Page 30 - April_2023

In last month’s article I spoke of sharing good news, and how there is plenty
of it in our industry. Continuing that
train of thought, I am excited about new interest in Quarter Horse racing across our nation. This article will share some insight about those wanting to increase racing opportunities for our breed.
As I write this submission, Revolutionary Racing’s Sandy Ridge is taking entries for their 6-day meet conducted at Lexington, Kentucky’s The Red Mile. They race April 1–6. This is the first time our breed has had recognized racing in the state of Kentucky in over 10 years. Revolutionary Racing’s Chief Executive Officer John Marshall came to the AQHA Convention in February and reported to the Racing Committee that their intention is to conduct a race meet at The Red Mile again in 2024, and that the new facility in Ashland, Kentucky, would be ready for live racing in 2025. That location promises to also have a multi-use equestrian center that offers other horse related activities, such as horse shows, barrel racing, etc.
Another presentation that was offered during the AQHA Convention was done by a group from Nevada. While they are still in the planning stages, a group outside of the Las Vegas area is looking to build a track that offers racing for Quarter Horses and Standardbreds. I will afford more details as they present them, but it’s exciting to know the possibility is on the horizon!
We also have interest in reviving racing for our breed in Kansas. AQHA Racing Committee member Paul Treadwell is among
those who are collaborating to seek positive legislation that would support the endeavor. If you are from Kansas, and interested in helping in the pursuit, reach out to me and I will connect you with the right people.
Next, let’s shift to the Cornhusker State. I have had several conversations with different entities that want to increase Quarter Horse racing in Nebraska. Currently we are offered only a couple of race days for our breed at Fair Play Park in Hastings. The opportunity to have a new location that is focused on our breed would be a welcomed addition to the industry. I understand that the Racing Commission
is doing a study on the matter before contemplating applications.
Just on the surface, having four different states express an interest in building racetracks to host the excitement of Quarter Horse racing is great news! We want to create incentives to breed and raise Quarter Horses and having new opportunity to
race is the best way to do it. The important issue in moving forward is to create strong horsemen’s representation to help ensure we are afforded ample racing opportunity. After all, without abundant racing opportunity, the incentive to breed and raise the horses
is lost. My plea to those of you from any
of the four states above is to get involved. Help support the measures to bring racing to your state, and then make sure our interests are protected through good representation. Successful race meets do not happen on their own – they are the result of good leadership. You may be such a leader. I am happy to
facilitate your opportunity to connect with the right people if you have such an interest. That touches upon what you can do as an
individual to help foster growth in Quarter Horse racing. But what are we at AQHA doing about it? At the onset, we do our best to help each individual effort to promulgate meaningful information supporting
the efforts of our affiliates, whether it’s regarding legislation or other matters. Then, each new facility must submit a lengthy application to the American Quarter Horse Association that outlines all pertinent details, including their intended race days, their adherence to regulation, a survey of the track, and other matters that have to
do with their plans to conduct a race meet. Additionally, we want to make sure the welfare of the horse is paramount. Before races can be recognized by our Association (thus allowing related race results and earnings to be recorded in our database, and to the benefit of the pedigree), I review the application, then send it before the AQHA Racing Council for approval, and lastly,
it is approved by the AQHA Executive Committee. Our intent is to do the due diligence to protect Quarter Horse racing and the horses themselves. Once approved by our Association, oversight is managed
by the presiding jurisdiction to regulate (usually a Racing Commission).
In closing, I hope in the coming days and months we are reporting more good news about these Quarter Horse opportunities. As always, I am available if you are interested in seeking more details.
Just on the surface, having four different states express an interest in building racetracks to host the excitement of Quarter Horse racing is great news!
RACING OPPORTUNITIES
April 2023
by Janet VanBebber, AQHA Chief Racing Officer
Help support the measures to bring racing to your state, and then make sure our interests are protected through good representation.
28 SPEEDHORSE April 2023