Page 103 - 14 September 2012

Illinois Gov. Vetoes Gaming Bill
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn on Aug. 28 ve- toed legislation that would have authorized five new casinos and allowed slot machines at racetracks. According to the National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, Gov. Quinn said he vetoed
the bill due to the, “absence of strict ethical standards and comprehensive regulatory oversight.” Quinn also stated that Illinois, “should never settle for a gaming bill that includes loopholes for gangsters.” Racing in- terests said the bill was vital for the survival of horse racing in the state.
AQHA Reports Racing Gains
The American Quarter Horse Associa- tion reported racing figures are up through Aug. 7, 2012. Year-to-date numbers show gains in nearly all categories, including a 3.7% increase in races, a 1.1% increase in purses, and a 1.2% increase in added money.
Florida Barrel Racing Trial Concludes
According to a release from the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, the evidentiary hearing in
the dispute over pari-mutuel barrel racing concluded Aug. 23 in Tallahassee. The controversy began when the Florida Divi- sion of Pari-Mutuel Wagering granted a barrel racing wagering license for operations in Gretna, Florida, without any regulatory hearings or public input. Never before has barrel race wagering been authorized in the U.S. A top official at the Division of Pari- Mutuel Wagering testified that the approval of pari-mutuel barrel racing was, “a joke” and, “an embarrassment” to the State of Florida. That official was dismissed in Sept. 2011 and his replacement signed the contro- versial barrel license days later. Many in the racing industry are challenging the Division’s granting of the license and are seeking an order requiring the agency to conduct public hearings before approving further pari- mutuel barrel racing activity in Florida. A ruling is expected in November 2012.
Beach Ride For American Heart Association
The 31st annual American Heart Association (AHA) Beach Ride is set for Oct. 31-Nov. 4 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Over 1,500 horses and riders
from 22 states are expected. Participants
will camp on oceanfront grounds with their horses, and can choose trail distances of
up to 20 miles. Money raised will support research and educational programs to benefit the AHA. For more information call (866) 915-6238 or visit www.ahabeachride.org.
Dashing Vike
Dashing Vike (First Down Dash-Runaway Vike, Runaway Winner) will stand his first year at stud at Sierra Blanca Equine in Ruidoso, New Mexico. A winner of $142,012, Dashing Vike was second in the Ruidoso Derby-G1. The 2009 sorrel stallion is a full brother to multiple stakes horses, including sophomore sire and three-time stakes winner Volcom ($430,433). Bred by John Andreini, Dashing Vike is owned by Bob and Dolores Gerhardt.
Fighter On Fire
Fighter On Fire (First Down Dash-Chenille, Merridoc) will stand the 2013 season at Tate Farms in Ville Platte, Louisiana. Owned by Rancho El Alacran, Inc., Fighter On Fire earned $682,788 with a record of 27-11(4)-3(2)-5(3). The 2005 stallion was the California Hi-Point 3-Year-Old Colt. His stakes wins include
the AQHA Challenge Championship-G1, California Championship Challenge-G2, California Breeders’ Freshman Stakes and Jens L. List Jr. Memorial California Breeders’ Stakes. His first foals will race in 2013.
Texas Icon
Texas Icon (Corona Cartel-Jennifer Kate, Vital Sign) will stand his first year at stud at Fales Ranch in Coolidge, Arizona. The 2008 stallion has earned $111,105 from 18 starts and has a race record of 5(1)-4(2)-3(2), with a stakes win in the Q Racing Stakes and a third- place finish in this year’s Live Oak Handicap. Texas Icon was bred by and raced for Jerry Windham and is now owned by Ralph and Carolyn Fales.
Heza Motor Scooter
Heza Motor Scooter (Heza Fast Man-
Hot Tin Lizzie, Ronas Ryon) will stand the 2013 season at Weatherly Horse Farm in Anthony, New Mexico. Heza Motor Scooter won $259,682 on the track from a race record of 26-7(3)-3(1)-7(2). His stakes wins include the Grade 2 El Primero Del Ano Derby. The stallion has sired multiple stakes winners and the earners of nearly $2 million, including Champion Rylees Boy si 121 (2012, $783,666, 2-Ntr’s). Heza Motor Scooter is bred and owned by Joyce Erickson.
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Speedhorse Files
Sierra Blanca Equine
Speedhorse Files Fales Ranch