The first 2022 IRHA/IRHBA/NRHA Futurity finals lit up the Veronafiera Arena in Verona, Italy, with the $101,185-Added IRHA/NRHA 4-year-old Non Pro Futurity counting 27 finalists across the four levels vying for the Championships.
It was truly a special event for Lucie-Lena Egenter of Germany who showed off her horses’ talent as well as hers. Her part-time trainer, NRHA Professional Grischa Ludwig, praised the 18-year-old for her professionalism. “Lucie does it all by herself; here and there I help her a little bit but ever since we’ve known each other, she thinks like a professional which makes it easy for me,” said Ludwig. “She knows what she is doing, she always has a plan, and for her age it’s amazing.” The young rider performed to a 218.5 in the qualifier, leading all the levels, and rode to the same score in the finals claiming the $53,435-Added Level (L)4, $28,420-Added L3, $11,370-Added L2 and $7,960-Added L1.
Eyes Of Whiz (One Gun x Luga Whiz) is owned by her mother Bettina Egenter, who runs their small-scale home barn. The Egenters purchased the talented gelding last year in April from Italian Carlo Sara, who bred him. “It’s crazy, I can’t believe we won level 4! We’ve been trying all year but somehow something always went wrong, probably because we still had to get to know each other. Tonight, I am more than happy! He was wonderful and I think we finally found each other’s ‘right buttons,’” Prior to making their way to Verona, the two made the finals in the 2021 NRHA Germany Breeders Futurity and 2022 NRHA European Futurity. They then went on to win the ARHA Non Pro Futurity L1 and 2 as well as reserve honors in L3 and 4.
Andreu Nogue Puig and his mare Simple The Best 66 (NRHA Million Dollar Sire Inferno Sixty Six x ARC Yellow N Lime), scored a 216.5 for reserve honors. “My mare was great and has a heart of gold,” said the Spanish rider about his mare who he won the IRHA Non Pro Futurity last year.
“Tonight she wasn’t there for me all the way, probably since it’s been a tiring week. Her run-in, circles, and spins were great, but her stops weren’t up to her usual standard. That’s a shame because it’s her best maneuver. In any case, I am happy with her and look forward to our future together.”
Claiming reserve honors with a 216 score in both the L3 and 2 Non Pro divisions was Austrian Alexander Nestelberger riding his Doctor Cop (NRHA Two Million Dollar Sire Shiners Voodoo Dr x Finest Copyshot), owned by Schlager & Nestelberger Partnership. “This horse always saves my life! He is always there to save me when I make mistakes and I am so happy with him,” said Nestelberger about his flashy home-bred palomino stallion. “We’ve had a good year and now we will rest as we look forward to next year.”
Young Camilla Orlandini of Italy and Sparkwest (Spark N Whiz x West Coast Oak), a gelding owned by her mother Alice Orlandini, performed a great ride paid back by the judges with a 215.5 early in the draw. Their score held to take home the L1 Reserve Championship. “I can’t hold the tears back; this is the best day of my life,” said the young rider who trains under the guidance of her father, NRHA Professional Paolo Orlandini. “I’ve been riding since I was tiny and I started showing when I was seven. Winning this prestigious title is a dream come true and I cannot thank my horse enough.”
Held at Vieronafiere, admission is free until Friday, November 18.
Tickets may be purchased online here
Follow the action live here: live.andreabonaga.it
For full results https://www.showmanager.info/Eventliste.aspx?turnierID=1249
For further information: IRHA.it
Photos by IRHA Futurity Official Photographer Bonaga Communication
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