The National Reining Breeders Classic, since its inception, has been the largest added-money reining in the world. And while the elite aged event draws the nation’s top 4-, 5-, and 6-year-old reining horses to the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy, Texas, the show also offers a full-slate of National Reining Horse Association ancillary classes.

On Thursday, April 15, Jared LeClair won two of them – the Novice Horse Open Level 2 on She Supreme Chic, and the Novice Horse Open Level 1 on Whiz N Guns, owned by Darlyne Woodward of Carbondale, Colorado.

LeClair and the 5-year-old gelding, by Topsail Whiz out of Maude Frizon, marked a 149.5 to take home $656.

While he was conducting a clinic at Woodward’s place in Colorado a couple months earlier, Darlyne asked the Texas trainer to take Whiz N Guns home and evaluate him. “I didn’t think he was quite ready for the Classic. I figured I’d bring him here and show him in the ancillary and see what kind of horse he was.” He laughed, adding, “I guess I probably should have entered him!”

LeClair noted that he might take Whiz N Guns to the NRHA Derby if he doesn’t get sold before-hand. “He’s a little horse, but he does stuff really big – that’s what I like about him most.”

Steve Archer took the Reserve title on Rowdy Felix with a 145. The second place finish earned owner David Ritchey, of Robstown, Texas, a check for $480.

The National Reining Breeders Classic, celebrating its tenth anniversary at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy, Texas, is the most successful stallion incentive program in reining history. In just thirteen years, the NRBC has grown to include upwards of 230 subscribed stallions and in 2009, there were over 2,800 enrolled foals. Annually, the payout at the National Reining Breeders Classic exceeds $1.3 million. For information on the NRBC, visit the web site at www.nrbc.com or call 580-759-3939.