Page 14 - August 2019

AQHA RACING UPDATE
Irrespective of any Federal Legislation that may be passed, some state jurisdictions are introducing new regulations that will impact the administration of furosemide as we speak.
Janet VanBebber
If you read my column from month to month, you know that I am concerned about the proposed federal oversight in horse racing, and particularly the potential loss or our ability to administer Furosemide to horses on race day. I hate to use this valuable editorial space to reiterate
the concerns AQHA has with the proposed Horseracing Integrity Act of 2019, but if you’re not aware, reach out
to me and I will gladly send you information! Irrespective of any Federal Legislation that may be passed, some state jurisdictions are introducing new regulations that will impact the administration of furosemide as we speak. This threat is unfolding in real time. If you are as concerned as
I am, you have an opportunity to have your voice heard
- or at the very least, come and listen to the issues. On Thursday, August 15 (the day before the All American trials start), the AQHA Racing Council will convene in Ruidoso for their summer meeting. On their very full agenda, the afternoon has been reserved to discuss this important topic. I would love to see you there! If you can come, contact us and we will give you the details. It is important to contact us, because this is normally a meeting that hosts a relatively small group, and we need to be adequately prepared for the turn out. Please contact me at jvanbebber@aqha.org, or kflowers@aqha.org if you are interested in joining us.
Recently in New York there was a survey sent specifi- cally to key industry stockholders regarding their position on Furosemide. Only 12% responded. I hope you, my beloved Quarter Horse people, show more regard for the importance of this issue and come to our meeting. We have to make sure our voices are heard.
We are so appreciative of Paul Blanchard, Don Cook, and the entire team in Albuquerque for their enthusiasm for the Challenge Championships, and commitment to make the event fabulous.
In Other News . . .
We are in the busiest time of year for our industry, and I am doing my best to keep up. When at AQHA Headquarters, I’ve worked with the Racing Depart- ment Team in their efforts to help members with issues created by the technology struggles. I’ve also been traveling to meetings, sales, and stakes races. It
is always a pleasure to have a presence among “my people,” and to breathe in the air shared with what we all love: the horses! Remember, if you happen to see me at any of these functions, say hi and let me know if there is anything related to the Association that I can help you with.
We are also in the midst of working on the sched- ule of events for this year’s Challenge Championships at The Downs at Albuquerque. If you haven’t already done so, save the date for an Affiliate Workshop
on October 24, the Racing Committee meeting on October 25, and the Owners Recognition brunch on October 26. All of this, of course, will be followed by a great card of Bank of America Challenge Champi- onships stakes that evening. There will be other fun filled activities, too – including a golf tournament on Thursday, October 24 and a concert Friday, October 25, both managed by our good friends at The Downs at Albuquerque. More information will follow, but please put these dates on your calendar.
And speaking of the Challenge Championships,
I hope you caught the press release sharing the news that AQHA will once again partner with The Downs at Albuquerque to host the 2020 event! We are so appreciative of Paul Blanchard, Don Cook, and the entire team in Albuquerque for their enthusiasm for the Challenge Championships, and commitment to make the event fabulous.
As I bring this submission to a close, I hope I see you at any of my upcoming trips to various racing jurisdictions. Know that I love being of service to this industry, and work very hard to have a positive impact in ensuring its future. Thank you for your support.
August 2019 • AQHA Racing Update
You’re Invited!
by Janet VanBebber, AQHA Chief Racing Officer
12 SPEEDHORSE, August 2019