The 2020 NRHA Derby Presented by Markel is just days away. We’ve uncovered some fun facts about the horses and riders who’ll be vying for championship honors this year in Oklahoma City.
Here in Oklahoma City, we’re busy gearing up for the 2020 NRHA Derby Presented by Markel. Although this year’s show might look slightly different in light of precautions necessary due to COVID-19, the number of entries (up from last year’s NRHA Derby Presented by Markel) slated to compete ensure that the competition will be as steep as ever.
Although late entries are still rolling in, as of June 10, there are 242 horses entered in all levels of the open derby, with 245 set to compete in the non pro derby. Of those, 228 will vie for one of 30 slots in the L4 Open Finals, while 138 will aim to be one of 30 finalists in the L4 Non Pro.
In total, you’ll see 163 horses that are 4-year-olds, 136 5-year-olds, 105 6-year-olds, and 83 7-year-olds. The 2020 NRHA Derby Presented by Markel marks the first time in that 7-year-old horses may compete in the event.
In the Bob’s Custom Saddles Novice Horse Open Derby, which will run concurrently with the open go-round, 67 horses with less than $10,000 NRHA LTE as of May 15, 2020, will compete for the win. Another 85 entries who fit the same criteria will give their best effort in the Bob’s Custom Saddles Novice Horse Non Pro Derby, which runs concurrently with the non pro go-round.
If you watched the 2019 NRHA Futurity, you’ll recognize Draw 102 in the first section of the open go-round. That’s right: Super Marioo and NRHA Million Dollar Rider Cade McCutcheon will return to the Jim Norick Arena aiming to take home another NRHA title. Read more about Cade’s plans for this season, here.
If you’ll compete in the event, we urge you to take a close look at the special precautionary measures at this year’s show to help keep everyone healthy.
Stay up to date with all the latest from the NRHA Derby Presented by Markel, find draws and results, watch the live stream, and more at nrhaderby.com.