Ione, CA (June 23, 2023): A working week has passed since the final horse showed at this year’s PCCHA Reyzin The Cash Derby held at the South Point Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.  After the dust settled it is safe to say that the event and the turnout were extraordinary.

The two-and-a-half minute clock started over 1600 times throughout the show and midway through the event, many scheduling decisions were made to accommodate the large turnout, especially in the Amateur level classes.

“We do the best we can ahead of time to develop a show schedule that works the best for everybody.” Show Secretary Kathy Cardon said. “We try to take into consideration the trainers that show up with lots of horses but also must balance it out for the Amateurs and Non-Pros who may only show a couple of horses. When the entries just keep piling in like they did last week, it can definitely put a little strain on personnel, make finding cattle a little tricky,  and allow for some short nights for everyone. At the end of the day, everything turned out great and the cutters got to play for over a million bucks!”

Along with the competition in the arena, the annual PCCHA Derby features the Trainer’s Dinner which allows the west coast trainers to say “Thank You” to all of the owners, staff, and friends that continue to enjoy the sport of cutting. During the dinner, along with raising great money for the Trainer’s Gold Club, trainers also get together to honor one of their own with the coveted Dave McGregor Award. This year, the honor went to Mike Warman.

“Winning the Dave Mc Gregor award was completely unexpected and the fact that it’s named after such a great horseman that I had the pleasure of learning from, as so many people have, is special in itself.” Mike Warman said. “The video that Stan Fonsen did was a definite highlight, not to diminish the others that spoke. When you’re recognized for having put in the time and effort by your peers it’s a very special recognition. So to say I’m honored is an understatement.”

The night went on to raise nearly $50,000 for the Trainer’s Gold Club which sponsors the roundup and intermediate purses at the futurity with Colonel Justin Rockey behind the microphone. The special night was capped with an emotional and heartfelt sendoff of Executive Director, Phil Benadum, as he was recognized for his fourteen-plus years of service to the PCCHA.

“This has been one of the hardest decisions of my life,” Benadum said. “My whole life has revolved around cutting horses and the PCCHA. I mean, they definitely worked my tail off this week and loped me down pretty good before kicking me out to pasture.” Phil laughed. “But really, this was a huge show. A great way to go out and I am so thankful to all of my friends, the sponsors, the cutters, the staff, and everyone who has helped make this association so successful over the years. It takes an army of passionate people and I have been fortunate to have so many great people along the way who have been instrumental in elevating the PCCHA to one of the crown jewels of the sport.”

A big portion of the one million dollar payout was due in part to stallion owners who generously added money through incentives and the Way Out West Series. Tom and Lisa Bailey who own Reyzin The Cash contributed $165,000 in added money from the Iron Rose Ranch. Plantation Farms jumped in and added $40,000 from Badboonarisin to the very successful Way Out West Series.

The PCCHA Reyzin The Cash Derby had over sixty different opportunities for cutters to win a check between the regular purses, stallion incentives, geldings, intermediate classes, and APHA Chrome Cash. In total, nearly five hundred checks were cut to competitors and owners and the PCCHA left South Point once again hosting a great show for everyone involved.

Make sure to check PCCHA for all the official show results and look ahead to the Road To Reno. Also remember that slots are still available for the South Point Super Futurity which will be held in conjunction with the Holy Cow Performance Horse Futurity in September.