March 14, 2005 - On the heels of the NRCHA Hackamore Classic held at the California Mid-State Fairgrounds in Paso Robles, the National Reined Cow Horse Association will return to the center of wine country for its NRCHA Derby June 22-26.

Tagged "Where the Best Go Next" the Derby 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 or hackamore, 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 year's Derby proved to be an exciting event, when Jon Roeser won the Open Championship on Very Smart Remedy, making it an incredible two Derbies in a row for the flashy stallion owned by Annie Reynolds. Sizzling hot, this duo would go on to become the 2005 World’s Greatest Horseman champions in late February.

The action was no less captivating in the Non Pro division when Dema Paul and Primos Bob Acre won the 2004 Derby title. This duo had already earned the 2003 NRCHA Stakes and 2003 Hackamore Classic Non Pro titles, and were the 2003 NRCHA Derby Reserve Champions. In 2004, they won the Open and Non Pro Hackamore Stakes, and the 2004 Derby title brought "Bob's" lifetime earnings above the $130,000 mark.

The 2004 Derby was well attended and solidified the Mid-State area as a center of reined cow horse action. The strong support of the Paso Robles community continues in 2005, with the much-appreciated patronage and support of Jack and Phoebe Cook, along with sponsorship support from George and Sue Hearst, Golden Hills Auto Center, Paso Robles Inn and JB Dewar, Inc.

With over 300 horses on the fairgrounds, the economic impact on the local economy, by standard economic impact formula, is over $630,000 brought directly into the Paso Robles area. Considering the turnover multiplier, that translates to a total economic impact on the community of over $2.5 million!

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 for June 24, the event is free for all exhibitors, guests and sponsors.

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

NRCHA President Dan Roeser commented. “The support from the Mid-State Fair management and staff has been tremendous. The facility is exceptional and the National Reined Cow Horse Association is 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 56-year-old 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, Bob's Custom Saddles, Cinch, Inc., Classic Equine, EQ Solutions, MD Barns, Platinum Performance, Inc., Nutrena, Skyline Gold and Silversmiths, Sundowner Trailers, National Ropers Supply, Quarter Horse News & Western Horseman magazine, the Reno Hilton, Dan Gamel's RV Centers, Farnam products Vetrolin Liniment and Farnam dewormers IverCare, ComboCare, LiquiCare P and Continuex, Fort Dodge West Nile Innovator, Rios of Mercedes, Great American Insurance Company 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.