Platinum Vintage, Todd Bergen, Harper & Petra Conner • Photo by Brandyl BrooksThe 2015 National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Derby completed today with the Open finals, including live commentary for the audience at home of the $395,000 estimated added Open (added money is subject to change based on nominations).
There were 202 horses entered in the Open, all vying for top honors in the Jim Norick Coliseum. The winning horse of the NRHA Derby in each level will receive:
- Custom Montana Silversmiths Trophy Buckle
- A Bob’s Custom Saddle
- Rios of Mercedes boots
- Classic Equine Product
- Platinum Performance CJ
- SmartPak Gift card
Level 2 & 1 Champions will receive a Shorty’s Caboy Hattery certificate. The Level 4 Open Champion will also receive the use of a Sundowner trailer for one year courteous of Twin Cities South Trailers, the official trailer of the NRHA Derby.
All Open Reserve through fifth in each level received Classic Equine Product and special awards for the Prime Time Open Champion included:
- Custom Montana Silversmiths Trophy Buckle
- Anderson Bean Boots
- Classic Equine Product
- Platinum Performance CJ
- SmartPak Gift card
In addition, all Prime Time Open Reserve through fifth award winners receive Classic Equine product.
Level 4 Open
The Level 4 Open Champion was Todd Bergen, of Eagle Point, Oregon, aboard Platinum Vintage (A Sparkling Vintage x Starjac Miss) with a staggering score of 225.5. Bergen is taking home a check for $57,000 with $3,000 going to the nominator. In addition to Bergen’s top placing finish, he also unofficially became NRHA’s newest $2 Million Rider. Platinum Vintage, a 2010 stallion with $85,177 NRHA lifetime earnings, is owned by Harper Conner and was nominated by Petra Conner.
