Page 17 - December 2016

of online revenue for purses at tracks that simulcast races.
Idaho Legislature legalized Instant Race machines, allowing historical race wagering, in 2013, but the racehorse industry has been struggling after they were taken out of tracks in 2015.
DistinguisheD Doctor
The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) presented Glenn Blodgett DVM with the 2016 Distinguished Life Member award for his leadership and service to the association during his 39 years as a member. The award honors an AAEP member who has made outstanding contributions to the association throughout their career. Blodgett, the resident veterinarian for the 6666 Ranch in Guthrie, Texas, and a past AQHA president, was honored Dec.
6 during the President’s Luncheon at the AAEP’s 62nd Annual Convention in Orlando, Florida.
Blodgett is a pioneer who has contributed mightily to the equine industry and veterinary profession. He was mentored by AAEP past- president Ed Murray DVM upon graduation
from veterinary school at Texas A&M University in 1974 and, in 1982, was recruited by the 6666 Ranch to serve as resident veterinarian and horse division manager. He served the AAEP on its board of directors and on its Racing and Ethics committees, and has been active in numerous other professional veterinary organizations. He was the driving force behind the medication rules, policies and procedures adopted by the Texas Racing Commission. Blodgett has had a direct role in advancing the welfare of the American Quarter Horse as immediate past-president and longtime director of the AQHA. He currently serves on the board of trustees of the American Horse Council.
Fantasy sports concept introDuceD in coloraDo
Mile High Racing & Entertainment, which operates Arapahoe Park, received approval from
the Colorado Racing Commission to offer fantasy sports contests at nine Colorado locations. The new Mile High Fantasy Sports applies the pari-mutuel model from horse racing to professional football,
basketball, hockey, baseball, and other daily fantasy sports(DFS)contests. LasVegas-basedUSFantasy Sports is providing the content that combines the popularity of DFS contests with traditional horse racing pari-mutuel odds and terminology.
USFantasy Sports is a skill-based daily
fantasy contest platform combining elements
of the traditional regulated pari-mutuel systems with DFS contests to create a fair, easy and transparent environment for all contestants.
The contest selection process is simple with manageable entries in each category and entry fees as low as $1. Players score points based on their performance in a live game. Contestants can enter contests for athletes to win, place or show, as well as other multi-selection contests.
aQha rules
At its quarterly business meeting, the American Quarter Horse Association Executive Committee implemented new policies regarding racing.
Regarding AQHA Media and Awards:
“If a racing jurisdiction reports that a horse
tested positive for a Class 1 substance, Class 2 substance, clenbuterol or any other medication
other than those defined by Association of Racing Commissioners International as being a controlled therapeutic medication, such horse shall be ineligible to be considered for AQHA awards or online polls associated with the calendar year in which the positive test occurred. This will include pending violations.”
the new policy took eFFect immeDiately.
A new AQHA membership requirement for Racing Challenge participation was also announced.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2017, an AQHA membership is required for all owners and trainers participating in any AQHA Racing Challenge race.
You can find the newest AQHA rulebook, the 2017 AQHA Official Handbook of Rules and Regulations, in PDF format at AQHA’s website. It is also available through the AQHA Rulebook App. AQHA members can download the rulebook or request a printed copy at www.aqha.com/rulebook.
Rule changes are discussed at the American Quarter Horse Association annual convention, which is held each spring. At the annual meeting, AQHA members and directors review member- submitted rule changes, appoint new AQHA directors, induct new members into the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and present year-
end awards. The 2017 AQHA Convention is March 17-20 at the Grand Hyatt in San Antonio, Texas. The general membership meeting is March 18 and will feature guest speaker, racing legend and American Quarter Horse Hall of Famer D. Wayne Lukas. Members can register for the convention online. Convention pricing will increase after January 31, 2017. For more information, visit www.aqha.com/convention.
spreaDing cheer
It’s the most wonderful time of year, and I’m not sure how it happened so quickly! The Champion of Champions is in the books and 2016 is quickly coming to an end. If you have hard-to-buy-for people on your holiday gift
list or you’re looking for a last-minute, tax- deductible donation, why not help an equine or race organization?
The American Quarter Horse Foundation maintains the Hall of Fame and administers scholarship and equine research funds. You can learn more about the Foundation’s philanthropic efforts at www.aqha.com/foundation.
The Sam Thompson Memorial Foundation for Disabled Jockeys recently unveiled a
bronze created by renowned equine artist Jim Stuckenberg which depicts Sam riding 2-time Champion Corona Kool. The bronze will be on permanent display at Los Alamitos along with a plaque of the donors. In 2008, Thompson died after a spill at Los Alamitos in December of that year. The Sam Thompson Memorial Foundation for Disabled Jockeys is a philanthropic organization focused on the health, education and welfare of those involved in the horse racing community. The Foundation provided college scholarships for the first time in 2016 and continues to assist injured jockeys. You can learn more at www.thestfoundation.org.
SpiriChill has partnered with the Permanently Disabled Jockey Fund (PDJF) and with the generosity of Viane Lizza and her Flying Zee Stables, the company designed and produced snaffle bit bracelets, of which 100% of the proceeds go directly to PDJF. You can purchase a $10 bracelet at spirichillcompany. com/products/pdjf. Donation information for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, which provides financial assistance to some 60 former jockeys who have suffered catastrophic on- track injuries, can be found at pdjf.org. Since its founding in 2006, the fund has disbursed more than $7 million to permanently disabled jockeys, most of whom have sustained paralysis or brain injuries.
May 2017 be your best year yet and find you in the winner’s circle often!
SPEEDHORSE, December 2016 15
track chatter
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