Top qualifier Dual N Gritty held true to form with a 222-point win in the finals of the $5,000 Novice class at the NCHA Scottsdale National Championships Saturday morning. She had marked a 221 to lead the go-round.
One Time At Night took the reserve championship with a 219.5, while Sandman Rey finished third with a 219.
Cody Lamont rode the winner for KT Ranch of Roosevelt, Utah. Dual N Gritty was bred by Scott Amos by Neat Little Cat out of Lilleth Merada. Amos was a limited age finalist on Lilleth Merada.
Dual N Gritty’s second dam, Lilly Dual, produced earners of nearly $700,000, including Merada Clone ($421,000) and Mighty Joe Merada ($163,000).
The 5-year-old mare now has earnings of more than $11,000.
This is Lamont’s second National Championship. He won the Open finals at the NCHA Western Nationals in 2014 on Zack And Blue.
The $5,000 Novice reserve champion, One Time At Night, was ridden by Mike Wood for Teresa Home of Santa Ynez, California. The 7-year-old gelding is by One Time Pepto out of Lenas Snow.
In third, Sandman Rey is a Metallic Cat x Wanda Rey 6-year-old owned by Penny Bailey of Morristown, Arizona and ridden by Todd Adolf.