The Diamond Classic Releases $1.1 Million Payout For Main Event in Abilene, Texas
Incentives have played a significant role in generating money for barrel racing. One of the latest incentives is The Diamond Classic. This exclusive program offers only 150 farm slots and 25 stallion station slots, but it is highly diverse and offers many opportunities.
What sets this incentive apart from others is the eligibility of foals. Unlike other incentives, every stallion does not need to have an individual spot. Stallion owners can purchase a "farm" slot, which means that all foals of all stallions owned by the slot holder or even foals bred by the slot holder are eligible.
Another aspect that distinguishes this incentive from others is that foals require only one nomination payment of $250 by their three-year-old year. No yearly nominations are necessary. The money is then split up across the nation for different side-pots at large races.
The country is divided into the same regions as the Women's Professional Rodeo Association circuits. However, this is only to ensure that equal money opportunities are available in all regions. Anyone can run their nominated horses in any of the races.
The Diamond Classic has announced its main event race in Abilene, Texas, which will be held on April 12-21. The warm-up race will be held first on April 13-14 to work the ground beforehand.
"We don't want the futurity colts to be the guinea pigs," said Kinnon Peck, President of Diamond Classic.
Peck's goal has been to put horses and slot holders first throughout the establishment of this incentive. One way he has shown this is by having an exclusive side-pot for slot holders at no additional fees, with a guaranteed payout of $75,000. Horses must be owned by the slot holders and entered in the Open 4D.
"We genuinely believe that we have the most unique incentive out there. We have structured our incentive around the breeders to help grow and change the industry for the better," says Eric De La Rosa, VP of Diamond Classic.
The Diamond Classic recently announced its substantial payout and classes that will be held during this lucrative race.
The Open 4D Race is open to all horses, not just Diamond Classic horses.
The Diamond Classic
The Youth Race is open to riders who are 16 years old or younger and riding Diamond Classic horses.
The Diamond Classic
Side-pot exclusively for Slot Holder Owned horses, no additional entry fee.
The Diamond Classic
The Derby Race is open to 8-year-old horses and younger, paid into Diamond Classic.
The Diamond Classic
The Open 4D is open to riders and horses of all ages paid into Diamond Classic.
The Diamond Classic
The Futurity Race is open to 4 and 5-year-old horses paid into Diamond Classic that have not competed prior to November 2023.
The Diamond Classic
For more information, please visit thediamondclassic.com.
