Page 145 - March 2017

Horse Racing Bill Filed In Kansas House
A bill that would revitalize the agricultural industry and make it easier for the Woodlands Racetrack in Kansas City to reopen was introduced Jan. 26 in the Kansas House. The bill would apply to pari-mutuel tracks in the state, including three owned by Las Vegas casino owner Phil Ruffin. The bill creates a privilege fee repayment fund and an escrow account repayment fund, which are both part of the state treasury to be administered by the Kansas Lottery. House Bill 2173 states that the ballot language would read, “We request an election to determine whether the operation
of electronic gaming machines at the Wichita Greyhound Park by the Kansas Lottery shall be permitted in Sedwick County.” More infor- mation can be found on the state legislative website at www.kslegislature.org or visit race- forkansas.com for more talking points.
Safety Guides For Horse Farm Workers Available
Seeing an opportunity to reduce occupa- tional hazards in a workforce with limited communication, researchers in the University of Kentucky College of Public Health recently completed a community-based research project to develop bilingual resources outlining practi- cal safety skills for racehorse farm workers. The study was funded by the National Institutes
of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and supported through the Southeast Center for Agricultural Health and Injury Prevention based in the UK College of Public Health. The materials include 12 bilingual illustrated posters depicting safe practices when working with racehorses or farm equipment. They also created a guide for farm managers and employ- ers, which outlines promising practices used to ensure the safety and wellbeing of non-English speaking farm workers. These safety guides
are available to farmers and workers for free at www.workersafetyandhealth.com
USDA Releases First Report From Equine 2015 Study
The USDA’s National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) released the first report from its Equine 2015 study – Baseline Reference of Equine Health and Management in the United States, 2015. The Equine 2015 study is the third national study of the U.S. equine industry. The information will serve as a basis for education, service,
and research, while providing the industry with new information regarding trends in the industry for 1998, 2005, and 2015. Equine 2015 was conducted in 28 states chosen for study participation based, in part, on the size or density of the states’ equine population. Data collected for the study represented 71.6% of equids and 70.9% of U.S. operations with five or more equids.
AHC Working To Fund Economic Impact Study
The American Horse Council Foundation (AHCF) is working to secure pledges and fund- ing necessary to update the National Economic Impact study, a leading source of reliable horse industry economic data that contains essential demographic information used to educate the public both nationally and globally. Contact the AHC at (202) 296-4031 for more information.
Century Downs, Northlands Park May Run Quarter Horses in 2017
For the first time in about 10 years, there is the possibility that Quarter Horse racing will return to Century Downs in Balzac, Alberta, Canada, possibly beginning in September. Northlands Park in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, is also expected to be running Quarter Horses in 2017, perhaps in May.
Live Feed Schooling Races At Remington Park
In cooperation with the OQHRA, the schooling races at Remington Park are avail- able with a live feed and are also on YouTube. The first day of schooling races on Feb. 8 had 24,000 views, with 97% of viewers located in the U.S., 1.2% in Mexico, and 1% in Brazil.
Matt Baker Passes Away
Quarter Horse trainer Maddox “Matt” Lafayette Baker passed away Feb. 7 surrounded by family and friends. Baker saddled 4,088 horses with 790 wins, including 17 stakes victories. His top earner was 2006 LQHBA Breeders Futurity winner First Down Toro. In 2005, Baker received the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Director’s Award after rescuing a toddler from a submerging car. He is survived by many family members and friends.
SPEEDHoRSE PHoTo ARCHIvES
Can you identify this picture? Here’s a hint: this AQHA World Champion won 10 stakes races at Los Alamitos. The answer is on page 144
SPEEDHORSE, March 2017 143
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