Page 14 - Speedhorse November 2019

AQHA RACING UPDATE
If you want to affect the direction AQHA takes on behalf of its members, please come to these events and voice your opinion.
Janet VanBebber
Hi friends! As I am typing this update, I am still overflowing with the enthusiasm that saturated the recent AQHA Racing Conference and Challenge Champion- ships. What a fantastic event we had in the Land of Enchantment, and our hosts at both The Downs at Albu- querque and the Crowne Plaza brought their ‘A-game’.
Many of you joined us there, and I certainly appre- ciate your attendance. For those of you who couldn’t come, I’ll provide highlights of the activities. The events kicked off on Wednesday, October 23, with a post-position draw and brunch. The Downs’ manage- ment orchestrated a well-organized draw, and all our Championship races boasted full fields. Eric Alwan, track announcer, provided commentary and did an excellent job. ESPN Radio was on hand, and I had
the opportunity to go on-air to promote the Saturday night card boasting 10 stakes races.
Thursday, October 24, we hosted AQHA’s 4th Annual Racing Workshop. Although the gathering was originally intended for affiliates and track man- agement personnel, it is open to anyone who wants to participate in open dialogue to improve our sport. Since its inception in 2016, the attendance contin- ues to grow, and I believe the slate of guest speakers really added value for those who joined us this year.
A prevailing theme in the discussions was how our industry is facing a crisis, and what efforts we could engage in to combat what we are facing. Dr. Reid McLellen enlightened the guests about his Groom Elite program, and how we could better ensure the safety of our equine athletes if we started by enabling the people who do the daily care to have an improved set of skills. Doing so also tells the public that we
are indeed investing in the care that horses are given by educating our workforce, contrary to what many believe. Dr. McLellan’s program is offered in bilingual classes that are on site at racetracks and accommodate the backside’s work hours.
Our next presentation was from Tom Sage, Execu-
tive Director of the Nebraska Racing Commission and AQHA’s liaison for the deployment of Integrity Teams. Tom enlightened the group about how AQHA organizes teams to provide additional security to enhance the adher- ence to regulation. Any presence of an AQHA Integrity Team is under the management of the local jurisdiction’s regulators. The goal is to protect the horse and to safe- guard the industry from those seeking an unfair advantage.
Julie Broadway of the American Horse Council travelled from Washington DC to share what their entity is doing on behalf of the industry in legisla- tive efforts. She spoke specifically about our work force needs on the back side of racetracks, and how they are trying to have a positive impact on the guest worker visa issue.
We also had presentations from Steven Foster
and John Lutz, both of AQHA. Steven shared how AQHA’s Awards Recognition Concepts (The Chal- lenge Distaff sponsor) could assist our affiliates or tracks with Quarter Horse specific awards. John Lutz, Director of Revenue, enlightened our group on how he is leading AQHA’s revitalized pursuit of sponsorship using the wealth of data available.
The balance of the day was spent in open dialogue about current issues, and how it is imperative that we do a better job in our crisis management. I believe we all benefited from the discussion, and I have already re- ceived emails with information that will help enhance the use of my role as Chief Racing Officer for the betterment of the sport.
Friday, October 25th’s Race Committee meeting boasted a robust agenda and started promptly at 8 a.m. We discussed several business issues during the morning session, but the real value in attending was garnered in the afternoon when panelists took the stage to address pertinent industry topics. New Mexico Racing Commission Executive Director Ismael “Izzy”
November 2019 • AQHA Racing Update
AQHA Racing Conference & Challenge Championships Highlights by Janet VanBebber, AQHA Chief Racing Officer
12 SPEEDHORSE, November 2019