Start of the 1970 VC100

Photo: Charlie Barieau
1970

Donna Fitzgerald riding the one and only Witezarif at VC100 in 1970, when they finished first.

Witezarif won Virginia City 100 in 1970, 1974, 1975, 1976, and 1977. He was a 9-14 years old Arabian gelding.
Their riding times were:
1970-11:52
1974-12:49
1975-11:31
1976-11:37(highest number of entries recorded for the ride, 117 starters, 71 finishers)
1977-11:56.
1970 – Donna Fitzgerald and Witezarif.

1970 – Donna Fitzgerald and Witezarif at the finish
1970 – VC100

1971 – Virginia City 100

1971 Virginia City 100 Ride Chart

1971 Virginia City 100 Ride Chart

1971 and 1972 Virginia City 100 Winners

Cricket was the first 500 mile horse (VC100 x 5 times) on record in 1972.
Connie: “This photo was taken from the 1972 Nevada All-State Virginia City ride brochure. Cricket was a half Arab grade mare. She could sure fly for being such a small horse.”
Marjorie: “Cricket was out of a 1/2 TWH and 1/2 arab mare named Ginger Rogers, and her sire was Buzz Bomb, a racing quarter horse. She was definitely a sprinter and you wouldn’t want to race her to the finish line!”
1971 – 1972 Virginia City 100 Winners

“I believe Diane was the women who rode the Tevis with ski-goggles to keep dust out of her contact lens, and did well back in the 70’s, The following year, many riders following her lead wore ski-goggles the following year.”
“I’ll never know how Diana always stayed so clean.”
Tamara Stewart: “Diane did stay clean! Oh…there was that one year…white britches, bogs..a stallion and a descent downhill! 1995! We finished! She was not happy about being a bit muddy!”
1971 Base Camp in Virginia City
From the 1972 VC100 Ride Brochure
Dolores McKendry

The results show 91 starters and 37 finishers that year. Dolores finished in 14th place.
Smokey Killen and Diane Clagett Marquard

Photo: Charlie Barieau
Virginia City 100 water stop.

Photo: Charlie Barieau
1973 Virginia City 100 Winners

1973 Virginia City 100 Winners

Donna Fitzgerald and Witezarif at VC100 in 1973

Photo: Charlie Barieau
Donna and Witezarif

Photo: Charlie Barieau
Donna and Witezarif

Photo: Charlie Barieau
1975 – Connie Creech tailing Shiek up Clark Mountain on what would be her first completion at VC100.

Shiek finished Virginia City 100 five times and went on to complete 4030 AERC miles.
Photo: Charlie Barieau
Smokey Killen and Diane Clagett Marquard

Photo: Charlie Barieau
1976 Ride Start

Photo: Charlie Barieau
1976 VC100 winners

Photo: Charlie Barieau
1976 VC100 winners

Photo: Charlie Barieau
1976 VC100 winners

Photo: Charlie Barieau
1976 VC100 winners

Photo: Charlie Barieau
1976 – Pat Fitzgerald and Ghost

Mark Scheberies: “I’m pretty sure that this Ghost was registered as Halanad.”
Photo: Charlie Barieau
1976 – Pat Fitzgerald and juniors

Mark Scheberies receiving the first Junior blanket at 1976 IAHA Virginia City100 mile championship.

1978 Virginia City 100 Winners

1978 Virginia City 100

1979 Virginia City 100 Winners

Marjorie: “Cliff and Dani Lewis started Fritz for me. Dani was the first to ride him. When she handed him over to me she said he was the best horse she had ever ridden. I think she said that because he was so comfortable and smooth to ride. I was new to endurance and VERY lucky!!
Fritz won several rides, including Tevis twice and came in the top 6 – 7 times. He lost his eye at the beginning of his 6th year. I didn’t like riding those trails in the dark!!”
1970s – Diane Clagett Marquard riding Smokey Killen’s Edelweiss Erik

Mary-Anne Maynard: “We had Erik for several years, a gift from Diane to my son. Erik had over 6,800 AERC miles and taught my son how to ride. Erik had amazing structure, bone and hooves. He could trot to the moon. Taller then Fritz as I recall.”
Marjorie: “Actually Fritz was 15.1 and Erik was 15 hh. I had my choice of the two and picked Fritz. Erik was a little stouter. They had another full brother a year older named Edelweiss Hans. He was really good but got overridden when young and chronically lame. His owners were good friends and they were the ones who told me about Fritz and Erik. They got him for a Ride ‘n Tie horse. Then I told Smokey about Erik and he went immediately and bought him.”
Marjorie receiving the AHA award at the 1976 Virginia City 100.
NASTR President Dean Hubbard and Head Veterinarian, Bruce Branscomb
