Press Release

July 20, 2001

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Clay Murray - 817-244-6188 (817-781-0883 cell)

Youth Captures Derby Amateur Win

Mica Motes takes on adult veterans for $63,065 purse

(Fort Worth, TX) ¾ Mica Motes will be shedding her rookie status soon if she continues her winning pace. The 15-year-old high school student proved she was the real thing during the National Cutting Horse Association's Summer Spectacular Amateur Derby Finals held July 20 at Will Rogers Coliseum in Fort Worth.

Currently ranked as the number one NCHA/Professional's Choice Rookie of the Year, Motes, who hails from Weatherford, Texas, was one of two youngsters to compete in the finals. Cole Rothwell, 12, of Abilene, Texas, took the youngest rider honors in the competition that featured 28 finalists.

Motes made her intentions known early in the competition as the second rider to work in the first group of cattle. Scoring a pace-setting 218, Mica rode Starring CD, owned by her non-pro rider mom, Danny Motes. By CD Olena and out of the mare Docs Prime Time, Starring CD has already earned more than $39,000 and took home a check for $4,544 for this win. The four-year-old gelding has posted an impressive record, winning the 2001 NCHA Gelding Stakes and placing eighth in this year's NCHA Super Stakes, as well.

Mica is a tough competitor in her own right having earned more than $7,000 in NCHA competition.

"I love cutting," said Mica. "I can't imagine not doing it. We foal mares and it has taught me a lot about horsemanship and how to deal with people, too."

Mica's mother, Danny, owns and operates a prominent full-care broodmare facility in Weatherford.

Starring CD's only challenger came late in the game when TR Majorette, ridden by Stacie Kopp, scored 217 to take second and earnings of $4,362.

Taking the third spot and earnings of $4,180 was Andy Michael of Channing, Texas, riding GL Cindy Ann Quixote to 216.5. Fourth place went to Tiny Telesis scoring a 216 with Steve Anderson of Tynan, Texas, in the stirrups, while Peps Southern Lena and Kate Gaughan of Las Vegas, Nevada captured fifth place with a score of 215.

Cutting action continues through July 29 with the finals of the Derby Non Pro and Open to be held Sunday, July 29. Admission is free during all go-round competition that begins each day at 8 a.m. at Will Rogers Memorial Coliseum in Fort Worth.

For up-to-date scores, information and streaming competition video, go to www.nchacutting.com.