Tulsa lands cutting horse show for 3 years

TULSA, Okla. (AP)--A major competition for cutting horses will move to Tulsa through at least 2011.

The Breeder's Invitational drew 700 entries for its most recent event, held in May in Las Vegas. Event officials said more than $8 million in prize money has been offered to competitors during the show's six-year history.

The show will be held next May at Expo Square. Tulsa was chosen over Oklahoma City, Houston and Kansas City, Mo., to host the show, said Frank Merrill, the president of Breeder's International.

"Our hope is that if this turns out to be a great venue, we may find a permanent home here," Merrill said, July 10. "Hopefully we can make this a partnership that lasts even longer."

"You have a wonderful fairgrounds and facilities that you've spent a lot of money on. It's a place where I think we can really cultivate some interest, not just for people who like horses, but also for laymen and neophytes--people who are new to what it is we do."

Cutting horses are bred and trained to separate calves from a larger group of cattle.

The show will have an economic impact of $3.3 million annually on Tulsa, said Suzann Stewart, the senior vice president for the Tulsa Metro Chamber's Convention and Visitors Bureau.