Page 210 - SPEEDHORSE April 2018

Ruidoso Bans Trainer Padgett
Jeff True, President and general manager of Ruidoso Downs, recently informed leading trainer James Padgett II that he will be denied entry to
the grounds and “from participating in any racing activities involved therein.” Padgett is the former assistant to Champion trainer Judd Kearl, who received a 19-year suspension last year after five horses in his care tested positive for nomifensine. In a letter to Padgett, True mentioned the racetrack’s right to deny stall space and refuse entries to race “at any time for any reason or cause.” According to the Paulick Report, True stated, “We want to make this game as good as we can. These are painful but necessary steps. We have the opportunity and the right to say who can race here. The intended goal
is a level playing field that is sustainable for the long term.” In addition, the New Mexico Racing Commission adopted rules that went into effect March 14 barring assistant trainers or employees from taking over a stable when a trainer is sus- pended for more than 30 days. The Commission also tightened rules to eradicate the use of “pro- gram” trainers. “The commission and the track are trying to do what’s right,” said True.
Grandstand Issues Force Great Falls To Relocate Wagering Windows
Engineers have determined it is no longer safe for anyone to be underneath the grandstand at Montana ExpoPark in Great Falls due to structural issues. Concrete fragments are falling from the ceiling beneath the facility, which hosts the State Fair race meet and Big Sky Pro Rodeo Roundup. The Great Falls Turf Club plans to convert two 40-foot recycled railroad boxcars into portable betting stations. Great Falls will conduct six days of racing this summer in July.
Ontario Announces Funding Plan For Horse Industry
Ontario is committing to a long-term fund- ing agreement with the horse racing industry to provide up to $105 million per year for 19 years, plus additional support for smaller racetracks and those experiencing financial shortfalls. To further help the industry, Ontario will continue the Enhanced Horse Improvement Program and has introduced a new Racetrack Sustainability Innovation Fund, providing up to $6 million over three years. The agreement will empower the horse racing industry to make decisions about breeding, racing programs, purses, and more. The plan also includes a higher minimum wage, better working conditions, free tuition for hundreds of thousands of students, easier access to affordable child care, and free prescription drugs for everyone under 25 and over 65. “Our government recognizes that the horse racing industry is vital to communities across Ontario,” said Jeff Leal, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. Ontario is home to 15 racetracks, including Ajax Downs.
Idaho Seeks Historical Racing On Ballot
A campaign, entitled Save Idaho Horse Racing, is attempting to get an initiative
on the ballot that would allow the state’s racetracks to once again operate Historical Racing gaming machines. The initiative is backed by Treasure Valley Racing, which holds the lease to operate Les Bois Park. Around 56,000 signatures, or around six percent of registered voters in 18 of the state’s 35 legislative districts, are required for statewide ballot initiatives to be considered by voters in 2018.
AHC Releases Results Of Economic Impact Study
The American Horse Council (AHC) Foundation has released the results of its
2017 Economic Impact Stud of the U.S.
Horse Industry. The study showed the equine industry in the U.S.: generates approximately $122 billion in total economic impact; provides a total employment impact of 1.74 billion;
and generates $79 billion in total salaries, wages and benefits. The study also revealed that approximately 80 million acres of land is reserved for horse-related activities. The current number of horses in the United States stands at 7.2 million.
AHC Receives Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Response
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) released two documents in response to the American Horse Council’s (AHC) request for clarifica- tion of Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) and Commercial Drivers’ License (CDL) regulations and how they impact the horse industry. The guidances titled “Agriculture Exceptions and Exemptions to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Hours of Service (HOS) and Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Rules” and “Non-Business Related Transportation of Horses” explain how published FMCSA guidance provides an exception for the transportation of horses when the transportation in question is not business related. In these cases, FDMCS regulations do not apply even if prize or scholarship money is offered, including Hours-of-Service (HOS) regulations, ELD requirements and CDL regulations unless required by the driver’s home state. The AHC stated they will continue to pursue clarifications until the industry is satis-
fied there are no unintended consequences from these regulations, and they will take action when clarifications are not sufficient, including to get a delay in ELD enforce- ment. Visit www.horsecouncil.org or email the DOT at agricultural@dot.gov with any questions.
2017 AQHA Annual Report
The American Quarter Horse Association has released the 2017 AQHA Annual Report, which contains complete statistics for AQHA membership, horse regulations and transfers, show and race statistics, and more. In the report, AQHA President Ralph Seekins also explains the priorities he focused on during his term as president. The AQHA Annual Report is available to download at AQHA.com.
Wyoming Breeders Program Pays Over $1.7 Million in Awards
Wyoming, which permits the public to bet on historic races using self-service termi- nals at Off Track Betting sites, has used the revenue from these terminals to help restore the viability of the state’s horse racing industry and to secure some economic stabil- ity for the state. In 2017, combined handle exceeded $420 million, with over $4.2 mil- lion going to cities and counties where the terminals are located. The Wyoming Bred Breeders Award Program was also able to pay out more than $1.7 million. Simulcasting and historic horse racing revenue has helped boost the number of race days and purses for live horse racing events, with the Wyoming Pari-Mutuel Commissioners approving 34 race dates in 2018.
North Dakota Horse Park to Race Six Days in 2018
The North Dakota Horse Park in Fargo will offer six days of live racing this summer, with the state racing commission approving $200,000 for marketing and promotions and $120,000 for purses. The funding comes from online betting companies that pay taxes to be licensed in the state.
Indiana Youth Day
Indiana youth between 16 and 18 are invited to participate in an educational youth racing day, hosted by the Quarter Horse Racing Association of Indiana, at Indiana Grand Race Course on June 30. Youth will have the opportunity to join directors of
the association and work side-by-side with horsemen. Those interested should visit www. indianaquarterhorseracing.com to complete an application and return it by May 1.
UC Davis Extension Offers Horse Adventures
UC Davis Extension will be offering one-of-a-kind outdoor adventures in the California wilderness on horseback, includ-
ing Mustangs: A Living Legacy in June; and Mountain Horsemanship: Veterinary Care
and Horsepacking in the Wilderness in July. For more information or to enroll, call (800) 752-0881, email extension@ucdavis.edu or visit website www.extension.ucdavis.edu/beyond
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