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AQHA Suspended Trainer List
The American Quarter Horse Association has posted on their Racing Welfare and Medication page at www.aqha.com a list of trainers suspended by the AQHA for medication violation penalties and the state of suspen-
sion. These trainers have certain appeal rights governed by the racing jurisdictions, and AQHA will monitor the final outcome of the cases.
The AQHA Racing and Medication page also includes information regarding medication use.
Hialeah Director Of Racing Sam Abbey Dies
Hialeah Park’s director of racing since 2009, Sam Abbey died Feb. 19 at the age of 65 after being involved in an automobile accident. Abbey worked in the racing industry for 43 years, most recently at Hialeah. He previously served as the racing secretary at Atlantic City Race Course in New Jersey, Delaware Park, and Fair Grounds Race Course in Louisiana.
AQHA Director Shannon Burwash Dies
Shannon Melba Burwash, 60, of Calgary, Alberta, passed away Feb. 15 after suffering
a heart attack. Burwash was a board member and treasurer of the Quarter Horse Association of Alberta, treasurer of the Canadian Quarter Horse Association, and an Alberta director for the American Quarter Horse Association. She is survived by her husband Wayne, children Holly Nicoll, Mason Nicoll, Jarvis Nicoll, Lori Burwash and Justin Burwash, as well as numer- ous other family members and friends.
Remington Park Brings Back High Q Test
Remington Park will once again offer the High Q Test, a free online handicapping con- test in which players select horses that must finish either first, second, third or fourth in order to be eligible for prize money. The top 10 finishers will be awarded cash prizes, as well as a $5,000 grand prize. Registration will be accepted through March 31. To register and for contest details, visit www.ther- phighqtest.com. The High Q Test runs from March 15 through June 2.
Centaur Purchases Indiana Downs
Centaur Holdings LLC on Feb. 20 announced the completion of the purchase of Indiana Downs and its casino in Shelbyville for $500 million. Centaur, which already owns Hoosier Park in Anderson, plans to turn Hoosier into a strictly Standardbred track, while racing both Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds at Indiana Downs.
Keeneland Looking To Build QH Track
Keeneland Park and Nevada-based partner Full House Resorts filed paper-
work with the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission to purchase a harness racetrack in east Kentucky in order to exclusively host pari-mutual Quarter Horse racing. The Keeneland Association has been consult-
ing with an advisory group, which includes KQHRA President Dick Connelley, AQHA Directors Norm Luba and Bennie Sargent, and AQHA Racing Committee member
Rich Wilcke, on the feasibility of the project. They want to ensure the venue will showcase Quarter Horse racing and the breed, “as
it was meant to be,” and that it will posi- tively impact the economy. There is no set timetable, but plans are to eventually hold a summer meet with top-level purses.
CHRB Amends Claiming Rule
In 2011, the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) made a rule change that voided a claim if a horse died during a race
or before it was unsaddled after a race. On Feb. 21, the CHRB amended that rule, also voiding any claim if a horse is placed on the veterinarian’s list by either the racing or state vet if found to be lame or unsound after the race or in the receiving barn. The rule passed unanimously and is expected to take effect July 1 pending approval by the state office of administrative law.
New USDA Interstate Movement Of Livestock Rules
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has instituted new rules concern-
ing the interstate movement of livestock, including horses, effective March 11, 2013 in order to better deal with disease outbreaks. The Animal Disease Traceability Program (ADTP) requires animals be identified prior to movement, and they be accompanied by an Interstate Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (ICVI) or other approved document such
as an Animal Identification Number or microchip. There are exclusions to the new rule, as for horses moved for veterinary treat- ment who are returned to the same location without change of ownership, or for horses moved from one state through another state and to another location in the original state. Call the American Horse Council at (202) 296-4031, or review the new requirements by visiting www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2013-01- 09/pdf/2012-31114.pdf.
Zia Park Championship Now A Champion of Champions Qualifying Race
The Zia Park Championship, which is sched- uled to run Nov. 23, will replace the Refrigerator Handicap as a qualifying race to the Champion of Champions. The races with automatic
berths to the Champion of Champions are: Los Alamitos Winter Championship (won by Rylees Boy on Feb. 17), the June 1 Remington Park Championship, the July 7 Vessels Maturity,
the Sept. 1 All American Derby, the Sept. 29 Mildred Vessels Memorial Handicap, the Oct. 13 Robert L. Boniface Los Alamitos Invitational Championship, the Nov. 2 Los Alamitos
Super Derby, the Nov. 9 Bank of America Challenge Championship, the Nov. 23 Zia Park
Albuquerque To Light Up The Night
The Downs at Albuquerque has begun installing lights, with hopes to hold night rac- ing as soon as August. A change to the track’s racing license will be required, however, and the state Racing Commission must hold a pub- lic hearing to approve those changes. Horsemen appear to be in favor of the project, but area residents have been expressing opposition. Track officials say nighttime racing has been
a part of a plan that includes a new casino, which could be open in May or June, as well as renovations to the grandstand.
80 SPEEDHORSE, March 8, 2013
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