Alexandre Giarratano and The Electric Bandit Claim the NRHA European Derby Non-Pro Level 4 Championship
As they entered the arena, cheers erupted, spurring them on to deliver a precision-perfect run. Alexandre Giarratano and The Electric Bandit nominated by David Roux, celebrated a memorable win on home turf in the $99,869-Added ELEMENTA National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) European Derby Non-Pro finals.
First in the draw in the second section of the $99,869-Added ELEMENTA National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) European Derby Non-Pro finals held at Equita Lyon, France’s Alexandre Giarratano and his stallion The Electric Bandit (Dont Miss My Guns x Electra Stop Ruff x Jacs Electric Stop), thrilled the crowd with a powerful performance in the NRHA European Derby Non Pro Level 4 Finals, taking the $41,702-Added Championship with a score of 221.
“This horse never ceases to amaze me and I am thrilled with this Championship that means a lot to me. In these past two years he has given me so much and the results just kept flooding in so I really cannot say more than ‘wow, he’s amazing.’ I owe a lot of his success to my trainer, Jeffrey Touroute-Thomas, who is moving to the U.S. next year…we both will miss him, even though I wish him all the best, and we will see how things will work out,” Giarratano said.
Level 3 Non-Pro Champion
Fabio De Iulio and RS Cronos Jac * Photo by Wanted Photos
Italy’s Fabio De Iulio followed his qualifying round success by riding his 8-year-old stallion RS Cronos Jac (RS Great Jac Feona x RS Shadow Olena x Spat Olena) nominated by Claudio Risso to victory in the $26,535-added Level 3 Non Pro Championship. The crowd-favorite scored a 218.5, capturing the title as well as the Level 4 Reserve-Championship adding yet another achievement to RS Cronos Jac’s record.
“My horse [RS Cronos Jac] was a little tired tonight but, as always, he tried to perform to the best of his ability. He’s won a lot this year and I’m so proud of him even though of course I would have loved to win the Level 4 as well. I’m really happy with my second horse, Gunnaroostyah, who was super special too; in my mind our score was higher than a 216.5 when I was done with my last maneuver, but the judges were all on the same page so I guess that’s what my run was worth. We did however ride to the Level 3 Co-Reserve Championship and also tied for fourth place in the Level 4,” De Lulio said.
Level 2
Bo Brutsaert on KB Cut The Cuteness * Photo by Wanted Photos
Belgium’s Bo Brutsaert achieved an unexpected win on her 6-year-old mare KB Cut The Cuteness (CJ Whiz x KB Jenny Whiz A Gun x Colonels Smoking Gun [Gunner]), owned and nominated by her father Koen Brutsaert. Their impressive run earned a 216.5 score, tying for the $20,025-Added Level 2 Non Pro Championship, the Level 3 Co-Reserve Championship, and tying for fourth place in the Level 4.
“I didn’t expect our run to go this well tonight. My mare really pulled it together,” said Brutsaert.
With a possible sale on the horizon, Brutsaert plans to show the talented mare in future derbies if she remains in her family-owned stable.
Level 1
Dean Raichel on Voodoo Flo Jo * Photo by Wanted Photos
Israeli rider Dean Raichel and his mare, Voodoo Flo Jo (Shiners Voodoo Dr x Very Smart Flo Jo x Very Smart Remedy), who he nominated, made an impressive debut in France tying for the Level 2 Championship, clinching the $11,606-added Level 1 Championship, earning the Level 3 Co-Reserve Championship with a score of 216.5.
“My mare was amazing today, giving her all,” Raichel shared proudly. He acquired the mare four years ago, competing successfully in Israel before bringing her to Europe for breeding. “She’s an incredible mare with a great mind and heart. Tonight, even though she was a bit nervous, she focused and delivered.”
Raichel considered the next step for Voodoo Flo Jo, who will be bred in Europe.