The 2026 edition of The Run For A Million kicked off with a bang as Pedro Diano and Christine Loper emerged victorious in the Rookie 1 and Rookie 2 Challenge championships, respectively, at South Point Arena in Las Vegas on August 12.
Diano Takes Rookie 1
At just 14 years old, Pedro Diano clinched his first The Run For A Million title riding Great Gotta Whiz to a score of 212.5 in the Rookie 1 Challenge. Diano also secured a reserve champion spot in the Rookie 2 Challenge, earning over $500 across both classes.
Diano’s simple yet effective game plan paid off, despite feeling nervous in the electrifying atmosphere of South Point Arena.
The overwhelming support from the crowd and his team made Diano’s victory even sweeter, especially with his trusty partner, Great Gotta Whiz, by his side.
Loper Checks Off a Major Goal
Christine Loper fulfilled a longtime dream by clinching the Rookie 2 Challenge title aboard Temptedtoshine with a score of 214. The win earned her $338.50, a championship buckle, and a ribbon.
Loper’s decision to aim for The Run For A Million qualification in her final year as a Rookie rider paid off handsomely, thanks to the impressive performance of Nate. She credited her trainer, Cira Baeck, and her support system for helping her achieve this milestone.