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THE 2026 NCHA OPEN DERBY, PROUDLY SPONSORED BY THE AQHA, SHOWCASED THE VERY BEST OF AUSTRALIA ' S CUTTING TALENT, BUT IT WAS ONE OUTSTANDING MARE AND A FAULTLESS PERFORMANCE FROM HER BREEDER, OWNER, TRAINER AND RIDER, TROY RANDELL OF TROY RANDELL CUTTING HORSES, THAT STOLE THE SPOTLIGHT.
Aboard the exceptional mare High on Sugar Q-102997, Troy delivered a polished and confident performance to claim the prestigious Open Derby Championship with an impressive score of 222. Drawing the final position in the first set can often add extra pressure, but Troy remained composed, using his experience and confidence in his mare to produce a winning run when it mattered most.
High On Sugar Q-102997 is a mare that represents years of thoughtful breeding and dedicated horsemanship. Bred by Troy & Zannie Randell, she is by the outstanding sire Kit Kat Sugar and out of the accomplished and proven producer Spin N Metallic. Combining elite bloodlines with careful training, High On Sugar Q-102997 demonstrated all the qualities expected of a future champion, athleticism, cow sense, consistency and composure under pressure.
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AQHA Open Derby Champion and Presentation with sponsors- Troy Randell and High On Sugar Q-102997
2026 AQHA ~ JULY / AUGUST ISSUE