When Tawny Lathrop, showed next-to-last in the open finals of the NCHA Derby, the trainer had already pocketed one championship from the Summer Cutting Spectacular. Riding Smart Peppy Oak owned by Jimmy W Guest of Strawn, Texas, Lathrop, won the Limited Championship competition, an event in which individuals who have won less than $50,000 in the open class can compete.
While the limited finals are a separate competition, it is held as a part of the open competition during the two go-rounds. When the limited open competition has 25 entries or more, the highest marking 10 competitors then compete in their own set of finals.
When less than 25 competitors are entered, however, the contestant who marks the highest score wins the championship.
21 competitors anted up for the Limited finals. With each go-round, one by one dropped out of the running. By the end of the semi-finals, Lathrop, who resides in Lipan, Texas, was the only entry who qualified for the open finals. It automatically put an extra $50,000 in her pocket. Smart Peppy Oak and Lathrop set in 9th place following the semi-finals having scored 218.5 to tie with Play for Chic owned by James Blumer and ridden by Kathy Daughn. The pair ended the Derby finals in 20th place.
Until winning the limited open competition, Lathrop had earnings of $1894.00, most of which was won in the 3,000 and 5,000-novice horse class.
The prestigious NCHA Futurity, the first show for 3-year-old horses will be the next major NCHA event in which a limited open class will be held. Tentative dates for the Futurity are November 24 thru December 10.
For more information on the NCHA and The Summer Spectacular, call (817) 244-6188 or visit the NCHA website at www.nchacutting.com.