In what announcers declared the greatest upset in reining history, French professional Arnaud Girinon guided Flexing Guns N Town, by NRHA Three Million Dollar Sire Hollywoodstinseltown and out of Shesa Fashion Gun by Gunner, to the 2025 The Run For A Million Championship in Las Vegas. The performance not only marked Girinon’s biggest career win but also delivered the first TRFAM victory for France, beating a powerhouse field of U.S. and international competitors.

The Run That Stole the Show

For much of the night, it seemed Andrea Fappani’s 230 aboard Magnums Custom Dream from draw #5 might hold for the win. But Girinon’s late run with Flexing Guns N Town changed everything, pushing him past Fappani and into the top spot.

From the first stride, Flexing Guns N Town looked locked in. The stallion delivered ground-eating stops, beautifully placed circles, and textbook spins. It was the kind of run that has the entire crowd at the edge of their seat. Girinon, grinning ear to ear after every maneuver, didn’t let the bright lights of Las Vegas distract him. Instead, he soaked up every second, clearly enjoying the moment as much as the victory that would follow.

When the score was finally announced the arena erupted in cheers, and Girinon couldn’t hold back his excitement, throwing his arms around his horse in a celebration that matched the magnitude of the moment.

A Champion Forged in Europe

For many fans in the stands, the French rider and his stallion may have been unfamiliar names. But in Europe, Flexing Guns N Town has already built a reputation as a consistent contender, with a résumé that shows he’s been knocking on the door of greatness for years.

The 2019 palomino stallion, owned by Anna Maria Scheiflinger, had already earned more than $115,000 in NRHA lifetime earnings before tonight’s victory. He first made his mark as a finalist at the Austrian Futurity, then placed third at the Breeders Futurity. Soon he was a fixture on Europe’s toughest stages, taking reserve at the NRHA Italian Futurity Open L4 and again at the IRHA Derby. Another second-place finish followed at the 100X European Classic Derby.

His breakthrough came at the NRHA European Derby, where he captured the championship with an impressive 230.5 score. That momentum carried him and Girinon to the Run For A Million European Qualifier at Equita Lyon, where their 230-point ride sealed the ticket that would carry them across the Atlantic and into Las Vegas history.

From Europe to Las Vegas—and straight into the history books. Arnaud Girinon and Flexing Guns N Town just delivered one of The Run For A Million’s greatest upsets. Photo By Purple Media Group

2025 The Run For A Million Championship Results