Kreuth, October 8— Provided by International Horse Press— It took a run-off to find this year’s Level 4 and Level 3 Champions. Once the curtain fell, Alex Kubli riding his horse Gunna Ruf Ya, a 2013 AQHA stallion by NRHA Four Million Dollar Sire Gunnatrashya out of Lil Ruf Lady, scored 215.5 to tie Celina Bachleitner and Paintball Gun. The competitors decided for a run-off that worked out in Kubli’s favor, scoring 217.5 and winning the Level 4 and Level 3 Championships.

Alex Kubli & Gunna Ruf Ya - Photo by Tom Hautmann

Kubli was very excited after his runs tonight. “It was just great. My horse was with me the whole time, both runs, and it was wonderful. I am very happy. Next, we are going to France for the NRHA European Derby, so I hope we will repeat the success in Lyon.”

Finishing in Reserve spot in both levels, as well as earning the Youth Derby Championship, was a 19-year-old German rider Celina Bachleitner riding Michaela Bachleitner’s Paintball Gun, a 2009 APHA gelding by NRHA Twelve Million Dollar Sire Gunner out of Darlins Not Painted.

“My first run tonight was very good. It didn’t work out in the runoff, but I am still excited to end up with the Level 4 and 3 Reserve Championships and finishing my youth career with the Youth Championship honor,” said the young rider. “I am really thankful for my horse; I’ve had him for the last five years and he has been amazing. He will get the rest of the season off, but we will be back in the spring.”

Celina Bachleitner & Michaela Bachleitner’s Paintball - Photo Tom Hautmann

Celina and Paintball Gun won the Youth Breeders Derby—counting 19 finalists— with their first run of the night by scoring a 215.5, leaving behind Reserve Champions Laura Schmitz and Kangaroosta (2014 AQHA stallion by Little Banty Rooster out of HR Dorn Rosely), who scored 212.

Robert Hesse & My Personal Mercedes - Photo by Tom Hautmann

Winning the Level 2 and 1 titles was Robert Hesse with his gelding My Personal Mercedes, a 2015 American Quarter Horse by NRHA Million Dollar Sire Cromed Out Mercedes out of Sparkin Personality, scoring 214.

Hesse was excited about his run: “My horse was perfect. I tried not to go too fast and I think it was the best plan for today. We had good stops, I think that’s why we got this high score, so I am really happy.”

The gelding is not only a Champion of tonight’s show, but also a survivor of a serious car crash that happened in Italy several years ago, where many a great horse was lost. Hesse purchased the gelding at the beginning of this year and was very happy with his performance, especially giving the horse’s history. “He is going to get the next season off for sure. I really like him; he feels great to ride every time and I truly enjoyed showing him tonight.”

Reserve Championship in Levels 2 and 1 went to Maria Theresia Till riding Thomas Till’s 2015 AQHA stallion ARC Captain (Master Snapper x Sailing Spark) to a score of 213.5.

Tomorrow the Pferdesportzentrum Ostbayern Halle will welcome the Open riders who will be competing in the 2021 NRHA Germany Breeders Derby Open Finals starting at 15:00 with Section 1 and followed by Section 2 at 18:30.


Press Release by International Horse Press / Marie Klimova