Jake Gorrell and Smooth N Cash Top NRCHA Stakes Open Bridle Spectacular Herd Work/Freitas and Taylor Mark Non-Pro Herd Work High Scores

The National Reined Cow Horse Association created the Bridle Spectacular classes to showcase the top bridle horses. Bridle classes, where the finished horses compete after years of showing in the snaffle, hackamore and two-rein classes, present the top horses trained in traditional vaquero style. The Bridle Spectacular events differ from regular Bridle classes in that they also include herd work.

On Thursday, March 22, the veteran cow horses began competition for the NRCHA Stakes Open Bridle Spectacular. Fifteen entries competed in the herd work, and in the end, Jake Gorrell and Smooth N Cash marked the high score of 218.5.

Owned by Roloff Ranch, the 7-year-old stallion, by Smooth As A Cat out of Dox Gavacash, has over $120,000 in lifetime earnings. Last year, Smooth N Cash won the NRCHA Hackamore Classic Open Bridle Spectacular, and has been a finalist at the NRCHA Stakes, Derby, NRHCA Snaffle Bit Futurity and World's Greatest Horseman.

Gorrell and Smooth N Cash will continue the quest for the Open Bridle Spectacular Championship on Saturday, March 24, with the rein and cow work.

In the Non-Pro division, held immediately following the Open, Eric Freitas and Steve Taylor are tied for the lead with identical scores of 217. Taylor, of Marana, Arizona, is riding Mr Bobs Remedy, the earner of nearly $12,000. Mr Bobs Remedy is a 12-year-old gelding by Colonel Taffinic out of Miss Spinderella.

Freitas, Santa Maria, California, is showing Travelin Cielo, who has won over $46,000. Travelin Cielo, by Travalena out of Peppys Powderedsugar, is an 8-year-old stallion.