Third time was the charm for Cody Lee of Hamilton, Montana, Thursday at the 2010 NCHA Western National Championships, presented by 6666 Ranch. In each of the past two years, he had qualified Remanitas Alegria for the Novice Non-Pro finals at the Western Nationals in Ogden, Utah.

This year, he rode the mare to a 221-point win in the $35,000 Non-Pro. Roger Brandt III took the reserve title with a 218.5 on Silverstar Rio.

Cody Lee had been a Youth finalist at the Western Nationals three times in 2000-2002 on Smart Oakalena, taking the reserve championship in 2002. His championship mare, Remanitas Alegria, is a 9-year-old  by Smart Mate out of Miss Remanita, formerly owned by fellow Montanan Kathy Foote. Remanitas Alegria has earned more than $60,000.

Cody Lee came into the finals after a three-way tie for the fifth-high score in the go-round with a 215.  Lucy Streeter won the go-round with a 218 on Peptos Playtoy 005. He drew midway through the first set to post his winning score in the finals.

Reserve Champion Roger Brandt’s mount, Silverstar Rio, is 14-year-old gelding by CD Olena out of NCHA Super Stakes and Derby Champion MNY Peppy Star Rio.