Page 194 - May_2023

NEWS BRIEFS
Ann Switalski Photography
Ann Switalski Photography
Louisiana Downs Meet Leaders
The 46-day 2023 Quarter Horse meet at Louisiana Downs ran from Jan. 5 through April 1, and the track declared their meet leaders for leading owner, trainer, and jockey. Debra M. Gotovac was the leading owner of the meet with nine victories. Her horses will now head to SunRay Park and then Ruidoso Downs. Trainer Fernando Valdez, 26, earned his first leading trainer title at the track with 21 wins and a 36%-win percentage. Valdez is now moving his horses to Delta Downs. There was a tie for the leading jockey title between Ubaldo Luna, 34, and Arturo Alvarez, 22, finishing the meet with 38 wins each. Both Luna and Alvarez will be heading to Delta Downs.
LQHBA Scholarship Awards
Three Louisiana students were awarded LQHBA scholarships at Louisiana Downs on March 25, courtesy of the Louisiana Quarter Horse
Breeders Association (LQHBA) Scholarship Fund. A total of $6,000 was offered to students, with LQHBA executive director Bruce Salard and board members drawing the winners.
Winners of $2,000 scholarships were Brooke Smith, Will Thibodeaux and Victoria Morris. While the primary goal of the LQHBA is to promote breeding and racing in the state, the association remains dedicated to furthering higher education for Louisiana youth. Since its inception in 2001, the LQHBA scholarship program has provided close to $800,000 for Louisiana students.
Charges Filed Against KyQHRA President
Former president and board member of the Kentucky Quarter Horse Racing Association (KyQHRA) Richard L. Connelley was removed from his post after multiple criminal charges unrelated to the horse industry were filed against him. Connelley, a dentist, was arrested on March 17 and charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence, impersonating a peace offi-
cer, possession of marijuana, excessive windshield or window tinting and failure to provide an insurance card. On March 27, the
KyQHRA released the following statement on its Facebook page and disabled comments on the post, “The board of directors of the
Kentucky Quarter Horse Association have re- moved Richard Connelley as president and from the board of directors. Longtime KyQHRA vice president Graham Martin will assume those duties on an interim basis and together with executive director Adam Koenig, will ensure
our organization remains focused on supporting Kentucky Quarter Horse racing.” Stewards also suspended his owner and trainer licenses pending an appearance before the board of stewards.
Turf Paradise And Arizona Downs Under Contracts
To Sell
According to the Paulick Report, both Turf Paradise and Arizona Downs are under con- tract to sell to different entities, though nei- ther sale is final. Turf Paradise is under con- tract and in negotiations with CT Realty and includes Revolutionary Racing as a partner on the racing and gaming side, while Arizona Downs is under contract with The Stronach Group. Racing will continue at Turf Paradise for the next year or two while plans for de- velopment on non-racing property at the side will move forward once the deal is closed. Arizona Downs did not apply for racing dates this season but is expected to continue racing in the future.
Suspensions & Fines at Sandy Ridge Meet
Quarter Horse trainer Jason L. Driver has been suspended 30 days and fined $500 by the stewards at the Sandy Ridge meet at The Red Mile after he was found to have contra- band in the form of syringes and injectable medications at the recent meet that ended April 6. The ruling indicated the items were found during a search of his vehicle and his jacket while he was on the grounds for the Sandy Ridge races. Owner Marcos Galvan was also suspended for 30 days and fined $500 after syringes and injectable medica-
© Kira Crook
American Chariot Racing Association 2023 Chariot World Champions
The American Chariot Racing Association (ACR) Chariot World Champion was JRP Racing with 8-year-old geldings Circle Da Wagons and Namgispoliticaltease, driven by Bruce Jenson, trained by Tony Jensen, and sponsored by Jimmy Padgett Racing. Circle Da Wagons (PYC Paint Your Wagon-Ima Perry Girl, Mr Jess Perry) broke his maiden in his first race on the flat track at Sam Houston Race Park, winning by 1 1/2-lengths with earnings of $5,245 before moving to the chariots. Namgispoliticaltease (Apolitical Jess-Tease Please, Okey Dokey Dale) won two races on the flat track at Ruidoso Downs and Zia Park, including one by 2 1/2-lengths, with earnings of $13,695 before moving to the chariots.
192 SPEEDHORSE May 2023