The Run For A Million Cow Horse Challenge is an eagerly awaited event for reined cow horse enthusiasts. With a limited field of 15 entries, $250,000 in prize money, and top-notch bridle horses congregating in Las Vegas to vie for the prestigious title.
After the rein work on Thursday, Aug 13, at the South Point Hotel and Casino, Justin Wright and Snapdragons emerged as the frontrunners with a score of 223.
The fence work is set for Friday, Aug. 14 at 7 P.M. local time, where the composite score will determine the champion.
About Snapdragons
The 2017 stallion Snapdragons, bred by Flying V Ranch and trained by Zane Davis, made waves early in his career as one of the first reined cow horses sired by $19 million reining stallion Gunnatrashya.
According to a 2021 article, Snapdragons marked Law’s debut in the reined cow horse world. Law acquired the stallion as a yearling for under $10,000 from his friend R.J. Chambers. Despite facing initial skepticism, Law and Davis clinched the reserve Co-Champion title at the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity in 2020 and secured the 2021 NRCHA Tres Osos Cow Horse Derby Championship. Snapdragons has amassed earnings of $282,268 to date, according to QData.
In early 2026, it was announced that Snapdragons was acquired 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
While Justin Wright and Snapdragons claimed the top spot in the rein work, the fence work is considered the “great equalizer.” The competition remains open, and here are the top five performers:
2 – 222.5 – Shawn Hays, Cats Tell Secrets
WR This Cats Smart x Secrets Blue Angel
2018 Gelding
Owned by Katalyst Performance Horses       Â
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 MarsÂ
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 LLCÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
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 |