Chrome Cash & champagne flow in France at the 2023 NRHA European Derby

Devoted Paint Horse fans like Francesca Sternberg already know it pays to ride Paints. But she and her 7-year-old sorrel overo gelding Red Dirt Paleface proved it with their Chrome Cash win at the 2023 NRHA European Derby.

Competing in the event’s APHA Derby Non-Pro Level 4, Sternberg and “Solo” went home with $1,191 in Chrome Cash and exclusive bragging rights from the EquitaLyon equine fair, which took place November 1–5, 2023, in Lyon, France.

“Red Dirt Paleface and I won the Amateur Reining at the APHA World Show in Fort Worth a couple of years ago and am delighted to now add a European award to Solo’s record!” Sternberg said. “I love the way APHA is so supportive of their horses competing worldwide. Thank you APHA. I love my Paint Horse!”

This year, APHA’s innovative incentive program paid out more than $800,000 in added money to APHA members and Paint Horses around the world, including $3,500 at this event.

Congratulations to the 2023 NRHA European Derby Chrome Cash champions:

• Honey First Gunny & Arnaud Girinon: APHA Derby Open Level 4 Chrome Cash Champion
  The APHA Derby Open Level 4 Chrome Cash title and $1,315 went to Arnaud Girinon and Honey First Gunny. The duo marked a 219.5 for owner and breeder Societa Agricola Le Fattorie Di Matilde of Scandiano (RE), Italy. Honey First Gunny is a 2015 sorrel solid stallion by NRHA $14 Million Sire and APHA Hall of Famer Colonels Smokingun and out of Arc Honey Chick (QH).

• Red Dirt Paleface & Francesca Sternberg: APHA Derby Non-Pro Level 4 Champion
  Winning $1,191 in Chrome Cash and the Non-Pro Level 4 Champion title, Francesca Sternberg (pictured at top) of Scottsdale, Arizona, scored a 215 with Red Dirt Paleface. The 2016 sorrel overo gelding is by NRHA $3 Million Sire Pale Face Dunnit and out of Lost In Tinseltown (QH). Tim Anderson of Milbank, South Dakota, bred the gelding.

About the Events

The NRHA European Derby is an NRHA-owned event featuring $286,400 in added money—the highest added total recorded in the 12-year history of the event. That includes $202,500 from the NRHA Nomination Program and $83,900 from NRHA European Derby sponsors. For complete results, visit showmanager.info.

Chrome Cash is a sidepot paid to participating APHA horses at select events, offered as a class within a class. Contestants pay an entry fee, which helps fund the jackpot. Regular Registry and Solid Paint-Bred horses are both eligible to participate in Chrome Cash.

Photos by Wanted Photo

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About APHA

The American Paint Horse Association is the world’s second-largest international equine breed association, registering more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded in 1962. APHA promotes, preserves and provides meaningful experiences with Paint Horses.