Press Release

July 20, 2001

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE8

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

Sooner Trailer Workoff Showcases Talented Non Pros

Top Money Earners Square Off in Finals

(Fort Worth, TX) ¾ For the "weekend warrior," or the non-professional cutting horse rider who frequents weekend competitions, the Sooner Trailer Weekend has turned out to be worth the battle. Introduced in 1989 to bolster weekend competitions, the competition came to a conclusion during the National Cutting Horse Association's Summer Spectacular July 28 during the Sooner Trailer NCHA Workoff.

Featuring the Sooner Trailer weekend high-money earners from each of NCHA's 25 areas, 17 riders competed for the opportunity to win a three-horse slant deluxe Sooner Trailer and the prestige of the title. It was no surprise the veteran non-pro Mary Jo Milner, who carries an astounding lifetime earnings record of more than $972,000, would be a favorite going into the competition. Riding Red White And Boon, a horse that has carried Milner to the winner's circle on numerous occasions, Milner scored a decisive 223 to capture the title. Red White And Boon, by Smart Little Lena and out of Royal Blue Boon, has earned more than $540,000 for Milner and her husband, Jim m of Southlake, Texas..

Coming in a close second was another veteran to the cutting arena, Amy Welch King of Baird, Texas, who is the niece of trainer Greg Welch and granddaughter of Hall of Fame rider Buster Welch. King rode CJ Sugar Lena to a score of 220. Third place was split between Neil Anderson of Moberly, Missouri, riding Gun Smokes Jim Bar and Ronnie Smith of Royse City, Texas, riding Kiss My Acre. Both riders scored 217.5.

Cutting action concludes July 29 with the finals of the Derby Non Pro and Open. Admission is $5 for the finals performance which begins 11 a.m.

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