M E Flying Cowgirl, under jockey Eric Ayala, captured the $27,000 Elko Quarter Horse Derby on Monday at the Elko County Fair.

© Kira Jo Samargis

By StallioneSearch

ELKO, NV—SEPTEMBER 1, 2025—M E Flying Cowgirl turned in a powerful performance to capture the $27,000 Elko Quarter Horse Derby on Monday at the Elko County Fair, covering the 400 yards on a fast track in 19.942 seconds and earning a 96 speed index.

Under jockey Eric Ayala, the three-year-old sorrel filly broke sharply from the gate, grabbed the early advantage, and dug in late to score by a neck.

Trained by Jarrett Mills and owned and bred by Dave Merritt and Kim Newman, she earned $10,800 for the victory. The daughter of Flying Cowboy 123 out of Ettago This by Favorite Cartel has now solidified her status as one of the region’s rising sprint stars. With a (7) 2-3-1 record, she boosted her earnings to $43,800.

Paint the City, a three-year-old bay gelding by Jess Paint Me out of High Five City by Five Bar Cartel, delivered a strong late rally to finish second, just a neck behind the winner.

Ridden by Angel Armenta and trained by Cesar Luna for owner Efrain Acosta, Paint the City broke from the rail and hugged the inside path to the wire. Bred in Utah by Spencer Peterson, Paint The City collected $5,400 for the runner-up effort after his gritty performance on the inside.

El Treen, a bay colt by world champion sire Freighttrain B out of After Party by One Famous Eagle, finished third, another neck back, under jockey Minor Arana. Trained by Jorge Paredes for owner and breeder Adrian Aleman of Utah, El Treen ran a clean race from start to finish, earning $2,700 for his share of the purse.

Following the top three finishers, the remainder of the field included Cb Docs Bella Terra, Quick As Jess, Jg Separatist Times, Ts Jess Attack, and Paint Me Mo Famous.

Editor's Note: A photo of the winner will be posted with this story when it becomes available from the track photographer.

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