Page 168 - November 2017

Standing, left to right: Jeff Tebow, representing buyer/board member John Andreini, buyer/board member Johnny Trotter, buyer/board member Narciso “Chicho” Flores, former general manger Shaun Hubbard and Hubbard Enterprises president Ed Burger; seated, left to right: buyer/chairman of the board Stan Sigman and former Ruidoso Downs owner R.D. Hubbard.
Progress Being Made In Guest Worker Visa Reform
The House of Representatives on Sept. 15 passed a $1.2 trillion funding bill for Fiscal Year 2018. The bill will serve as a benchmark for negotiations with the Senate on a final package, which Congress must finalize by Dec. 8. While the equine industry has taken steps by inserting some H-2B visa reform measures within the text of the current House spending bill, the fight
for broader visa cap relief in a final spending bill continues. To voice your support of H-2B visa cap relief provisions, call (202) 225-3121 to be connected to your elected official’s office in Washington or use #SaveH2B on social media.
New Mexico Racino Revenue Dips
For the second straight year, slot machine revenue at New Mexico’s racetracks has declined from $241 million during the previous year to $226.4 million in the fiscal year, and off $38.9 million from a record $265.3 million in 2015.
AHCF Economic Impact Study Update
The American Horse Council Foundation (AHCF) has issued an update to its Economic Impact Study, anticipating an initial release
of key points from the data near the end of November or beginning of December. Thirteen states received breakout reports, with the reports for each respective state to be finalized by the end of January or beginning of February.
Proposed Kentucky Quarter Horse Track
Plans are progressing for a proposed Quarter Horse track in the southern Kentucky city of Corbin. The Corbin City Planning and Zoning Commission agreed to make a recom- mendation to the Corbin City Commission to rezone the property where the prospective track is to be located, and Keeneland and Churchill Downs have filed the required applications for the license to build the facility.
Belterra, Pinnacle Foundation Donate To Jockey Fund
Belterra Park Gaming, through parent com- pany Pinnacle Entertainment, donated $10,000 to the Permanently Disabled Jockey Fund (PDJF) during a presentation ceremony on Oct. 7. The PDJF spends approximately $7 million annually to support former jockeys and help with medical bills, living expenses and other costs of care.
Ruidoso Downs Sale Finalized
The sale of Ruidoso Downs and its Billy The Kid Casino and Ruidoso Horse Sale Company closed on Oct. 12. The new owners are Stan Sigman, John Andreini, Narciso “Chicho” Flores and Johnny Trotter. The new ownership group is named All American Ruidoso Downs, LLC (AARD) and All American Ruidoso Horse Sales, LLC (AARHS). Their mission is to ensure the integrity of Ruidoso Downs’ racing and to create a level playing field for all horses, trainers and owners.
Indiana Grand Quarter Horse Season Meet Leaders
In a repeat of 2016, riders Rolando Pina and Berkley Packer completed the Indiana Grand season as co-leading jockeys, finishing with 21 wins each. Pina ended the season with more earnings as the only jockey to eclipse the $500,000 mark this season at $525,857, while Packer had more top three places for an average of 45% on the board finishes. Trainer Randy Smith secured his third consecutive leading trainer title, completing the season with 32 wins, and he also became the track’s all-time leading Quarter Horse trainer with 175 wins since taking out his trainer license in 2009. Tony Cunningham was the leading owner for the second consecutive year with 10 winners and earnings of more than $129,000. Indiana Grand Racing & Casino ended its 2017 meet Oct. 27 and will resume in April 2018.
Tony Cunningham Randy Smith
Leading QH Trainer Kearl Suspended For 19 Years
Leading trainer Judd Kearl was fined $110,000 and suspended for 19 years by the Texas Racing Commission due to multiple positives of the banned antidepressant drug nomifensine that has not been available commercially for nearly 30 years. The ban was the result of five separate rulings in five horses that raced over a one month period at Sam Houston Race Park and Retama Park. Kearl was one of three trainers summarily suspended for nomifensine positives this summer in Texas. Jose Sanchez received a four-year ban for two positives and Brian Stroud received a one-year ban for one positive. The trainers appeared at a hearing in late September and their attorneys argued that veteri- narian Justin Robinson was responsible for admin- istering the drug to all of the horses. It is likely the trainers will appeal the rulings in civil court.
Texas Proposal Would Cut 2018 Race Dates
The Texas Racing Commission convened
its Ad Hoc Finance Committee on Oct. 24
with commission chairman John Steen telling
a group of horsemen that the best way forward was to proceed with a rule amendment to raise track license fees and cut race days. According
to a statement released by the Texas Horsemen’s Partnership, the proposal would result in a reduc- tion of 14.5 Thoroughbred days and 29 Quarter Horse days from the 2018 calendar. The com- mission will vote on Nov. 8 on the proposed rule amendment and allocate 2018 dates.
166 SPEEDHORSE, November 2017
Belterra Park Gaming donated $10,000 to the Permanently Disabled Jockey Fund on Oct. 7
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