Risso and Spat A Blue crowned NRHA European Affiliate Non Pro Champions; Bonzano and Crominic win the $20,000 added SVAG CS Classic

He was crowned NRHA European Affiliate Non Pro Champion in 2002, in the very first edition of the EAC, aboard RS Jac Flash Leo.

He did it again in this edition of the Championships, this time riding his nine-year-old stallion Spat A Blue (Spat Olena x ARC Joy Surprise x Surprise Enterprise). He’s the past NRHA World Reserve Non Pro Champion, Claudio Risso, who scored a 221.5 to win the title. “I started riding this horse this year and he’s been good for me all along the way,” says the Italian breeder. “We’re running for the NRHA world title this year and winning here makes the hauling worth while!”. The team made up of Tina Kunster-Mantl and Heza Sure Whiz (Topsail Whiz x Im Not Blonde x Catalyst Too), owned by Jacpoint QH, had already left their mark in 2007 by winning the NRHA EA Non Pro Championship. This year, with a score of 219, they earned the reserve championship. “We could’ve done better, but I’m happy with the way things went anyhow, he’s just such a good horse,” claimed the Austrian rider.

Winning the NRHA approved $20,000 added SVAG CS Classic  with his six-year-old quarter horse gelding Chrominic (Custom Crome x Nic N Taffy x Reminic) between the reins was Italian non pro rider, Manuel Bonzano. The pair scored an impressive 222.5 to win the class. “This is very special for me because this horse was born at my place.  I showed him in the NRHA Non Pro Futurity where we made the finals and then shipped him back to Italy. I started riding him this year under the guidance of my trainers, Ann and Bernard Fonck, and I must give credit to them for all the incredible help they give me,” said Manuel.  Risso and his Spat Olena placed second. Bonzano also tied for third place with Custom Slidetracks (Custom Crome x Dry Doc Bobbie x Dry Doc Bob) with Andrea Castrucci riding Ima Mega Antares (ARC Antares Suprise x Ima Martha Memory x Ima Topsail Cody). Both scored a 220,5.


Claudio Risso & Spat A Blue - 2011 NRHA EA Non Pro Champions / Manuel Bonzano & Crominic - $20,000 added SVAG CS Classic Non Pro Champions

This evening at the CS Ranch the action will carry on. Being the tenth edition of the NRHA European Affiliate Championships, the ‘Original 10’ champions of each division will be recognized during the ‘EAC 10 Years Cocktail’. At 8 pm, the Youth Team award presentation will be followed by the Youth party.

Tomorrow the EAC & CS Classic Limited Non Pro and the $30,000 added SVAG CS Classic Open classes will take place. Closing this years’ edition at 7 pm will be the much awaited for ‘Celebrity Reining’.

The CS Ranch would like to thank the main sponsor of the event SVAG (Schwiezer Vermogensberatung) and corporate partners Banque Baring Brothers,  Audemars Piguet, Navyboot, E.I.Sturdza and Nimbus for their support. A special thankyou to the NRHA corporate partners: Bob’s Custom Saddles, John Deere; Kiser Arena Specialists; Montana Silversmiths; Rios of Mercedes / Anderson Bean Boot Company; SmartPak.

Check out the CS Ranch website for info and news at www.cs-ranch.eu.

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