$1 Million-Added NRHA European Futurity Presented by DeNiroBootCo: Fappani and Hosss Take the Lead in the $700.000-Added Open Qualifier

Cremona, May 22—The National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) European Futurity Open Qualifier concluded today in Cremona, Italy, with a special leader and his trusted mount arriving from across the big pond: NRHA $9 Million Rider Andrea Fappani and Hosss (NRHA $3 Million Sire Colonels Shining Gun x Brennas Dream), owned by Nancy Wheeler and Jimmy Nichols. With a score of 223.5, the duo topped the Level (L)4 division as well as the American Paint Horse Association (APHA) Chrome Cash Incentive European Futurity L4 division.

“We were trying to have a nice, solid run. As I do in the States, I try to stay as clean as possible and lay out a nice picture without using my horse up too much. That was my goal, and I think it’s what we accomplished. I wasn’t sure how my horse would handle this arena—it’s a smaller pen than what he is used to in the States—but he did well. During our run, I tried to stay consistent and avoid any penalties; I know he has the talent to steal points left and right,” said the Italian native, who resides in the U.S., about the talented stallion bred by Lauren Booth and nominated by Wheeler.

The NRHA Hall of Fame Inductee entered the show arena on Italian soil after 19 years, making it a memorable ride. “It has been a great, emotional run, especially as the stands were full. I have never seen a qualifier with that many people, neither in the States nor here in Italy. It’s pretty special to see all these people I knew when I was a little boy—people who have followed me throughout the years and are excited to see me show. It feels great to be back and to always have fans follow me, watch me ride, and ask questions…they are just like I was years ago: eager to learn, asking questions, admiring those who have laid down a path before them. So, it’s nice to be able to share my knowledge and success with them.”

Level 3

The crowd cheered loudly for Markus Gebert of Germany and his mount Ya Know Im Cool (Sugar Little Step x Charly Step N Cool) as they performed earning a well-deserved score of 220.5 from the judges to lead the L3 division. The stallion is owned, bred, and nominated by Gebert’s wife, Angelika.

Level 2

Germany’s Dominik Reminder rode Walla Whiz Gun (Walla Whiz Crome x Mrs Gun Runner), a gelding owned by Nina Lill, bred by Norbert Nestelberger, and nominated by Reminder, to a score of 219 to top the L2 division.

Level 1

In the L1, two Italian professionals shared the top score of 212.5: Gaganpreet Singh riding Shez Vintage (A Vintage Smoke x Shez Gun Smart), a mare bred by Sergio Elia and now owned and nominated by Christiane Brandes; and Alessio Pizzuti riding Vintage Gun Model (NRHA $4 Million Sire A Sparkling Vintage x Face Of A Gun Model), a mare bred and nominated by XCS Ranch LLC and owned by Azienda Agricola Abruzzo Horse Academy.

APHA Chrome Cash Incentive Leaders

Alois Kompatcher of Italy and SG Lopez Spook (NRHA $5 Million Sire Spooks Gotta Whiz x Frozen Spark) took the lead in the L3 division with a score of 217.5. The mare, owned by Diana Metrangolo, was bred by Andrea Bianchini and nominated by Kompatcher.

Italian NRHA Professional Angelo Benedusi rode Melissa Faraco’s mare, Dolly Face Whiz (NRHA $4 Million Sire Pale Face Dunnit x Smart Baby Whiz), bred by Rodolfo Marchetti, to a score of 214.5 to top the L2 division.

In the L1 division, with a score of 211, Italian Daniel Moro took the lead aboard his own bred and nominated mare, Oak Fashion Face (Pale Face Dunnit x PC Fashion Electrix).

The NRHA European Futurity Open Finals will close the Million Dollar Reining event on Saturday, May 24.

Open Futurity: $700.000-Added (includes $207.340* Nomination Money)

• $420.000-Added Level 4 Open
• $154.000-Added Level 3 Open
• $ 91.000-Added Level 2 Open
• $ 35.000-Added Level 1 Open

(* subject to change in Nominations)

 

Friday, May 23 action

With the 38th edition of the International Salone del Cavallo Americano officially opening the doors to the public, the day will kick off with the International Derby Para Reining followed by NRHA ancillary Youth and Open action along with the World Reining 2025 Qualifiers.

 

The $300.000-Added NRHA European Futurity Non Pro Finals Finals presented by DeNiroBootCo. will follow closing the day.

 

Non Pro Futurity: $300.000-Added (includes $88.860* Nomination Money)

• $144.000-Added Level 4 Non Pro
• $ 84.000-Added Level 3 Non Pro
• $ 45.000-Added Level 2 Non Pro
• $ 27.000-Added Level 1 Non Pro

(* subject to change in Nominations)

 

 

Follow the action:

• Watch live here
• Live score and full results here
• Tickets for the NRHA European Futurity Open Level 4 Finals on Saturday, May 24 available here
• View the 2025 Salone del Cavallo Americano & NRHA European Futurity Show Program here and discover what’s happening in Cremona!

 

For further information www.NRHAEUROPEANFUTURITY.com

 

NRHA European Futurity Media Contact:

Simona Diale/International Horse Press

Whatsapp: +39 340 5354629 – Email: internationalhorsepress@gmail.com