FORT WORTH, TEXAS\u2014Logging a fantastic year on the track, CRM Livewire and Flashthechicks were named the American Paint Horse Association\u2019s 2012 Running World Champions. CRM Livewire took home the World Champion title for Regular Registry Paints, and Flashthechicks was the Solid Paint-Bred World Champion. They topped the field of 20 APHA Running Champions for the 2012 season.<\/p>\n
The Running Champion awards are presented annually to Paint Horses that demonstrate athleticism on the racetrack. Selection is based on their level of competition, location, races won and earnings. Awards are presented in three age categories for both Regular Registry and Solid Paint-Bred Registry horses, and the winners are selected by the APHA Racing Committee. Canadian\/International, Distance and Claiming Champions were also named, along with racing Honor Roll champions.<\/p>\n
2012 World Champions
\nLast year\u2019s Champion 2-Year-Old Colt and No. 1 Honor Roll Stallion, CRM Livewire came back even stronger for his 3-year-old season, winning his first World Champion Running Horse title along with Champion 3-Year-Old and Champion 3-Year-Old Colt honors. He also repeated his 2011 title as the No. 1 Honor Roll Stallion.<\/p>\n
In 11 starts, the 2009 bay tobiano stallion logged a record of five wins and three seconds, including a trio of stakes victories in the Speedhorse Paint& Appaloosa Derby, the Masterpiece Challenge and the Talimena Handicap. The stallion earned a 2012 bankroll of $72,790 for owner\/breeder Dan Jones of Kemp, Texas, which brought the stallion\u2019s lifetime earnings to more than $90,000. By Cartel Success (QH) and out of Elaina Go Go, CRM Livewire was trained by Matt Whitekiller.
\nCRM Livewire
\nCartel Success (QH)
\nCorona Cartel
\nHolland Ease
\nCorona Chick
\nDashing Mariah
\nFirst Down Dash
\nKellys Coffer
\nElaina Go Go
\nTexas Hero
\nRaise A Jet
\nBreakaway Baby
\nElaina Sweetness (QH)
\nOn A High
\nElaina Rae<\/p>\n
With a stellar year that added $87,532 to his earnings record, Flashthechicks successfully defended his 2011 World Championship and claimed the 2012 World Champion Solid Paint-Bred Running Horse title, Champion 3-Year-Old SPB and 3-Year-Old SPB Gelding titles, and No. 1 SPB Honor Roll Gelding award.<\/p>\n
A record of five wins, three seconds and three thirds over 12 starts helped Flashthechicks capture earnings of $87,532 in 2012, bringing his lifetime earnings to $273,539. Like his counterpart, the 2009 sorrel solid gelding captured three stakes wins in 2012: the PSBA Derby, the Oklahoma Horsemen\u2019s Association Derby and the Green Country Handicap. Sired by Royal Quick Flash and out of Game Chicken, Flashthechicks was bred and is owned by Shirley Wheeler of Boynton, Oklahoma\u20142012\u2019s Leading Breeder and Owner. Luis Villafranco trained the gelding.
\nFlashthechicks
\nRoyal Quick Flash
\nRoyal Quick Dash (QH)
\nFirst Down Dash
\nHarems Choice
\nVenice Song (QH)
\nHempen (TB)
\nVenice
\nGame Chicken
\nGame Patriot (QH)
\nChicks Beduino
\nFire And Nice
\nKickin Chicken
\nJudys Lineage
\nKita Wheeler (QH)<\/p>\n
Additional Honorees<\/p>\n
APHA also recognizes individuals who contribute to the success of the breed\u2019s running champions. Each year, the association honors the leading breeder, owner, trainer and jockey.<\/p>\n
Thanks in part to Flashthechick\u2019s dominant performance on the track in 2012, Shirley Wheeler of Boynton, Oklahoma, was named the 2012 Leading Owner and Breeder\u2014this is her second consecutive time to win both titles. In addition to World Champion SPB Running Horse winner Flashthechicks, Shirley also owns and bred Imachickenkicker, the 2012 Champion 2-Year-Old SPB and 2-Year-Old SPB Filly, and No. 1 SPB Honor Roll Mare.<\/p>\n
Earning a second consecutive title as Leading Trainer of 2012 was Dee Keener of Inola, Oklahoma. With runners that included 2012 Champion winners Lajollas Mr Big Stuff, SW Eye Candy, Getta Dos Of This, Super Glide Harley and Sexy Senorita, Keener-trained horses captured $396,411 in earnings during 2012.<\/p>\n
Earning his ninth Leading Jockey title was G.R. Carter Jr., who piloted his mounts to total 2012 earnings worth $281,441. Among his mounts last year were2012 Champions Imachickenkicker and Lajollas Mr Big Stuff.<\/p>\n
\u201cCongratulations to this world-class group of Paint Horses and people,\u201d APHA Executive Director Billy Smith said. \u201cWe can\u2019t wait to see you at the track in 2013.\u201d<\/p>\n