Organizers of The Run For a Million (TRFAM) have announced a new qualifying format debuting in 2026, with the 6666 National Reining Horse Association Derby® presented by Markel playing a pivotal role as both the official Semi-Final competition and the Last Chance Qualifier for Rookie, Youth, and Non Pro divisions.
The updated system introduces a streamlined, two-step path to the TRFAM Finals, expanding opportunities for riders at every level while spotlighting premier reining events.
Step 1 — Qualify for the TRFAM Semi-Finals
Rookie, Youth, and Non Pro Divisions
- When: Qualifying begins in 2025 and closes May 31, 2026, with the exception of the 2026 NRHA Derby® Last Chance Qualifier.
- Qualification for the 2027 TRFAM will run June 1, 2026–May 31, 2027, except that the 2026 NRHA Derby® will serve as a 2026 qualifier.
- Where: TRFAM Semi-Final Qualifying Events nationwide (projected to mirror the 2024–25 calendar), including the Last Chance Semi-Final Qualifying Events at the 2026 NRHA Derby®.
- How:
- The top five riders from each slate in each division (plus ties) advance to the Semi-Finals at the 2026 NRHA Derby®.
- At the Derby, the first slate of Non Pro, Rookie 1, Rookie 2, and Youth classes will serve as the official Last Chance Qualifier.
- Eligibility: Riders must qualify under NRHA eligibility rules at the time of each Semi-Final Qualifying Event. Eligibility to compete at the 2026 TRFAM Semi-Finals is based on rider eligibility as of January 1, 2026.
- Example: A rider may qualify in Rookie 1 during 2025 but be ineligible for Rookie 1 at the 2026 Semi-Finals due to earnings. It is the contestant’s responsibility to monitor earnings.
Open Division
- The $1 Million Open Semi-Final Qualifier will be held at Bosque Ranch, separate from Rookie, Youth, and Non Pro qualifying events.
Step 2 — Semi-Finals at the 2026 NRHA Derby® (Oklahoma City)
Semi-Final runs will take place concurrently with the corresponding NRHA Derby® ancillary classes. All exhibitors must be entered in the matching NRHA class.
- Youth Semi-Finals: Runs with Unrestricted Youth [2]
- Rookie 1 Semi-Finals: Runs with Rookie Level 1 [2]
- Rookie 2 Semi-Finals: Runs with Rookie Level 2 [2]
- Non Pro Semi-Finals: Contestants may designate either their Non Pro preliminary round OR the Non Pro [2] on Sunday, June 21, as their Semi-Final run. This designation must be made before the start of the Non Pro Derby preliminary round. The Top 30 (plus ties) scores across both Non Pro options will advance.
Riders advancing to the TRFAM Finals include:
- Rookie 1: Top 20 + ties
- Rookie 2: Top 20 + ties
- Non Pro: Top 30 + ties
- Youth: Top 10 + ties
Step 3 — TRFAM Finals (August 2026, Las Vegas)
Finalists will face off in Las Vegas on one of reining’s most prestigious stages, competing for record payouts, career-defining recognition, and a place in TRFAM history.
For more information about The Run For a Million, visit TheRunForAMillion.com or call 580-301-6969.
