SJR Starlit Rey and William Akin Crowned Non-Pro Bridle World Champions
SJR Starlit Rey and William Akin had a tough time getting along during the derbies. But, they’ve now earned each other’s trust and on Valentines Day won their second National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA) World Championship.
“Last year, I won the two-rein on him here [at the NRCHA Celebration of Champions]. My goal is to do him justice because, I think he’s such a fantastic horse,” Akin said.
Their two-and-a-half point lead surely made Akin and the plain sorrel gelding stand out amongst the other contenders. They earned a 217.5 in the rein work and a 224.5 on their cow work for a composite score of 442 to win the Non-Pro Bridle World title at this year’s NRCHA Celebration of Champions in Fort Worth, Texas.
“I felt like it just built the whole way, that may be the best he’s ever felt in the reinin’ for me,” Akin said of his late-night run. “He was just fantastic, and when the money’s on the line there’s no one else I’d rather ride, because he just rises to the occasion.”
SJR Starlit Rey and William Akin after their victory lap. * Photo by Amy Olson
“If I have a good cow I feel like I can accomplish anything on him,” Akin remarked.
The two have another big goal in mind that is just days away. The World’s Greatest Youth Horseman starts with the back number presentation and the steer stopping on February 21.
“We’re going to go home for a few days and kind of regroup, then we’re going to come back and try and do as good as we can,” Akin said.
Bred by San Juan Ranch, of Weatherford, Texas, SJR Starlit Rey (Dual Rey x A Starlit Diamond x CD Lights) has earned $19,644 in the show pen according to EquiStat, including the $4,730 from their Non Pro Bridle World Champion title. Only time will tell how much more cash SJR Starlit Rey and William Akin can add to their records during the Celebration of Champions.
Reserve ChampionDebbie Crafton clinched the Non-Pro Bridle Reserve World Championship, worth $3,784, on Foundloveathooters (Smooth As A Cat x Rey Lena Rey x Dual Rey). She and the gelding bred by Canadian Connie Down-Cicoria, of Foothills, Alberta, marked a composite of 439.5 (219 rein/220.5 cow) to beat her other horse by half a point.
Crafton, of Ordway, Colorado, also captured third place on Hesa Wee Bet (Bet Hesa Cat x Wee Quejana Gal x Quejanaisalena) with a composite of 439 (216.5 rein/222.5 cow) to take home an additional $3,311.