Top cutting competitors are gathering in Amarillo, Texas this week and next for the 2006 National Cutting Horse Association World Championship Finals. Competition begins Feb. 7 and continues through the Feb. 19 at the Amarillo National Center in the Tri-State Fairgrounds. The top 50 NCHA money-earners in each of the 12 NCHA-approved classes from across the nation will be competing.

This year there are nearly 600 entries and a record total purse of more than $670,000. Top horse Dual Rey Me will be competing in the Open division, with rider Jeremy Barwick of Stephenville, Texas. Dual Rey Me has already earned more than $94,700 going into the Open finals.

Having already earned $76,700 this year, Joe Howard Williamson of Archer City, Texas, is the top rider competing in the Non-Pro division.

Scores and a live webcast will be available each day through the NCHA website, www.nchacutting.com.