Press Release

July 29, 2001

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Matt Gaines and Nu I Wood Take Derby Win

Early high score holds off 22- horse field

(Fort Worth, TX) — Matt Gaines served notice during the semi-finals of the National Cutting Horse Association's (NCHA) Open Derby when he rode Nu I Wood to a 222.5 to take the lead going into the finals. He delivered the final papers by upping his performance with a score of 225 during the final round of competition in the NCHA's Summer Spectacular series July 29 at Will Rogers Coliseum.

Nu I Wood, a four-year-old mare by Zack T Wood and out of Baby Nu Bar, had been solid throughout the seven days of Open Derby competition, scoring a 218.5 in the first go-round and raising the ante by scoring a 220 in the second go-round. But 2000 NCHA Futurity winner Royal Fletch, ridden by Kathy Daughn, was also in the hunt scoring consecutive 219s in both go-rounds and the semi-finals.

Gaines' early draw as the second to work in the first set of cattle is usually tough, but his 225 score proved to be unbeatable for the remaining riders. Already a winning rider of more than $1.4 million, Gaines of Weatherford, Texas, earned $40,247 for owner Crystal Creek Ranch of Aledo, Texas. Nu I Wood was the second-highest lifetime money earner in the competition, having earned more than $161,000 to the more than $200,000 earned by Royal Fletch. Unfortunately for Royal Fletch, owned by Royal Fletch Partners of Fort Worth, a lost cow proved a lost opportunity for the win.

The remaining top five finishers in the Derby were solid coming from the semi-finals, as well. However, Stylish Rosie, who tied for the number two spot under rider Eddie Flynn with a score of 220.5, was the only one in the group without a higher scoring semi-final. Owned by Walton's Rocking W Ranch Inc., of Aledo, Texas, the mare by Docs Stylish Oak brought scores of 217 in the first and second go, along with a 216 in the semi-finals to the Derby finals to add a check for $32,093 to lifetime earnings of $21,844.

Splitting second with Stylish Rose was Squeaky Clean, fourth out of the semi-finals with a 219 under rider Ronnie Rice. Owned by Eddie Godfrey of Arlington, Texas, the mare also received a check for $32,093. Lloyd Cox rode Stylish Play Lena to a fourth-place finish by repeating the mare's 220 score from the semi-final to earn a check for $23,939 for owner Linda Holmes of Longmont, Colorado. Wrapping up the top five was Playin N Fancy Peppy, owned by Glade M. Knight of Richmond, Virginia, who was just a half-point shy of her 220 semi-final score with a 219.5 in the finals. Ridden by John Mitchell, the mare, earned $18,503.

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