Breeder’s Invitational Derby begins May 16
5.6.2011
Two-week long event brings estimated $3.3 million economic impact to city The ever-popular Breeder’s Invitational returns to Tulsa May 16-28 at the world-class Expo Square in the heart of Tulsa. This event offers one of the largest payouts of any competition sanctioned by the National Cutting Horse Association and promises to deliver the finest cutting horses and riders in the country. And, for the second year in a row, the BI will run in conjunction with one of the Mercuria World Finals qualifying shows kicking off May 14.
On May 16, Breeder’s Invitational competition gets underway and will continue for 13 days, building to an exciting Open Finals showcasing this season’s top 4-year-olds in cutting from across the nation. With $1.5 million in prize money at stake, and the wonderful venue of Tulsa as the backdrop, the BI is a favorite for some of the cutting industry’s top competitors.
“This show is one of the best cuttings in the business,” said Phil Hanson, last year’s Open Derby Champion aboard LHR Smooth Jamie May. “Not only is the prize money significant, but the town of Tulsa has a lot to offer all of us who travel to be here.”
Breeder’s Invitational Executive Director Bob O’Bannon largely credits the town’s hospitality with the event’s great reception.
“Tulsa is such a great place for this event,” he said. “The city truly welcomes the cutters with open arms. We get a great deal of media attention and the Expo Square is an ideal, top-notch venue.” He added, “We have a large selection of vendors once again this year and have expanded our ‘shopping area.’ To accommodate special guests and spectators, we have added a VIP viewing platform that affords visitors a bird’s eye view of the competition.”
Breeder’s Invitational made its debut in Tulsa two years ago when they signed a three-year contract through 2011. As a result of the show’s success in Tulsa, the group elected to sign another three-year contract good through 2014.
“Their decision to sign a second three-year contract is truly a testament to the wonderful facilities, dedicated staff and accommodating space at Expo Square as well as the hospitality only Tulsa can offer,” said Ray Hoyt, senior vice president of VisitTulsa. “As a representative of VisitTulsa it is my honor and duty to work with these fine men and women of the Breeder’s Invitational to ensure the two weeks they spend in Tulsa each year is a success both for their organization and for our region.”
Annually, the Breeder’s Invitational brings an estimated $3.3 million economic impact during their two-week stay in Tulsa. As a result, each three-year contract provides a nearly $10 million economic boost to the regional economy.
“They are very much a part of our community and their contribution has a lasting impact,” said Hoyt. “Through the additional sales tax revenue generated during their extended stay, the city receives help in funding critical civic works projects for the benefit of our citizens.”
The Breeder's Invitational is a non-profit corporation formed to promote and enhance the cutting horse industry by producing a major event that offers a very large purse and a top-notch venue. In its eight years of existence, the BI has paid out more than $11 million and is ranked as one of the major events in the cutting industry today. For more information, including the show schedule and festivities, contact the Breeder’s Invitational organization at (877) 781-2660 or visit www.breedersinvitational.com.
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Editor’s note: Through its directed marketing activities, VisitTulsa actively recruits conventions, meetings, and sporting events. It offers professional assistance in every area of meeting and convention activity, including planning, promotion, housing and registration, and visitor services. In 1903, the founders of the Tulsa Commercial Club included visitor attraction as a primary focus of duty. For more than 107 years, the Tulsa Metro Chamber has continued this focus as a partner to the city of Tulsa.
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