Early Entries Signal Major Growth For 2026 All Star Reining Stakes
COLUMBUS, Ohio — With the 2026 All American Quarter Horse Congress still a month away, early entry
numbers are already generating tremendous excitement for the All Star Reining Stakes.
While late entries are expected to continue arriving through the beginning of September, preliminary
numbers show impressive growth across several levels of competition—setting the stage for what could be
the largest and most rewarding year in the program’s history.
The most significant growth thus far can be seen in the All Star Open Derby. The increase follows a
major expansion of added money and an important schedule adjustment designed to make the event more
exhibitor-friendly.
“Exhibitors talked, and we listened,” said All Star Reining Stakes Managing Member Shannon Rafacz.
“The Open Derby schedule was the most consistent piece of constructive feedback we received following the
2025 event. We made it a priority to respond, and we are thrilled with how positively those changes are being
received.”
That response is already evident in the early entries. With substantially more added money and a
schedule created to better serve horses, riders and trainers, the Open Derby is quickly becoming one of the
most anticipated portions of the 2026 event.
This year’s All Star Reining Stakes will feature the most added money and the largest potential payouts
in program history—but the record-setting investment does not stop with the show pen.
The program is also positioned to distribute more money than ever through its stallion incentives, stallion
paybacks and nominator payback checks. These rewards recognize and support the stallion owners, breeders
and nominators whose participation provides the foundation for the program’s continued growth.
“Every year, our goal is to find new ways to return more money to the people who support this program,”
said Managing Member Vincienzo Santos. “From increased class purses to record incentive and payback
checks, we want that commitment to be felt throughout the entire industry.”
Breeders and owners are also reminded to enroll their eligible weanlings in the All Star Reining Stakes
program. Weanling enrollment creates future eligibility for the program and an opportunity to compete for
the All Star Weanling Enrollment Incentive, which rewards the nominators of the highest-scoring enrolled
horses.
MORE ADDED MONEY. MORE INCENTIVE MONEY.
MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO BE REWARDED.
The All Star Reining Stakes just keeps giving back.
Additional entry, enrollment and program information is available through the All Star Reining Stakes
and the All American Quarter Horse Congress.