Jerseys Baby Driver, the flashy buckskin stallion with the monster stops, brought the roof down on the 2021 6666 National Reining Horse Association Derby presented by Markel. With his trainer, 2020 NRHA Professional of the Year Trevor Dare, “Hercules” spun, circled, and of course, slid his way to a score of 226.5, winning the Open Level 4 title and check for $75,000.
Since then the stallion, by Yellow Jersey out of Wind Her Up Chic, has added even more to his impressive resume – most recently the Level 4 title at the National Reining Breeders Classic.
While Dare and Hercules aren’t competing in this year’s Derby, the stallion is already on the grounds and will be making an appearance during the Hercules Reception on Thursday, June 23.
The Reception, which will be held in the Super Barn Warmup Arena, is slated to begin at 4 p.m. The stallion will be available to meet fans and even pose for pictures!
“We are excited that owner Janice Laney has chosen to bring her great stallion Hercules to the Derby for this reception. He is known for his great demeanor and love of kids, so this is a great opportunity for kids – both in reining and from the local area – to learn about horses and meet a great one,” noted NRHA Events Manager Cheryl Cody. “While this particular reception is geared towards the younger crowd, there will be plenty for adults to enjoy as well.”
The excitement that begins with the reception continues later in the night. The $20,000-added Invitational Freestyle Reining presented by the Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau, traditionally held during the NRHA Futurity, will be held Thursday at 6 p.m. The eight contestants have been working on their choreographed routines and will be ready to put on an entertaining show.
Prior to the start of the Freestyle, the Derby Level 4 Non Pro Finalists will be introduced in the Coliseum Arena.
To keep up with the latest news and updates from the 6666 NRHA Derby presented by Markel, visit NRHADerby.com, or follow NRHA on Facebook at Facebook.com/nrhareining