Page 224 - Speedhorse, December 2018

Canterbury Park Requests 66 Race Days in 2019
Canterbury Park officials have submitted a request to the Minnesota Racing Commission (MRC) for a 66-day schedule in 2019 that would begin May 3 and conclude Sept. 14. Canterbury Park is Minnesota’s only Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred racetrack. Purses are anticipated to exceed $14.25 million in 2019, at approximately $215,000 per day, for the third time in track history. The MRC is expected to act on the request some time in December.
Canterbury Names Johnnie Jamison Track Superintendent
Johnnie Jamison has been hired as track superintendent at Canterbury Park. Currently track superintendent for Sunland Park, Jamison brings more than 40 years of experience to the Minnesota track. He has held similar roles at multiple racetracks in Texas, New Mexico and Indiana, and served as track superintendent for Palm Meadows and general superintendent for the Stronach Group’s tracks in Florida. Canterbury Park will open for training in mid-April.
Sunland Park Names Two Officials – Gerald Richards & Johnnie Jamison
Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino has named two key officials for the upcoming 60th live racing season with Gerald Richards and Johnnie Jamison. Richards has been employed for two years as the Downs at Albuquerque Racing Secretary, where he helped increase field size and handle. For the past three years, he has been active as the chief chart caller at Sunland Park for the Equibase Company. In 2016, Richards completed and received full accredita- tion for the Racing Officials Program and is currently listed as the Level Three Steward. With over 40 years’ experience, Johnnie Jamison will be taking over as Track Superintendent as well as Head Starter. Starting over 20,000 races, Jamison also designed and installed the track
surface at Indiana Grand Racing & Casino, and was Sunland Park’s superintendent from 1997 to 2000. Sunland Park’s 75-day racing season starts Dec. 28, 2018 and runs through May 5, 2019.
AHC Unwanted Horse Coalition Transitions to New Name/Focus
The American Horse Council’s Unwanted Horse Coalition (UHC), formed in 2006 to bring attention to the issue and challenges
of unwanted horses, will be renamed and rebranded as the United Horse Coalition. The changes reflect the industry’s unity around the importance of aftercare and the progress and extensive resources that have come to fruition since the UHC’s inception. The UHC’s new mission statement reads, “Through industry collaboration, the UHC promotes education and options for at-risk and transitioning horses.”
10th Annual Zoetis Industry Support Program
More than 1,600 National FFA Organization chapters across the country are receiving funds from veterinarians and animal health dealers and distributers through this year’s Zoetis Industry Support Program. Since 2008, the program has provided funds for lead- ership development events and class projects for student members, purchased equipment for school farms and classrooms, built new animal agriculture facilities, and sent members to the National FFA Convention & Expo.
Lallemand Animal Nutrition Awards $13,500 in Scholarships
Five students will receive financial support for the 2018-1019 school year from Lallemand Animal Nutrition as part of the 2018 Lallemand Forward scholarship program, which recognizes North American students at the doctoral, master’s and undergraduate lev- els who are excelling in their agricultural pro- grams. The five winners are Carlyn Peterson ($3,000; doctoral candidate in animal biology at the University of California, Davis), Jacie Grant ($3,000; master’s degree program in animal sciences at Purdue University), Lauren
Outriders Provide Safety At Indiana Grand
Indiana Grand’s three outriders, Wesley Campbell, Tiffany Belden and John Neal (pic- tured above) are a vital part of the success of the racing programs, ensuring safety and coordina- tion on the track at all times. Neal is the senior outrider, with decades of experience. He spent time as an outrider at Churchill Downs, including the Kentucky Derby. Belden was born into the business, with her mother being a trainer and her father a jockey on the Michigan circuit. She got her trainer’s license in 1996 before working the gates at Great Lakes Downs, which eventually led to outriding. Campbell has also grown up in the business, galloping and riding Quarter Horse races when he was younger and developing skills as a blacksmith. Indiana Grand is well covered due to the hard work of Neal, Belden and Campbell.
Jockey’s Guild Annual Assembly
The Jockey’s Guild Annual Assembly was held Dec. 10-11 at Top Golf in Las Vegas, Nevada. The gathering of Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse riders from across the country focused on current issues of importance to the members, including health, safety, insurance updates, and any other issues pertaining to jockeys.
NEWS BRIEFS
Los Alamitos Ends 2018 Meet, Announces Leading Horsemen
Los Alamitos wrapped up its 149-night meet on Dec. 15, with increases in single night handle, all-sources handle, and out- of-state simulcast handle. Dr. Ed Allred was named the leading Quarter Horse owner with 56 wins from 383 starts. Paul Jones was the leading Quarter Horse trainer for the 20th time after saddling 63 winners. The leading Quarter Horse jockey was Jesus Rios Ayala, riding 105 winners, while Kellie McDaid was the leading Thoroughbred jockey. The 2019 meet will begin Dec. 28.
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SPEEDHORSE, December 2018
Linscott Photography