Page 103 - 18 January 2013

2012 A YEAR IN REVIEW
June 21
Sallisaw, Oklahoma Mayor Shannon Cann asks the Cherokee Nation to support live horse racing at Blue Ribbon Downs, which is currently leased as a training track. Cherokee Nation representatives agree to research the issue.
July 11
Dr. Dionne Benson is hired as executive director and chief operating officer of the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC).
Speedhorse’s long-time publisher and owner Connie Golden passes away. For more than 30 years, Connie was the owner and publisher of Speedhorse, Inc. After acquiring the company in 1977, she transformed the struggling, indebted publication into a strong voice in the Quarter Horse Racing Industry. In her role as publisher, Connie felt a deep responsibility to use the publication’s platform to make the industry healthier. Her dedication and vision led her to tackle several important issues that made a major impact on the industry’s development. She also mentored her son, Andrew M. Golden, with whom she co-ran Speedhorse, Inc.
July 12
The United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation holds a hearing on medications and performance-enhancing drugs in horse racing. Lazy E’s Matt Witman, chairman of the AQHA’s Racing Council and Racing Committee, is one of the speakers.
July 19
The California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) revokes Adan Farias’ trainer’s license for two years and fines him $25,000 for six instances of zilpaterol violations, and adds another six-month suspension and $10,000 fine for another clenbuterol violation.
June 24
June 21
The New Mexico Racing Commission votes to
adopt Association of
Racing Commissioners International (RCI) model rules to toughen existing medication use policies
and sets aside $45,000 to start an out-of-competition testing program. The RCI rules, which carry heavier penalties and lower the thresholds of some drugs, go into effect July 31.
June 26
The Daily Racing Form reports that nine horses at Ruidoso Downs tested positive for three banned medications, including dermorphin. Several of the positive tests reportedly occurred in the trials for the Ruidoso Futurity and Derby.
June 29
The 6666 Ranch, trainer Heath Taylor, jockey Kip Didericksen and World Champion DM Shicago are inducted into the Ruidoso Downs Racehorse Hall of Fame.
July July 15 Portland Meadows
July 20
The Oklahoma Quarter Horse Racing Association hosts their annual free Horsemen’s Cookout at Fair Meadows at Tulsa.
July 6
Trainer Charley Hunt records his 1,000th career win with Horton Racing LLC’s Call Her Hero, who won an 870-yard race at Fair Meadows at Tulsa by 8 lengths.
launches an innovative new marketing campaign utilizing social media, including an Instagram scavenger hunt and two flash mobs.
July 15
The Appaloosa Horse Club inducts Royce Crosby, Sylvia Haines, I Love Willie, Blazing Hot Spots, Joker’s Sleepy and Ms Gunsmokes Doll into the Hall of Fame. The ApHC Race Hall of Fame inductees are Cheryl White and Nellies Girl.
July 15
Trainer Don Reid becomes the 33rd trainer to win 1,000 career races when
he sends out Donald Ito’s homebred Little Ms Texas to victory on July 15 at Ajax Downs.
SPEEDHORSE, January 18, 2013 101
Ty Wyant
Clive Cohen Photography
Dustin Orona Photography
Speedhorse