Las Vegas, NV -- For the second day in a row the high score at the High Roller Reining Classic was awarded to Whiz Bing Bang Boom. Today owner Ashley Anixter, of Scottsdale, AZ, earned a score of 72.50 aboard the talented gelding, claiming the Intermediate Non-Pro division and the Limited Non-Pro division blue ribbons. The High Roller Reining Classic is the international "crown jewel" of western riding competition, and features over $200,000 in added money and prizes. The show is being held at the exciting and luxurious South Point Hotel, Casino, and Equestrian Center and will run through Saturday, September 12.
Anixter and Whiz Bing Bang Boom were the last to enter the ring during today's competition and complete pattern nine. The pattern began with riders galloping in, stopping, and backing ten feet, which Anixter executed perfectly. This was followed by two sets of spins and then riders continued into their circles on the left lead. Next, exhibitors had to demonstrate a change of lead while preparing for their slower, smaller circle to begin their circles on the right lead. Finally riders had to complete three stops and two rollbacks before exiting the arena.
As the last rider to complete today's pattern Anixter knew that she would need to be perfect to top the previous scores, and that is exactly what she did. The pair was fast and precise through each piece of the pattern and the judges awarded them the day's high score of 72.50.
"I feel pretty good," smiled Anixter after her victory. "I'm excited about receiving the high score. I know there are a lot of good Non-Pros and a lot of nice horses out there, so I'm pretty thrilled to have achieved that."
Anixter continued, "My plan for today was to go faster then I did on Sunday. I really wanted to go out and run him as best as I could. Our spins were really good, and during the left circles I tried to run really fast. Going into the right circles he changed leads and slowed down really well for me so I got to kick some slack out which was kind of nice. When we came down the side he ran really straight and got a nice build and rolled-back really nice for me. I couldn't be any happier with him."
Whiz Bing Bang Boom is Anixter's first reining horse and she purchased the seven-year-old Topsail Whiz gelding two years ago. Anixter trains with Matt Mills in Scottsdale, AZ, and it was Mills that found "Bingo" for her.
"Matt picked him out and he always picks great horses," said Anixter. "He said Bingo would be perfect for me so I decided to buy him and he's been awesome. We've been circuit champion at a couple places and qualified for Worlds so that's where we're headed next."
Anixter explained that Whiz Bing Bang Boom is a fun horse to ride and he is always on target. "He kind of has his own motor so he's pretty easy," she said. "Basically you just ask him to do something and he'll do it right away. As long as you don't get in his way and he'll do a great job for you."
This is the second year Anixter has traveled to Las Vegas to compete at the High Roller Reining Classic. "It's a really fun show," she noted. "I've had a lot of good luck this year so I've really enjoyed it. I like the arena and the footing is awesome. This is also our first indoor show, so we've used that to help prepare for Worlds."
Today, during the Intermediate Non-Pro division Gina Hunter, of Manteca, CA, followed Anixter to earn the second place ribbon aboard VR Jack with a score of 71.50. There was a four-way tie for third place with all four riders receiving a score of 71.00. Patrick A Yancey rode Remchic Yankee, owned by Kim Yancey of Ione, CA, to the third place position. Tiffany Andrews, of Pleasant Hills, CA, also placed third during today's competition aboard Jacs Pacemaker. Maria Baker, of Rancho Cucamunga, CA, and Heir To Shine took home a third place ribbon. The final third place finisher was Bob Racich, of Roberts, WI and Stengel.
There were thirty-four entries in today's Limited Non-Pro division and four riders tied for second with a score of 71.00. In addition to Andrews, Baker, and Racich, Connie Glavis, of Granite Bay, CA, also received a second place prize for her ride aboard Good Ole Mr Wilson.
The High Roller Reining Classic will continue tomorrow with the $15,000 Added Non-Pro Futurity and the USEF Qualifier at the South Point Hotel, Casino and Equestrian Center. This year's feature events are the $130,000 Added 3 Year Old Futurity and the $50,000 Added 4, 5, & 6 Year Old Derby. The horse show will come to a close Saturday, September 12.
The "Play It Forward" Texas Hold 'Em-style poker tournament will also be held this year at the South Point Hotel, Casino and Equestrian Center on Thursday, Sept. 10 from 8-11 pm during the High Roller Reining Classic. All proceeds from this charity event will benefit the Equestrian Aid Foundation (EAF), a non-profit organization assisting with basic medical needs funding for those from catastrophic illness or injury. Limited to 150 people, the "Play It Forward" Poker Tournament offers players the opportunity to win big - having fun and making a difference at the same time. Each player will receive a seat assignment in the HRRC VIP Private Poker Tournament Room where dealers will provide $2,500 in chips. At 11 p.m., chip leaders through 10th place will win a percentage of the prize pool.
For more information about the High Roller Reining Classic please visit http://www.highrollerreiningclassic.com
