ReinerStop SHOWTIME announces upcoming event coverage -
Tulsa Reining Classic
Only days after ReinerStop’s launch of the very first live stream, they have already announced their next event: The Tulsa Reining Classic, September 4, 2021. ReinerStop’s mission is to open the door for 100,000 people to get involved in reining in 2021. The ReinerStop brand reached over 82,000 unique people in the 30-days leading up to the first live event, which covered The North American Reining Stakes in Lexington, VA on July 24, 2021. More than 66% of the streaming viewers watched from a mobile device, which continues to show the need for an easy-to-use, real time experience. Sheley Brien, founder of ReinerStop said they were “very pleased” with the results from the first showtime. Statistics from the first event validate proof of concept and show that it has drummed up excitement across the industry.
82,000 unique people reached throughout marketing, promotion & live event. 38 L4 Open Futurity runs analyzed live 12 countries & 4 continents tuned in 3 on screen experts + moderators 1 reason: love of the horses TULSA REINING CLASSIC
The Tulsa Reining Classic is now under new ownership and management. Recently acquired by Pete and Tamra Kyle, this long-standing show will have a new set of faces, and a new way to tune in. “Our Futurity will showcase many horses the industry hasn’t seen yet. The South Central Regional Championship happening during the TRC will highlight the fiercest exhibitors’ competition for their chance at the NAAC finals in Oklahoma City during the Futurity. The level of expertise that ReinerStop brings to our listeners is unparalleled to anything that’s been done before. This stream is great for beginners to experienced showmen. Anyone interested in what’s really going on with reining won’t want to miss this digital experience.” - Pete Kyle, Owner of Tulsa Reining Classic Reinerstop offers access to this real-time sports commentary through a pay-per-view ticketed experience. Tickets will be available mid-August. Details and tickets can be found at ReinerStop.com. 70
John Rotz passed away on July 12, 2021, at the Rotz Farm in Warrensburg, Illinois. A member of the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame, Rotz lived a storied life. Renowned for his humble demeanor and talent with a horse, Rotz, known by his nickname “Gentleman John,” had an extraordinary career as a jockey. John Rotz was the 1987
Remembering Renowned Jockey & NRHA World Champ
Novice Horse Non Pro World Champion. He was also a National Reining Horse Association World Champion. Rotz was born on December 16, 1934, in Niantic, Illinois. After graduating high school in 1952, he went to work as a groom, hotwalker and exercise rider at Fairmount Park Racetrack in Collinsville, Illinois, before becoming a professional jockey in 1953. During Rotz’s 20-year racing career he won a total of 2,907 races. In 1962 he won the Preakness Stakes on Greek Money and then the Belmont Stakes on High Echelon in 1970. He rode in the Kentucky Derby six times; his best finish was fourth on Native Charger. In both 1969 and 1970 he won more stakes races than any other jockey in American racing. In 1973, Rotz received the George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award, given to a jockey who demonstrates high standards of personal and professional conduct, on and off the racetrack. He retired from riding that year following surgery for a foot injury but remained active in the industry. In 1983, he and his wife, Mary, returned to Warrensburg, Illinois, where they purchased a 280-acre farm where Mary rehabilitated wildlife and Rotz began his western performance horse career. Many people were familiar with Rotz as a superstar in the racing world but for many reiners, he was first and foremost a fellow competitor. It was after former NRHA President Rick Weaver won the NRHA Futurity in 1982 that he met Rotz. Rotz had just purchased Big Red Item and visited Weaver’s facility for help. For Weaver, it was instantly clear that Rotz had a great relationship with and a feel for horses. In 1987, Rotz went on to win the NRHA Novice Horse Non Pro World Championship on another horse named Doc Star Time. What impressed Weaver the most was the man’s humility. “I think the thing that is most important that people know about John was how he conducted himself. For a world class athlete that won the Preakness and the Belmont, I was so struck at how humble he was. It was probably my first glance of what it looked like to be going through your life and living with grace,” Weaver shared. Weaver expanded on that thought, noting that despite all Rotz accomplishments and achievements, many people were unaware of his success unless they had read it somewhere or somebody pointed it out.
AUGUST 2021
John Rotz
