The Run For A Million Cow Horse Challenge is one of the most anticipated events of the year for reined cow horse fans, with a limited field of 15 entries, $250,000 in prize money, and the best-of-the-best bridle horses gathering in Las Vegas for an opportunity to claim the coveted title.
Following the rein work Thursday, Aug, 13, in the South Point Hotel and Casino, Justin Wright and Snapdragons led the field with a score of 223.
The fence work will take place Friday, Aug. 14 at 7 P.M. local time, and the composite score will determine the champion.
About Snapdragons
2017 stallion Snapdragons was bred by Flying V Ranch and trained by Zane Davis. He caused some buzz early in his career as one of the first reined cow horses by $19 million reining sire Gunnatrashya to begin cashing checked in the reined cow horse pen.
According to a 2021 article, Snapdragons was Law’s first foray into the reined cow horse, and he purchased the stallion as a yearling for less than $10,000 from friend R.J. Chambers. He was initially ridiculed for the decision, but in 2020, he and Davis finished reserve Co-Champion at the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity, and they won the 2021 NRCHA Tres Osos Cow Horse Derby Championship. To date, he’s earned $282,268, according to QData.
In early 2026, it was announced that Snapdragons was purchased from Shane Law by the Snapdragons Partners, and would be ridden by $3 million NRCHA horseman Wright.
Top Five Rein Work Scores at Run For A Million Cow Horse Challenge
Justin Wright and Snapdragons may have taken the top spot in the rein work, but the cattle in the fence work are heralded as “the great equalizers.” It’s still anyone’s game, so here’s who wrapped up the top five.
2 – 222.5 – Shawn Hays, Cats Tell Secrets
WR This Cats Smart x Secrets Blue Angel
2018 Gelding
Owned by Katalyst Performance Horses
3 (tie) – 222 – Erin Taormino, Hazardouz Material
Metallic Cat x Scooters Daisy Dukes
2016 Stallion
Owned by Linda Mars
3 (tie) – 222 – Sarah Dawson, Juliette Jonez
Travelin Jonez x Shine Smarter
2018 Mare
Owned by Linda Mars
5 (tie) – 221 – Shane Steffen, Sprinkld Confetticat
WR This Cats Smart x PPH Especial Nitro
2015 Mare
Owned by South Cove Ranch
5 (tie) – 221 – Jake Telford, RTR All Rise
Judge Boon x Foxy Little Remedy
2018 Stallion
Redtail Ranch Perf Horses LLC
Full Rein Work Results from Run For A Million Cow Horse Challenge
| Place | Horse | Rider | Owner | Rein Work |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Snapdragons | Justin Wright | Snapdragons Partners | 223½ |
| 2 | Cats Tell Secrets | Shawn Hays | Katalyst Performance Horses | 222½ |
| 3 | Juliette Jonez | Sarah Dawson | Linda Mars | 222 |
| 3 | Hazardous Material | Erin Taormino | Linda A Mars | 222 |
| 5 | Sprinkld ConfettiCat | Shane Steffen | South Cove Ranch | 221 |
| 5 | RTR All Rise | Jake Telford | Redtail Ranch Performance Horses, LLC | 221 |
| 7 | A Starlights Magnum | Kyle Trahern | Kyle Trahern | 220 |
| 7 | Zak 34 | Chris C. Dawson | Melissa D Fischer | 220 |
| 9 | My Boots Are Royal | Boyd Rice | Moncrief Quarter Horses | 219 |
| 9 | Jaymes Bond | Jordan Williams | Bonds Ranch | 219 |
| 11 | CRC 1942 | Todd Crawford | TimmiJo Lisac | 218½ |
| 12 | Whos Tuff | Shadd Parkinson | Christa Hampton | 218 |
| 13 | Cabanna Boy | Nick S Dowers | Triple D Ranches, LLC | 215 |
| 14 | Trojan Tuff | Kelby Phillips | Angell Ranch Co | 213 |
| 15 | Smooth Outta Style | Tucker Robinson | Julie Weinhardt Frank Velazquez | 208½ |