SMART STARBUCK LIVES UP TO HIS MILLION DOLLAR POTENTIAL

Oklahoma City, OK – October 2, 2009 – With the stars aligned in his favor, Smart Starbuck was destined to become an NRHA Million Dollar Sire. Paired with Million Dollar Rider Tom McCutcheon, he has over $60,000 garnered in the NRHA show pen. The 1995 sorrel stallion is owned by McCutcheon and his wife Mandy, NRHA’s only Non Pro Million Dollar Rider, as well as the only woman to achieve the distinction. Smart Starbuck is by Million Dollar Sire Grays Starlight and out of the Smart Little Lena daughter Smart Marlena.

In the show pen Smart Starbuck was a perennial finalist in all of the major events, including the NRHA Futurity, NRHA Derby, and the NRBC. He also earned his Register of Merit in the American Quarter Horse Association. But it’s his offspring’s earning power that made his Million Dollar Sire status possible; total $1,001,628.

Smart Starbuck has sired such stellar performers as Starbucks Sidekick (2003 Congress Reining Futurity Co-Champion, 2005 NRHA Derby open reserve champion, 2006 Team USA Reining Gold Medalist. Owner Adair Reiners LLC., $192,986 LTE); Starbucks Jazz (perennial major-event finalist. Owner Anne Peters, Ft. Myers, FL. $101,228 LTE); Gimme Major Bucks (2007 NRHA Derby Level 2 Limited Non Pro Reserve Champion; 2009 NRBC Level 1 Limited Non Pro Champion. Owner John McElreath, Prosper, TX. $62,255 LTE); and Smart Scat (2008 Cinch/NRHA Non Pro Category 4 Champion. Owner Sunrise Ranch, LLC., Fayetteville, AR. $54,041).

The NRHA is proud to congratulate Smart Starbuck, and owners Tom and Mandy McCutcheon, on this historic achievement as he joins 17 other Million Dollar Sires. He’s in good company.

Incorporated in 1966, the National Reining Horse Association is the governing body of the sport of reining. NRHA, with their International Headquarters in Oklahoma City, is responsible for promoting the sport and working to ensure the highest standards of competition. To learn more about NRHA, programs like Entry Level “Green, Ride and Slide” Reining, or its family of corporate partners, visit www.nrha.com.