Page 25 - July 2022

TRACK CHATTER
THE MONTH IN REVIEW
by Jennifer K. Hancock
AQHYA NATIONAL RACING EXPERIENCE
The American Quarter Horse Youth Association National Racing Experience
is accepting applications from American Quarter Horse Youth Association members. The youth event is held during the Bank of America Racing Challenge Championships, which will take place Oct. 20-22 at Horseshoe Indianapolis at Shelbyville, Indiana.
Participants in the AQHYA National Racing Experience get hands-on experience and a true behind-the-scenes look into the industry. This includes meeting race trainers and the horsemen who handle racehorses every day, as well as front-office experiences to learn about what it takes to put on a day of racing.
AQHYA members interested in attending the National Racing Experience must submit the application by Sept. 1 and complete the Racing Skillathon online contest between Sept. 1-8.
Five participants will be selected for
the all-expenses-paid trip to the Challenge Championships, based on their combined score from the application and the Racing Skillathon.
Applicants will find a resource list available at www.aqha.com/youth for the materials to study in preparation for the online Racing Skillathon.
To participate in the national event,
youth must be at least 16 years old at the
time of the Challenge Championships to apply. Racing affiliates can recommend one youth from their AQHYA Regional Racing Experience, but the youth must still apply by Sept. 1 and complete the Racing Skillathon. Participation in a regional event does not guarantee acceptance in the national program. No exceptions to the application deadline or requirements will be made.
The Youth Racing Experience has
provided life-changing opportunities for many participants in its 24-year history. A recent survey of past National Racing Experience participants shows that 95% are still involved in the horse industry and more than 30% of those people work in the racing industry. An overwhelming majority of the past participants indicated that the program has helped them in their life, either through work opportunities or as an educational source.
Learn more about the AQHYA National Racing Experience at www.aqha.com/youth.
SAMPSON HONORED BY JOCKEY AND JEANS
Canterbury Park CEO and Chairman Randy Sampson is a member of the Jockeys and Jeans organizing committee and has been helpful in advising it on track relations and fundraising. The track he and his family own in Shakopee, Minnesota, hosted the 2018 Jockeys and Jeans Fundraiser, raising $268,000. Sampson was named
the organization’s Person of the Year, and was presented the award at the 8th annual fundraiser on July 2 at Churchill Downs.
“Of course, I am truly honored,” he said “But there are likely some out there who more deserve the recognition. But it is not about recognition, it’s about the opportunity to speak for and help disabled former riders.”
Jockeys and Jeans has raised more than $2 million for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. Jockeys and Jeans President Barry Pearl termed Sampson, “a Godsent,” saying, “Not only has he and the track been major contributors,
he is a roll-up-your-sleeves type of guy who not only knows how to get a lot of things done but is willing to spend the time to get them done.”
Sampson purchased Canterbury Park in 1994 with his father Curtis Sampson and Dale Schenian and has served as CEO since. He began serving as Chairman in 2020. Under his leadership, the Canterbury Park team has revived live horse racing in Minnesota and
has earned a reputation for innovative ways
to attract crowds and create a family friendly environment. Canterbury also operates a card casino and hosts special events to keep the facility active year-round.
The track gives back 5% of pre-tax profits annually, mainly through the Canterbury Park Minnesota Fund. Sampson, his family and Canterbury Park, have long supported problem gambling organizations, the Racetrack Chaplaincy, the PDJF and recently Jockeys and Jeans. A strong supporter of
the now defunct Don MacBeth Memorial Fund, Sampson founded the Leg Up program that provides funding for jockeys injured at Canterbury Park.
He said one of his most vivid memories
is running to the track and standing beside a medical helicopter when his long-time friend, jockey Scott Stevens, was severely injured. Jockeys Anne Van Rosen, Paul Nolan and Tad Leggett, while not injured at Canterbury Park, rode regularly there before they suffered racing injuries that left them in wheelchairs.
“I think all tracks have an obligation to help,” he said. “People like Paul Nolan now live in a rest home and your heart has to go out to them. The sacrifices they made make them the heroes of our sport, and we need
to help them as we continue to work on the safety issues that hopefully will help us avoid those accidents.”
Visit www.jockeysandjeans.com to learn more.
Got Good News to Share? Do you have a positive story that you’d like to share?
Send photos and news items to jennifer_k_hancock@hotmail.com.
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