APHA’s Chrome Cash set new European records at the 2026 NRHA European Derby, taking place during Equita Lyon in Lyon, France, in October. With $8,000 in added money and no qualification required, Paint owners and exhibitors turned out in force: the Non-Pro division drew 93 entries and $10,619 in total prize money, while 59 Open entries competed for $8,101. That totaled 152 entries and more than $18,700 in payouts overall. Entries were up more than 50% and payouts grew by more than 25% compared to 2025, making this the largest Chrome Cash event in Europe to date. Since 2022, Chrome Cash has paid over $100,000 at international events alone.
Congratulations to our 2026 NRHA European Derby Chrome Cash Champions
Information from International Horse Press; photos by Wanted Photos
Chrome Cash Non-Pro Levels 2, 3 & 4
Non-Pro Qualifier leaders Arjan Van de Watering of the Netherlands and his 6-year-old palomino solid gelding Epic Star (ARC Gunnabeabigstar x Spooks Fancy Diamond) scored a 218.5 to claim the $12,114-added L2 championship, along with the APHA Chrome Cash L4, L3 and L2 titles.
“It was very exciting right up until the end today. We were early in the draw, so we had quite a wait, but it all worked out well. My horse was really good for me. He performed all the maneuvers and stepped it up from the go-round, earning us a higher score. I’m very pleased with him,” said Arjan. “He truly has a heart of gold. I look forward to competing in more derbies next season and continuing to enjoy our journey together.”
Chrome Cash Non-Pro Level 1
Danielle Azaria of Israel and Wimpys Dunnit Again, owned by Hadassah Azaria, delivered a thrilling run in the second section of the Non-Pro Finals. Posting a 213.5, the duo claimed the $2,340-added Youth Non-Pro Derby Championship, L1 reserve honors and the APHA Chrome Cash L1 title. The Azaria family purchased the 2020 chestnut overo mare, who is by Pale Face Dunnit and out of Wimpys Spice Girl (QH), three years ago in the U.S. and brought her to Israel. Three months ago, the pair relocated to Italy, where they began preparing for the derby season under the guidance of Italian professional Manuel Cortesi.
“Manuel is the best,” 16-year-old Danielle said. “He really cares about his non-pros and is a great person. I couldn’t wish for a better trainer. This is a big accomplishment for me, and I want to thank my family. My mom was here with me in Italy, while my dad and sister are back in Israel. I couldn’t have done this without them.”
Chrome Cash Open Levels 3 and 4
NRHA Million Dollar Rider Grischa Ludwig of Germany showed Shinemydiamond, a 2021 sorrel overo mare by Shine My Gun and out of Ruf Lil Diamond, to a score of 219, claiming the APHA Chrome Cash L4 and L3 titles. The mare is owned by Gestüt LQH.
“I’m glad we entered today and I’m grateful to APHA for their support of the sport,” he said. “We bred and raised this mare and she is a phenomenal horse. I rode her dam and her sire, so she is just special to me.”
Chrome Cash Open Level 2
French Professional Patryk Peszke and Facing The Cash [pending] scored a 213.5 to top the L2. The 7-year-old red dun solid gelding by Pale Face Dunnit and out of Joes Sweet Dream (QH) is owned by Bernd Gagel.
“I have been riding him since the beginning of this season, and I really like him,” Patryk said. “Here we had a few bobbles in the qualifier, but today he performed really well, so I am happy with him.”
Chrome Cash Open Level 1
The L1 title also went to France, with Lucile Buisson riding Artemide Spatwhiz 76 to a score of 209.5. The 5-year-old bay solid mare by Spooks Gotta Whiz and out of RS Countach Olena (QH) is owned by Bo Ranch and was bred by Alfredo Di Caro.
“She is the cutest horse we have in our barn; she is small and tiny, but she has a big heart. I’m super happy with her here and I hope we can do even better next time,” Lucile said.
For complete results, visit showmanager.info.
The Chrome Cash excitement doesn’t stop in Lyon. Don’t let your horse miss out: confirm your Paint is APHA-registered, then visit apha.com/chromecash to plan your ride.
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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.