Page 120 - 2 November 2012

First To Shine
Gretna Cancels Barrel Races, Continues Operations
Citing low attendance, on Oct. 5 Creek Entertainment Gretna cancelled their remain- ing barrel races for 2012. Gretna’s poker room, however, continues to operate 365 days a year. Gretna was awarded its license by the Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering to conduct pari-mutuel barrel racing without enabling legislation, regulatory hearings or public input, and because the state has not legally defined what constitutes a horse race. Under state law, Thoroughbred and harness tracks that oper-
ate card rooms must share net income evenly with horsemen and breeders. There is no such requirement, however, for Quarter Horse racing. The only requirement is a purse agreement with the Florida Quarter Horse Racing Association (FQHR A) or, “the association representing a majority of horse owners and trainers.” Permit holders have not contacted the FQHRA to dis- cuss purse agreements but rather local organiza- tions representing barrel racers. There has since been a flurry of companies seeking to exploit the gambling opportunities via the “Gretna Model.” Horse racing representatives from all breeds
are challenging the granting of the licenses and seeking an order requiring the Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering to conduct public hearings before approving any further pari- mutuel barrel racing activity in Florida. A ruling is expected in November.
Los Alamitos, Fairplex Considering Expansion
Los Alamitos Race Course and Fairplex Park are in discussions with the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) and Thoroughbred Owners of California regarding the expansion of one of the tracks if Hollywood Park ceases operations. At either facility, expansion would include enlarging the main track and adding additional stalls. If Hollywood Park is shuttered, the CHRB will also work on adjusting the rac- ing calendar as well. Dr. Edward Allred spoke positively of the potential expansion of Los Alamitos when he addressed the crowd prior to the Los Alamitos Equine Sale.
AQHA Takes Action Against 11 Suspended Trainers
The American Quarter Horse Association
is taking action against 11 trainers suspended for Class 1 drug violations by the Louisiana Racing Commission and the Zia Park Board of Stewards in New Mexico. AQHA memberships have been suspended, pending the outcome
of the cases, for Anthony Agilar, John Henry Bassett, Lamont Charles, Gonzalo Gonzales, Kyi Lormand, Alonzo Loya, Jeffery Heath Reed, Carlos Sedillo, Alvin Smith, Jr., John
D. Soileau and Heath Taylor. Effective Oct.
19, horses in which those trainers are listed as owner or trainer will not be eligible for AQHA racing points, honors or awards, including year- end Champion or Regional High-Point honors, and those horses will be ineligible to enter any AQHA Challenge races. The 11 trainers have the right to appeal in the racing jurisdictions issuing the disciplinary actions. According to a release by the AQHA, the organization will be holding meetings to discuss ways to strengthen rules, policies and plans to move forward with reformed racing rules.
First To Shine Dies
First To Shine si 104 (First Down Dash- Marcy Darling, Six Fortunes) was euthanized Oct. 4 due to a stifle injury. The Grade 3 winner of the Sooner Trailer New Mexico Challenge earned $141,622 on the track. He also finished second in the Rainbow Derby-G1, fourth in the Dash For Cash Futurity-G1 and Ruidoso Horse Sale Futurity-G1, fifth in the Cash Rate Handicap, and was a finalist in the Sooner Trailer Challenge Championship-G1 and QHBC Championship Classic-G2. The 16-year-old sorrel stallion was the sire of over $10.1 million in earners from 10 crops to race, including top money earner and track tecord setter Magic Shiney si 105 ($300,123). First To Shine was bred by L/J Farms and was owned
by Dr. Larry Findley and Grant Farms, LLC. He was standing at Delta Equine Center in Vinton, Louisiana.
AQHA Honors 50-Year Breeders
The American Quarter Horse Association
on Oct. 2 honored the 50-year breeders of
2012 at a ceremony at the AQHA Hall of Fame & Museum in Amarillo, Texas. The 50-Year Cumulative Breeders who have registered at
least one foal for 50 years cumulatively are Carl Brackin, Susan Barrington, Jack Brainard,
W. R. Burris, Jerry and Amanda Kaufmann, May Brothers, Panhandle State University of Goodwell, Oklahoma, Norman J. Huggins Family, Murray and Lois Franch, Seven L Ranch, Tom and Carol Klamrowski, Ralp and Helen Pederson of Broken Heart Ranch, L. H. Wall, Jr., Kwen Griffeth, Joe Sipes, and Wing Brothers. The 50-Year Legacy Breeders who have registered at least one foal for 50 consecutive years are Loren V. Peterson, Thomas Lowell Barrett, Chip and Leila Lockett, Duane W. Walker, Curtis
W. Shaw, Ronald Welch, White Oaks Farm,
Ken and Betty Williamson, Mary and Wayne Drysdale, Franklin D. Higgs, The Walkners, Dent Bradley, Jerry and Gwen Vawter, Rebecca Dodge, Bobby G. Wedeking, and R. E. Odom.
Don Essary
Don “Poppa” R. Essary, 73, of Amarillo, Texas, passed away Oct. 8. Born in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, he grew up in White Deer, Texas. He pursued a career in acting, including a role with John Wayne in the movie How The West Was Won. Essary attended the University of Texas and graduated from West Texas State University. In 1968, he became the director of racing for the American Quarter Horse Association, holding that position for 12 years. He helped found the University of Arizona Racing Industry Program, was chair- man of the Quarter Horse Racing Council, a member of the board of trustees of the Texas Horse Racing Commission, and was on the board of directors of the TQHA and AQHA. Essary was also the author of four books and numerous articles on Quarter Horses. Essary is survived by his wife Faye, daughter Jackie Campos, son Shane Essary, numerous grand- children and many other family and friends.
Hialeah Park Sets Meet
The Florida Quarter Horse Racing Association and Hialeah Park have set the 2012-13 Quarter Horse schedule for the Hallendale track. Hialeah will conduct 30 days of racing for 10 weeks beginning Dec. 15, with average purses of $120,000 per day.
118 SPEEDHORSE, November 2, 2012
Don Essary Dies
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