Justin Wright, Snapdragons Lead Field Following Cow Horse Challenge Rein Work at Run For A Million – Results
Lillian Jones (Kent)Aug 15, 2026
The Run For A Million Cow Horse Challenge is one of the most anticipated events of the year for reined cow horse fans, with a limited field of 15 entries, $250,000 in prize money, and the best-of-the-best bridle horses gathering in Las Vegas for an opportunity to claim the coveted title.
Following the rein work Thursday, Aug, 13, in the South Point Hotel and Casino, Justin Wright and Snapdragons led the field with a score of 223.
The fence work will take place Friday, Aug. 14 at 7 P.M. local time, and the composite score will determine the champion.
2017 stallion Snapdragons was bred by Flying V Ranch and trained by Zane Davis. He caused some buzz early in his career as one of the first reined cow horses by $19 million reining sire Gunnatrashya to begin cashing checked in the reined cow horse pen.
According to a 2021 article, Snapdragons was Law’s first foray into the reined cow horse, and he purchased the stallion as a yearling for less than $10,000 from friend R.J. Chambers. He was initially ridiculed for the decision, but in 2020, he and Davis finished reserve Co-Champion at the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity, and they won the 2021 NRCHA Tres Osos Cow Horse Derby Championship. To date, he’s earned $282,268, according to QData.
In early 2026, it was announced that Snapdragons was purchased from Shane Law by the Snapdragons Partners, and would be ridden by $3 million NRCHA horseman Wright.
Snapdragons represents an unusual flavor of cow horse with sire Gunnatrashya, but his earnings speak for themselves.
Top Five Rein Work Scores at Run For A Million Cow Horse Challenge
Justin Wright and Snapdragons may have taken the top spot in the rein work, but the cattle in the fence work are heralded as “the great equalizers.” It’s still anyone’s game, so here’s who wrapped up the top five.
2 –222.5 –Shawn Hays, Cats Tell Secrets WR This Cats Smart x Secrets Blue Angel 2018 Gelding Owned by Katalyst Performance Horses
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 Mars
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 LLC
Full Rein Work Results from Run For A Million Cow Horse Challenge
