AMARILLO, Texas -- The American Quarter Horse Association announced that an additional day would be added to the AQHA World Championship Show held November 3-17 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

The AQHA World Championship Show has grown to be the largest single-breed world championship horse show and is regarded as the premier showing event in American Quarter Horse competition. The now, 15-day event brings out the best in American Quarter Horse competition--all of which are hopeful to walk away as a world champion.

In November 2001, the AQHA World Championship Show will begin with amateur and speed event competition on Saturday, November 3. World champion in both amateur and open barrel racing, team penning and pole bending will be crowned during evening finals' performance on Sunday, November 4 and Monday, November 5. Amateur competition will continue through Friday, November 9 culminating to the crowning of the Sooner Trailer All-Around Amateur.

Open competition will begin on Saturday, November 10 and continue through Saturday, November 17 with the presentations of the OKC Leading Owner Award, the Professional's Choice Leading Exhibitor Award and the Sooner Trailer Superhorse Award on Saturday.

As of September 4, 4,732 qualifiers were eligible to compete for the $1.7 million in cash and awards.

"Our goal is to provide a fun, competitive show for everyone and do that in the most efficient way we can," said Bill Brewer, AQHA Executive Vice President. "The addition of that one day will allow competitors, owners and spectators to enjoy a better produced show without have to rush or spend many late nights in the coliseum."

Other activities throughout the two-week period include the Trade Show, featuring more than 150 vendors from across the country; the AQHA World Championship Show Sale and Farm Tours that give World Show patrons the opportunity to see the state's leading breeding and training facilities.

This year's show will also feature the crowning of the 2001 MD Barns Silver Spur winner. From 150 nominees, the top three candidates will be introduced and the winner will be announced and awarded a $20,000 MD Barns gift certificate and a hand-crafted Montana Silversmiths belt buckle. First and Second Runners-up will be awarded a $5,000 MD Barns gift certificate and a Montana Silversmiths belt buckle.

Also announced during a special reception will be the 2001 Steel Dust Award winners, an AQHA program that is designed to recognize outstanding coverage and promotion of horses, people and events within the American Quarter Horse industry by television, newspapers, magazines, radio and AQHA Affiliates.

For more information on the AQHA World Show contact AQHA at (806) 376-4811or visit AQHA's Web site at www.aqha.com.