owned by Freddie Brasfield of Oak Ridge, TN

Level 1 Open

1. Dunnit With A Splash & Brandon Brant

2. Peeko De Oro & Brandon Brant

3. Haidas Shining Spark & Jose Seutter, owned by Julio Ardizon of Miami, Florida

4. Some Kinda Shine & Jose Seutter, owned by Frank Marley III

5. Whiz Bang Spark & Martina Morell, owned by Donald C Burgy of Clarksville, MD

 

*Two Million Dollar Rider status & results unofficial at time of posting.

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