An extremely talented group of four-, five-, and six-year-old reining horses will meet head-on at the 2004 NRHA Derby slated for May 17-23 at the Oklahoma State Fair Park in Oklahoma City.  They’ll be competing in the $80,000 added Open Derby that includes a $15,000 added Intermediate Open Division, a $5,000 added Limited Open Division, and for the first time, a $5,000 added Prime Time Open Division.  Non Pro riders will be competing in their own $15,000 added Non Pro Derby, which boasts a $7,500 added Intermediate Non Pro Division, and a $5,000 added Limited Non Pro Division, as well as a $5,000 added Prime Time Non Pro Division.

In the traditionally laid-back, relaxed NRHA Derby atmosphere, there will be a full slate of exciting NRHA ancillary classes throughout the week as well as the NRHA Collegiate Reining Championship slated for Friday, May 21.  “International Day” begins at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 23rd, with the United States Equestrian Federation’s (USEF) Young Rider Reining Medal Championship Final.  The week culminates on Sunday with the 2004 Bayer/USEF $75,000 added Open Reining Championship Final, a Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) CRI-A, featuring the sport of Reining’s best Open riders and their equally talented mounts.

The Derby Spotlight Sale will take place in Barn 3 on Saturday, May 22, at 10:00 a.m. following the Sale Demonstration in Barn 6 (8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.).  In the tradition of NRHA’s Breeders Showcase and Futurity Prospect Sales, the Derby Spotlight Sale will feature the industry’s top producers, prospects, and proven reining horses based on their pedigree and performance records.

NRHA has a full week of extra-curricular activities planned, including Thursday’s (May 20) General Membership Meeting held in conjunction with the Celebration of Champions and “The Reining Game” presented by the NRHyA to benefit the RHSF. Spectacular Opening Ceremonies featuring recognition of NRHA’s fourth Million Dollar Rider - Duane Latimer (May 21), Freestyle reining demonstrations, and recognition of NRHA Million Dollar Sire - Reminic (May 22).

It will be an extraordinary week of competition, fun, and fellowship brought to you by the National Reining Horse Association.  Don’t miss the NRHA Derby, May 17-23, 2004 at the Oklahoma State Fair Park in Oklahoma City.