2004 NRCHA Derby Begins Wednesday, July 7

Reined Cow Horse Actions Returns to Paso Robles

July 5, 2004 - On the heels of the NRCHA Hackamore Classic held at the California Mid-State Fairgrounds in Paso Robles in May, the National Reined Cow Horse Association returns to the center of wine country this week for its NRCHA Derby.

Tagged "Where the Best Go Next" the NRCHA Derby, July 7-11, features 4- and 5-year-old cow horses, and gives post futurity horses a further chance for great earnings. They are shown in a snaffle bit, whether or not they have been shown in a bridle elsewhere in their career, which is an exception to the normally strict bridle rule of the National Reined Cow Horse Association.

Last years Derby champion was former NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Open Champion Jon Roeser of Lemoore, Calif. He won the 2003 NRCHA Derby Open Championship on Very Smart Remedy, owned by NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity Non Pro Champion, Anne Reynolds. The win, worth $14,200, became the latest chapter in an already outstanding career for the 4-year-old stallion as he had already earned the 2003 NRCHA Hackamore Classic open title – winning every division of competition.

The strong support of the Paso Robles community was the deciding factor in locating two of the National Reined Cow Horse Association's premier events at the California Mid-State Fair Arena. NRCHA Sponsor Committee Chairman Carol Rose was enthusiastic about the move and praised the Paso Robles business community for its support of the event. She cited NRCHA Patrons Jack and Phoebe Cook, as well as local sponsors George and Sue Hearst, Golden Hills Auto Center, Paso Robles Inn, San Juan Ranch, Lacey Livestock Quarter Horses, Plaza Cleaners/Goforth Equestrian, JB Dewar and Rick Machado.

Rose noted, "The facility is wonderful and the Paso Robles area is definitely horse country, loaded with western heritage. It's a great place to showcase the reined cow horses and we're thrilled to be here for the next three years."

According to Executive Director Vivian Sayler, the California Mid-State Fair will host a complimentary Barbecue on Friday of Derby week in Paso Robles. Set to begin at 6 pm on July 9, the event is free for all exhibitors, guests and sponsors. Then, on Saturday evening, Golden Hills Auto Center will provide a reception, as well.

The festivities will take place in "The Barn' located next to the arena on the fairgrounds.

NRCHA President Benny Guitron commented. The support from the Mid-State Fair management and staff has been tremendous. The facility is exceptional and we're very glad to be associated with the California Mid-State Fair facility and the community of Paso Robles.

The National Reined Cow Horse Association, the governing body of cow horse competition, is responsible for promoting the sport, insuring high standards of competition and educating members and the public about the history and tradition of the cow horse. Through the support of a Corporate Partner family that includes Bayer Corporation, Bailey Hat Company, Bob's Custom Saddles, Cinch, Inc., Classic Equine, EQ Solutions, MD Barns, Platinum Performance, Inc., Nutrena, Skyline Silversmiths, Sundowner Trailers, National Ropers Supply, Quarter Horse News & Western Horseman magazine, the Reno Hilton, Dan Gamel's RV Centers and Coachmen RV's, horsecentral.com, Farnam Vetrolin Liniment and Ivercare/ComboCare/ContinuEx, Rios of Mercedes and the Silver Legacy, the association works to keep the vaquero tradition alive in today’s equine industry. For information on the National Reined Cow Horse Association, call 580-759-4949 or visit the NRCHA Official Web Site at www.nrcha.com.