Chippewa Downs hosted the $11,500 Chippewa Downs Open Quarter Horse Maturity on Sunday's race card.

© Chippewa Downs

By StallioneSearch

BELCOURT, ND–JUNE 22, 2025–Lil Rider surged to a convincing victory in the $11,500 Chippewa Downs Open Quarter Horse Maturity (not black type) on Sunday, recording a fast time of 17.481 seconds over 350 yards on a fast track under cloudy skies. The 4-year-old chestnut filly scored by three lengths while registering a 106 speed index despite a strong 19-mph crosswind.

Owned, bred, and trained by North Dakota horseman Ronald W. Addicott, Lil Rider is by multiple stakes sire Pyc Fun N Fancy and out of Park Avenue Air, a daughter of Dashair.

Ridden confidently by Ricardo Martinez, Lil Rider broke sharply from post six and never looked back, pulling away late to secure the $5,750 winner's share of the purse.

A five time winner, Lil Rider has earned $46,460 in 18 career starts.

Second-place honors went to Dashing Is A High, a 4-year-old sorrel gelding bred in North Dakota by John Bubel. By Dashing Jess Perry out of Ima Foxy Dasher (by Up to Victory), the gelding showed grit throughout the drive, finishing 2½ lengths clear of third after overcoming a mid-pack break.

He earned $2,300 for owner John Bubel and trainer Jamie Herman with Ryan Morin in the irons. Dashing Is a High was timed in 17.921 seconds for a 93 speed index. He has earned $13,269 in 14 starts.

Stakes-placed Grit Eye, a 4-year-old gray gelding by Hawkeye out of Marmalades Cartel by Carters Cartel, rounded out the top three. Bred by Kari Buchholz and racing for owner Brooke Buchholz, Grit Eye finished third. Larren Delorme piloted the Billy Buchholz trainee to a $1,150 payday. He has earned $18,620 in 15 starts and was third in the NDQHRA Derby last season.

The race was marred slightly by the disqualification of Avas Sparkle, who originally finished fourth but was placed sixth. Also ran were Shesa Royal Jess (4th) and Bodacious Trickster (5th).

Lil Rider returned $8.00 to win, $4.40 to place, and $2.80 to show. Dashing Is a High paid $6.60 and $4.00, while Grit Eye brought $2.60 to show.

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