The 2017 NRBC Classic will take 30 entries to the Intermediate Non Pro, Limited Non Pro and Level 1 Non Pro Finals – creating a total of 30 more finalist spots for the show set for April 16-23.

The always-innovative National Reining Breeders Classic has done it again! Not only will the 20th NRBC cross the $20 Million payout mark, it will break new ground in another area. The 2017 NRBC Classic will take 30 entries to the Intermediate Non Pro, Limited Non Pro and Level 1 Non Pro Finals – creating a total of 30 more finalist spots for the show set for April 16-23.

The change came following an NRBC Board Meeting on July 13 and NRBC Secretary-Treasurer Cheryl Cody noted that making the change was a unanimous decision by the NRBC Board of Directors. “The NRBC has long been an event that brought more people to the finals – and paid deeper, both in money and prizes,” she said. “Now, not only will there be 30 Level 4 Non Pro finalists, but there will also be 30 in these other three Non Pro divisions, which previously each took 20 to the finals.”

NRBC President Tom McCutcheon brought the idea to the board. He said, “As competitive as horses and riders are today in the Non Pro divisions we thought it was an appropriate time to expand our finals.” NRBC Vice President Colleen McQuay added, “As Tom has pointed out, many industry professionals are aware of the growing numbers of Non Pros and their greater investment in and commitment to the aged events. We on the NRBC board felt that this is one way to respond to them.”

In an industry where becoming an NRBC finalist is such an important credit to a horse’s record and a career laurel for a Non Pro, the NRBC Board feels that this is the right direction for Derby age horses. Of course, besides the achievement, all NRBC finalists receive paychecks and awards. With the changes, some adjustments will be made in the already full schedule, with the finals beginning a little earlier on Friday.  McQuay noted, “We think most people will view that as a small price to pay for the opportunity to qualify for an important final.” For additional information on the National Reining Breeders Classic, visit the website at www.nrbc.com or call 580-759-3939.

The National Reining Breeders Classic Board of Directors met on December 20 and in an eleventh-hour decision moved to increase the number of Open Finalists beginning with the upcoming NRBC show set for April 16-23.

Not only will the 20th NRBC cross the $20 Million payout mark, with this new decision, every eligibility division from L1 to L4 in both the Open and the Non Pro Classic will have 30 finalists.

NRBC President Tom McCutcheon brought the idea of increasing the number of Open Finalists to the board. He said, “Reining has become much more competitive at all levels. We think that doing this will benefit both owners and trainers. More horses will have a chance to earn important credentials for their records.”

According to NRBC Secretary-Treasurer Cheryl Magoteaux Cody, the change came about after the 2017 Premium book was printed and mailed. “So the terms and conditions that are in our 2017 Show Premium Book are outdated. We will update the Terms and Conditions on the website right away.”

Cody added, “In a year where we are celebrating 20 years of the NRBC, it seemed fitting to the entire board to increase opportunities for those who participate. Of course, besides the achievement, all NRBC finalists in all levels receive paychecks and awards. We are all looking forward to another historic show in 2017!”

For additional information on the National Reining Breeders Classic, visit the web site at www.nrbc.com or call 580-759-3939.