Gambling fever heats up special
trail course at Paint Vegas

Gamblers Choice Trail, Paint Vegas style, made its debut with the
American Paint Horse Association Wednesday and Thursday at the South Point Hotel and Casino Equestrian Center. The event was similar to trail in some respects, but with a different twist. Gamblers choice competitors were required to complete as many trail obstacles as possible within five minutes in order to score the most points. To
complete the course, set up with a Vegas gambling theme, competitors had to ride over bridges and walk over poles, as in many trail events. They also faced some new obstacles, including “Snake Eyes”— seven poles in a serpentine pattern. Other obstacles, 10 in all,
included a “Wheel of Fortune,” at which riders were expected to
perform intricate circling and precise riding patterns on their Paints.

Gamblers Choice competitors ride hard to complete as many trail obstacles as they can within five minutes in order to score the most points. Daranne Folino of Coto De Caza, California, came up a winner on Sonny Dee Zippin in the non-pro division.

In this competition, riders were allowed to attempt the obstacles in
any order, and points were awarded based on level of difficulty.

The first winner of the competition, in the non-pro division was
Daranne Folino of Coto De Caza, California, riding Sonny Dee Zippin.

While the competition was new to Folino and her American Paint Horse, it ended up being an unforgettable experience for her.

“I had never seen anything like that until that night,” Folino said. “It was contrary to everything you’re ever taught about trail, where everything is very slow and controlled.”

But did she enjoy it?

“It was the most fun I ever had in a class,” said Folino.

“It was just a thrill. The crowd was into it and it just made it so
exciting and enjoyable.

“Trail is my very favorite class, but this just added a whole new
dimension to that competition. I loved it and I would do it again.”

Folino’s gamble to compete in the Non-pro Gamblers Choice Trial event paid off big time. She won $4,500 of the $10,000 purse.

In open competition, Julie Thompson-Martell and her mount, Trulee N Motion, gave their run some Las Vegas style.

The event continued Thursday with Open Gamblers Choice Trail.

In that competition, Trulee N Motion, ridden by Julie Thompson-
Martell, hit the jackpot for owner Anne Ellis of Folsom, California.
She won $2,250 of the $5,000 total purse.