The Texas Quarter Horse Association announced on May 11 that due to the overwhelming response by consigners, the 2004 TQHA Yearling Sale has been extended to a two-day event. The two-day sale will take place on Friday, July 30 and Saturday, July 31 in the Pavilion Centre at Sam Houston Race Park. Starting times are yet to be determined, but they will most likely by 12:00 noon on Friday and 11:00 a.m. on Saturday.

This year, the sale received a record 390 yearlings consigned. In past years, the sale was restricted to approximately 250 head due to space limitations.

TQHA Sale Committee Chairman David Brown thought it was best to go this way. According to Brown, "This is by far the most solid group of yearlings ever consigned to our sale. It would have been way too difficult to turn away 140 horses. Plus, we owe it to our members and consignors who have been so supportive of this sale and the TQHA."

The 2004 sale tents will be moved closer to the Pavilion Centre, where the sale is held. With Sam Houston's extended Quarter Horse meet, barn A in the stable area is no longer available for the sale. This year, all yearlings will be stalled in tents in the northern part of the Sam Houston parking lot. Horses will have just a short walk to the sale ring.

TQHA Race Committe Chairman Jimmy Eller praised the decision, saying, "Considering the number of consignments, this is the only way to go. Turning away consignments has always been a difficult task. This means a lot more work for everyone involved, but I am excited about it."

There are many events held in conjunction with the sale, such as "Summer Showdown" on Friday night, July 30, with several stakes races worth over $150,000 and trials for the $300,000 TQHA Yearling Sale Futurity on Saturday night, July 31.

For more information regarding the 2004 TQHA Yearling Sale, contact the TQHA office at 1-800-945-6157.