Page 25 - Speedhorse, December 2018

The historic meeting in Buenos Aires will help pave the way to establish AQHA recognized Quarter Horse races in Argentina.
The main take-away from the busi-
ness portion of our meetings was the Race Committee’s motion to seek modifications
to the Association of Racing Commissioners International’s Model Rules pertaining to the penalty for positive findings of clen- buterol in Quarter Horses, and consider- ation of Albuterol to also be a breed specific prohibited substance. Subsequently, both
the Racing Council and the Executive Committee have approved the motions. As I write this, I am preparing to leave for Tucson where I will present these proposals at the ARCI meeting in an effort to implement the unanimous desires of those who participated in the conference. Wish me luck!
In other exciting news, I’ve just returned from what I believe was an historic meeting
in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I joined AQHA President Dr. Jim Heird, Executive Committee
Member Butch Wise, Chief International Officer Dr. Anna Morrison, and AQHA Director Vince Genco in
various meeting with the newly formed Racing Committee of the Criadores Argentinos de Caballos Cuarto de Milla. Our time was very fruitful in helping our Argentina affiliate in their goals to establish AQHA recognized Quarter Horse races in their country. There was excitement in the air, and I am very optimistic that our meetings, suggestions, and guidelines will pave the way for official races to be conducted in Argentina. I was honored to participate in the meetings and am very excited about what is on the horizon.
I mentioned that I will be in Tucson
for the ARCI meetings, followed by the University of Arizona’s Racetrack Industry Symposium. Then, I travel to Las Vegas where I will participate in the 2018 World of Rodeo
Reunion, moderating panels that discuss the crossover in Racing and Rodeo, and share perspectives on issues that are facing both industries. At the conclusion of this event,
I will drive to Los Alamitos and be on hand for the 2018 Champion of Champions. All the while, I will be working with the Racing Department team at AQHA Headquarters
to prepare for the Champions Selection Committee meeting the first week of January, and the ensuing Champions Ceremony to be held at Heritage Place, Thursday, January 17, 2019. I hope I see you at these events, and if so, please say ‘Hello!’
I hope you and yours enjoy a blessed Christmas. Know that all of us at AQHA hold you, our members, among our richest of bless- ings. I also hope Santa is good to each of you. As for me... I may be asking the ol’ guy for some new luggage!
“Our time was very fruitful in helping our Argentina affiliate in their goals to establish AQHA recognized Quarter Horse races in their country.”
SPEEDHORSE, December 2018 23