Page 16 - February 2017

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Encouraging Young Fans
Congratulations to the newly crowned American Quarter Horse Racing Champions! What a treat to hear U.S. Racing and American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame member D. Wayne Lukas’ keynote speech before the announcements of the 2016 champions! Reverting to his coaching days, Lukas shared inspiration and insight into how to be a champion not only at the track, but in life.
I loved his story about “grabbing” a kid each time one
of his trainees made it into the winner’s circle so that the young fan could be part of the win photo. He also spoke of providing a free win photo to the lucky youngster as
a memento. What a great way to encourage a visit to the track to become a lifelong passion! How many fans has Lukas touched with this simple
practice while generously sharing
his success and limelight with
others? Our sport can always use
new fans. I always smile when I
see jockeys giving away goggles
to eager young fans and other
acts of kindness at the track that
encourages people to want to
come back.
cards For cardEn
Friends of K.C. Carden organized a fundraiser for the Wyoming horseman after he was recently diagnosed with an aggressive metastatic cancer.
During his training career, Carden trained the earners of more than $4.6 million, and his stable included Champion Kool Kue Baby and Grade 1 winners Toast To Dash and A Touch
Of Victory. He is currently involved in the industry as a stallion manager.
Carden is undergoing chemotherapy treatment. An expense account has been set up at the Cowboy State Bank in Sheridan, Wyoming, to help the Carden family offset their medical expenses. Donations can be made to the “K.C. Carden Medical Expense Account” by calling the bank at (307) 673-4456 or mailing to Cowboy State Bank, 232 Grinnell Plaza, Sheridan, Wyoming 82801. Cards and letters of encouragement to lift Carden’s spirits can be sent to: K.C. Carden, 4 McCormick Rd, Sheridan, WY 82801.
ThE champ is suprEmE
In addition to becoming the AQHA 2016 World Champion, Ted G. Abrams’ homebred gelding Jessies First Down earned his AQHA Supreme Race Horse title.
The 2011 gelding, who is by FDD Dynasty and out of the Mr Jess Perry mare Jess A Classy Lassy, earned three Grade 1 victories in three months’ time and clinched
the award with his most recent start winning The Championship at Sunland Park-G1 on Dec. 31, 2016.
The Supreme Race Horse title recognizes a racing American Quarter Horse that during his or her career earns $500,000 or more, wins two or more open Grade 1 stakes races and at least 10 races.
Jessies First Down (below) made his first start in
2013 and found his stride in 2015, notching his very first stakes victory. In 2016, he won the Grade 1 Refrigerator Handicap, Zia Park Championship and Championship at Sunland Park in quick succession.
The monTh in review
by Jennifer K. Hancock
Send photos and news items to jennifer_k_hancock@hotmail.com.
14 SPEEDHORSE, February 2017
Track chaTTer
Coady Photography