Page 23 - June 2021

Texas Racing Commission to discuss the impor- tance of hair testing, and on another occasion participated in a meeting with leadership of the Louisiana Quarter Horse Breeders Association when they came to Remington to learn more about Oklahoma’s testing procedures. I am quite pleased that both entities engaged in such conversation. Leadership in both states realize the role hair testing could have as part of their efforts to deter those using prohibited sub- stances. Both are very interested in doing so, and Texas has already started collecting hair samples at Sam Houston Race Park! We are on the right track (pun intended!).
Is hair testing a cure-all? No, it’s not.
It is important to use a hybrid of testing mechanisms that includes robust Out of Competition testing. But we are also working on some other tools to add to our proverbial toolbox to help guard against those seeking an unfair advantage, and most importantly, to protect horses. Data is being collected,
and samples are being analyzed to aid in
our endeavors to find a new mechanism
to protect the sport. Have confidence that innovative means of protecting the industry are always being studied and considered for possible implementation.
In order for our industry to have a future, measures that bolster both animal welfare and the integrity of the sport are crucial. It’s no secret, there are entities that would like to see the demise of horse racing. Those participat- ing in the sport who seek an unfair advantage through performance enhancing drugs are substantiating their complaints and putting a nail in our industry’s proverbial coffin.
IN OTHER NEWS:
At the end of April Craig Huffhines,
who has been American Quarter Horse Association’s Executive Vice President for
six years, announced he was leaving our organization to pursue another opportunity. It was under Craig’s leadership that I was brought on board five years ago, and he has been a pleasure to work with the entire time. For me personally, he made the transition from sole proprietor of various equine-related businesses to being part of the AQHA Team an easy one and supported all my endeavors to better racing. I will miss him and his
wife Mary Jon but wish them the very best
in their endeavors. Long-time legal counsel Chad Pierce is the Interim Vice President while a search committee reviews all poten- tial candidates for Craig’s replacement.
There is a lot going on in AQHA Racing’s governance too. For those of you not familiar with our tiers of leadership, there is an AQHA Racing Committee that currently consists
of 97 members. President Norm Luba just completed his standing committee appoint- ments which adds new members to our group. Join me in welcoming: Sharon Brandsness, Jill Cook, DVM, Vince Genco, Matt Herman, Justin Holmberg, Kathy McNally, Wes Oulton, Bruce Salard, Tim Williams, and Rick Young. The Racing Committee has two in-person meetings throughout the year, at the AQHA Convention, and during the AQHA Racing Conference held in conjunction with the Bank of America Challenge Championships. They are kept abreast of other issues or topics via email distributions throughout the year.
Our next tier of leadership that presides over racing is the AQHA Racing Council.
The Racing Council is a body of 10 members that has the responsibility of oversight to the Racing Committee. There is a representative from the Executive Committee, the Racing Committee Chairman, and 8 others, of which at least (4) must be AQHA Directors. Each elected person serves a three-year term. The Racing Council has three in-person meetings throughout the year, and conference calls as deemed necessary. They report to the AQHA Executive Committee. Racing Council elec- tions were completed on June 1, 2021. This year there were two positions up for election and Ross Brigden and Dr. Larry Findley have been named. In collecting votes, I am very pleased to report that I received votes from
over 65 Committee members, which sheds a positive light on the level of engagement from the Committee in our endeavors. That’s the largest response we’ve ever experienced. Several people were willing to serve in this capacity and appeared on the ballot for the first time. I am very encouraged by their interest and hope they will pursue the opportunity again in the future.
I say it often, but one of the things I enjoy the most in serving as Chief Racing Officer is the opportunity to work with people who I’ve known for decades. I think such friendships have helped to encourage involvement amongst Committee members, and results in their having a greater opportunity to impact the industry.
Governance is important, and both the Racing Committee and the Council do their best to represent you well. They know that everyone’s voice matters - especially yours.
AQHA RACING UPDATE
SPEEDHORSE June 2021 21