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
![2023 NRHA European Derby](https://apha.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/ArnaudGIRINON0754-copia-Web-300x150.gif)
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.