Page 208 - October 2016

Fair Grounds Makes Donation to Support Flood Victims
In conjunction with First American Bankcard, Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots
on Aug. 27 made a donation of $27,847 to
the United Way of Southeast Louisiana, to be distributed to assist the Tangipahoa Parish and Capital Area Region flood victims. The donation is a compilation of funds provided by both Fair Grounds and First American, as well as a portion of the admissions from exotic animal racing.
Fair Grounds Has Successful Exotic Animal Races
Large crowds enjoyed the exotic zebra
and ostrich racing on Aug. 27 as the Summer Quarter Horse meet at Fair Grounds was coming to a close. Necky Longstein and jockey Noe Castaneda drove hard to secure back-to- back annual victories in the exotic ostrich race, as several others in the ruckus dropped from their mounts coming down the stretch. Zebra enthusiasts cheered as Unusual Suspect and rider Ererdo Rodriguez maintained a swift pace to overcome their competitors.
Jockey Ivan Carnero Recovering From Injury
Jockey Ivan Carnero was air-lifted to St. John’s Medical Center in Tulsa after a spill at Will Rogers Downs on Sept. 25 when his mount stumbled and the the All American winning jockey was clipped with a back hoof behind his left ear. According
to Carnero’s agent, he has a small skull fracture that has caused some minor bleeding in his brain as well as some smaller facial fractures. Carnero is expected to make a full recovery.
Century Casinos Given Okay To Build Edmonton Track
Horse Racing Alberta announced that Century Casinos Inc. was awarded the right to build a new facility in the Edmonton area. The $50 million facility will include a one-mile track and a casino. Racing is expected to begin in
the third quarter of 2018 according to Century Downs racing manager Paul Ryneveld.
Will Rogers Downs Undergoing Renovation
Construction is underway at Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs in Claremore, Oklahoma. More than 43,000 square feet of renovations are occurring inside the casino: the gaming floor will continue to offer 250
electronic games in a new location; the simul- cast viewing area will feature numerous large screen TVs and seating for more than 100 racing fans; the Horseshoe banquet space will allow for 150 additional race fans; there will also be an indoor paddock observation area highlighting the new simulcast room; and the newest addition will be the Dog Iron Grill with two seating areas and room for nearly 90 patrons. Construction began in June and is expected to be completed in January of 2017.
Remington Reinstates “Right Weigh” Procedure
Remington Park, which is in the midst of its Thoroughbred meet, began offering more statisti- cal data to horseplayers and fans on Aug. 31 as the Oklahoma track returned its “Right Weigh” procedure. Horses will be weighed on their way to the saddling paddock prior to each race and those weights will be displayed on the Remington Park television screen during the post parade. The pro- gram was first implemented in 1997 by President and General Manager Scott Wells, who reinstated the procedure after 25 years.
Gluck Develops Equine Arteritis Virus Test
The University of Kentucky Gluck Equine Research Center has developed a novel test to determine the likelihood of a long-term equine arteritis virus (EAV) carrier state in stallions. The test was developed to determine the genetic basis of a specific haplotype, a group of genes inherited from one parent, and indicates which horses have the susceptible haplotype and are at higher risk for becoming carriers if infected with EAV. The test is available at the Genetic Testing at Gluck’s genetic testing lab at a cost of $100 and can be done from a mane or tail sample. More informa- tion, including a submission form, is available at http://www2.ca.uky.edu/gluck/AGTRL.asp.
ARCI Board Modifies Model Rules
The Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI) Model Rules are recom- mended policies in most instances, although in some cases they have been “incorporated by refer- ence” through statute or rule. The updated Model Rules Version 6.3 contain modifications to the following sections: ARCI 010-010 (G), Number of Starters in a Race; and ARCI 004-105 (G), Pick (n) Pools. “The first change grants the Stewards the authority to limit the number of starters in a race after consulting the horsemen’s group and jockeys if they determine that there are valid con- cerns that would jeopardize a safe, fair and equal start,” stated ARCI president Ed Martin. The sec- ond change clears the way for possible new wager- ing opportunities this fall designed to increase fan interest. In addition, a Model Rules Committee working group has developed a revised draft of a new Out of Competition Testing rule in consulta- tion with various racing industry organizations.
2017 ARCI Conference Dates
The 2017 Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI) 2017 conference on racing integrity, equine welfare, and regulatory issues will be held April 18-20 in Charleston, South Carolina. The annual conference, which is open to anyone involved in the racing industry is the only gathering
of the official racing regulatory authorities empowered by law to make and enforce the rules of racing and adjudicate matters pertain- ing to racing in the U.S., Canada, and parts of the Caribbean. Details will be posted at www. arci.com when they are finalized.
Indiana Grand Jockeys Visit Riley Hospital For Children
For the third straight year, jockeys from Indiana Grand Racing & Casino visited Riley Hospital For Children in support of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Jockeys Shanley Jackson, Malcolm Franklin, Eddie Perez, Kaylia Albright & Leandro Goncalves met with children in the Child Life Zone area of the hos- pital, playing games, painting, shooting pool, passing out goggles provided by The Jockeys’ Guild, and giving out stuffed horses during a one and one-half hour session.
Unwanted Horse Coalition Revives Ambassador Program
The Unwanted Horse Coalition (UHC) has revived its Ambassador Program. The program, which was originally started in 2009 and ran for three years, is a volunteer service involving members of the horse industry who represent the UHC at meetings nationwide to present information about the UHC and unwanted horses. If you would like to request a speaker for your upcoming event, or are interested in becoming an ambassador, please contact the UHC at 202-296-4031. To learn more about how the UHC can help your organization help unwanted horses, visit www.unwantedhorseco- alition.com, or contact Jennifer Purcell at jpurcell@horsecouncil.org.
206 SPEEDHORSE, October 2016
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Indiana Grand Racing & Casino
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