With less than a week to go before the Brad Borton Memorial Limited Non-Pro Longe Line class at the Tom Powers Futurity it appears the total purse will top $10,000 in cash and prizes.

The event is held as part of the Limited Non-Pro Longe Line class, scheduled as the second class of the day on Thursday, June 27, at the Tom Powers Futurity in Berrien Springs, Michigan, and was established to honor the memory of InStride Edition Publisher Brad Borton, who passed away last year at the age of 60, after a long battle with cancer. Brad had a real passion for the Longe Line class and for inspiring breeders and owners to showcase their young pleasure prospects.

Last week the Borton family announced the addition of a bonus to the class for the highest placing exhibitor who is also listed on his/ her yearling’s registration papers as the breeder and owner.

“We are so touched by the amazing support of our friends in the industry who are helping to make Brad’s vision of leveling the playing field and paying down as far as possible a reality,” said Corrine Borton, Brad’s wife of 37 years. “Brad always talked about how amazing it is when everyone placing in a class earns back their entry fee and we are going to be able to do that this year.”

Last year the futurity offered a Non-Pro Longe Line class and Limited exhibitors were identified for placings in the Brad Borton Memorial. A total of 32 entered and 31 were shown. This year, Powers added the full Limited Non-Pro Longe Line with $1,000 in added money. Payouts in the Brad Borton Memorial Limited Longe Line class are in addition to the Tom Powers $1,000 added payouts.

“We are very proud of the horse family for their amazing support of the Brad Borton Memorial Fund,” Powers said. “We are happy to host the Limited Non-Pro division of our Longe Line class. This year it appears there will be a large turn-out again, probably larger than last year. We can’t wait!”

Donations are still coming in to the Brad Borton Memorial Fund so a final payout is not yet available for this year’s class. Every dollar raised goes directly back to the exhibitors in the form of cash and prizes presented as they exit the arena.

“We don’t know the EXACT payouts yet because donations are still coming in and we are putting every dollar and product donation back into the purse,” Corrine said. “But we are pretty excited about how it is shaping up. In addition to the bonus for the highest placing owner/breeder/exhibitor, payouts will increase this year for everyone placing in the top 10 of the actual class plus there have been some remarkable items donated, like a custom Golden West show pad, Kendalls 20x Hat, Kathy Williams Tail Extension and much more, that will also be going out as prizes. All competitors get a gift bag, even if they do not place in the top 10.”

The PROJECTED payouts this year are listed below:

Champion: $1,500 plus the Brad Borton Memorial Trophy, donated by Tom & Dominique Powers.

Breeder/Owner/Exhibitor Bonus: $1,500 plus a Memorial Harris Trophy Silver Show Halter.

Reserve: $1,200

3^rd Place: $1,000 

4^th Place: $850

5^th Place: $750

6^th Place: $650

7^th Place: $550

8^th Place: $450

9^th Place: $350

10^th Place: $250

The entry fee for the class was just $164 if you entered by the first deadline of April 1. But entries will be accepted all the way up until 2 p.m. the day before the class is run for $239.

“That means that even if you wait until you get to the show to enter at $239 and place 10^th, you will get your entry fee back plus a gift prize in the class,” Corrine explained.

There is also still time to contribute to the fund.

Donations to the Brad Borton Memorial Fund can be sent to: Brad Borton Memorial Fund c/o Lenora Sheppard, 532 Church Street, Sewell, New Jersey, 08080

Donations can also be made at www.gofundme.com/f/the-brad-borton-memorial.

For additional information about the Memorial Fund and class contact Corrine Borton at CorrineBorton@InStrideEdition.com. To find out more about the Tom Powers Futurity, including how to enter the class, visit www.tompowersfuturity.com.