Twenty-five riders vied for a chance to qualify for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games on Friday, April 16, at the CRI-2*/U.S. Equestrian Federation Reining Event at the 2010 National Reining Breeders Classic in Katy, Texas.

It was the last CRI event for American riders to qualify to travel to Oklahoma City in July for the USEF Reining Championship, which will determine which four reiners and horses will represent the United States at the World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Kentucky, in September.

Riding his parents’ 7-year-old gelding, A Whale Of A Whiz, Matthew Palmer marked a 224 to win the CRI-2*/USEF gold and earn $2,725. By Topsail Whiz and out of Pappita Sunrise, A Whale Of A Whiz has almost $72,000 in NRHA lifetime earnings. He was purchased at the 2008 NRHA Futurity Sale.

“We bought this horse specially to try for the WEG,” the Elverson, Pennsylvania, trainer said. “I was really pleased with how he performed tonight. We have a few things to work on before Oklahoma City but I’m hopeful.”

Jordan Larson rode Sandra Bentien’s Make It With A Twist for the first time on Friday night and ended up marking a 223.5 to take the silver and a check for $1,873. By Dun It With A Twist and out of SR Mischief Maker, Jordan hopes to take the 8-year-old mare to Oklahoma City in July to try for the WEG.

Jordan also won the $25,000 NRHA Open Reining, marking a 226 on Dorminty Plantation’s Out Shinin Wimpy, a 5-year-old mare by Wimpys Little Step and out of Shinaka. They earned $7,155. Randy Paul on the 2006 NRHA Futurity Champion Taris Designer Genes was second with a 225, earning a check for $6,054. A 7-year-old mare, Taris Designer Genes is by Mr Boomerjac and out of Taris Little Vintage.

Craig Schmersal was the bronze winner in the CRI-2*/USEF, riding Mister Montana Nic to a 223. He earned a check of $1,618 for owners Mister Montana Nic Syndicate.

Before the evening event, Jerry Kimmel hosted a USEF Reception in the Sponsor Area to highlight his stallions Dun Gotta Gun and Mister Nicadual, who also performed in the CRI-2*/USEF Reining.

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.