The National Reining Breeders Classic Open preliminaries began Wednesday, April 18, at the Great Southwest Equestrian Center in Katy, Texas. At the end of the first day of competition, former Open Champion Andrea Fappani leads the field of 211 entries – the largest in the event’s history.

Fappani, of Scottsdale, Arizona, teamed up with Smoking Whiz, a 5-year-old stallion owned by Silver Spurs Equine. The National Reining Horse Association Million Dollar Rider and Smoking Whiz, by Topsail Whiz out of Glendas A Smokingun, set the pace early with a 228.

Currently in second place in the Open are Gunny Mathison and Shine On Line, by Shining Spark out of Oaks Little Diamond. Mathison, of Tioga, Texas, piloted the 6-year-old stallion, who he owns with Mary Jansma, to a 227.5.

Sitting at the top of the leader boards of Open Levels 2 and 3 is Kenneth Sean Johnson and Mr Chicadual, who marked a 226. Mr Chicdual is a 4-year-old stallion by Mister Nicadual out of Chics Marcie, who is owned by David Fell.

Ben Baldus piloted Dainty Little Step, a 6-year-old mare, to a 221.5, taking the lead of the Open Level 1. Dainty Little Step, by Wimpys Little Step out of Tucks Little Poco, is owned by the WT Waggoner Estate.

In the Open Prime Time, Pete Kyle and A Ruf Gal have the high score with a 223.5. A Ruf Gal, a 6-year-old mare by Lil Ruf Peppy out of My Topsail Gal, is owned by Pete and his wife Tamra.

For complete results, click http://www.nrbc.com/results/2012NRBCOpenClassicPreliminaries.php.

The National Reining Breeders Classic is the most successful stallion incentive program in reining history. In just fourteen years, the NRBC has grown to include nearly 200 subscribed stallions. Annually, the payout at the National Reining Breeders Classic exceeds $1.4 million. For information on the NRBC, visit the web site at www.nrbc.com or call 580-759-3939.