Page 12 - February 2021

TRACK CHATTER
THE MONTH IN REVIEW
by Jennifer K. Hancock
LOS AL RAISES PARTICIPATION PURSES
On Jan. 15, Los Alamitos Race Course began guaranteeing every Quarter Horse at least $500 when starting in any straightaway overnight race. This represents a raise of 67% from the previous guaranteed participation purse of $300 per start.
According to a press release, this increase is being done to offset the rising costs in the workers’ compensation insurance per-start, while also providing racehorse owners with additional funds to cover the general costs involved with racing.
The guaranteed participation purses are paid to owners when their horses finish sixth and beyond in any straightaway overnight Quarter Horse race (i.e. non stakes, handicap or stakes trial race). A horse will also receive the new guaranteed participation purse if their share of the purse for running fifth is less than $500.
Furthermore, one Quarter Horse race for horses at the $6,250 claiming level or below
will be selected each entry day to receive an additional purse bonus of $2,000. The entire $2,000 bonus amount will be awarded to the winning horse of the race. The “bonus” race will be announced by the Los Alamitos Racing Office and new races could be added to the condition book as a result. Track officials are hopeful that these increases may stimulate activity in the entry box for owners and trainers.
The increase in the guaranteed participation purse and the “bonus race” are the most recent adjustments in prize money to benefit owners involved with horse racing at the Orange County track. Los Alamitos management, in association with the Pacific Coast Quarter Horse Racing Association, is continuing to explore ways to create more lucrative racing opportunities for horses at all racing levels.
LOUISIANA DOWNS OFF AND RUNNING
The 2022 Quarter Horse racing season at Louisiana Downs kicked off Jan. 10. The 46-day meet runs through April 7.
Louisiana Downs is now under new ownership. Rubico Acquisition Corporation purchased the Bossier City racetrack for $22 million with approval from both the Louisiana Gaming Control Board and Louisiana State Racing Commission.
Frank Kersh, who has been involved in gaming operations since 1992, is the new General Manager of Louisiana Downs. Kersh and Rubico are relatively new to owning and managing a racing property but are firm in their commitment to integrate racing and the casino as “one experience.”
Improvements for racing are underway, according to Kersh. The entire property has been power washed; landscaping has been updated; fences have been painted and the toteboard included a brighter look on opening day. New guard stations have been ordered and jockey quarters renovations are slated. A capital expenditure program is in the works.
“We are looking to upgrade many areas of the property,” said Kersh. “There is a lot of history
at Louisiana Downs; we want the facility to look presentable as we work to attract more fans.”
Kersh also spoke of the importance of marketing to local businesses.
“We are talking to a variety of companies about sponsoring a race or hosting an employee appreciation event at Louisiana Downs,” he added. “There were between 1,500 -1,700 people in our parking lot watching fireworks on New Year’s Eve. We believe in community first and feel that our efforts will reward both the racing product and casino.”
Director of Racing David Heitzmann and the racing office are busy preparing for the 46-day season. “The new owners are very enthusiastic,” stated Heitzmann. “It’s very clear that they want make changes to the property and attract new fans. While Rubico has not owned a racetrack in the past, they have opened their ears to our horsemen.”
ROAD TO THE CHALLENGE/AQHA CONVENTION
The Hipodromo in Mexico City, kicked
off the 2022 road to the Bank of America Challenge Championships Feb. 6 with trials for the Q-Racing Video Distaff Challenge for fillies and mares 3-years-old and older. The 400-yard final is scheduled for Feb. 27. The Bank of America Racing Challenge Championships and AQHA Racing Conference will be held at the Horseshoe Indianapolis Racing & Casino in Shelbyville, Indiana on Oct. 22.
The American Quarter Horse Association’s annual convention will be taking place from Feb. 25-28, at the South Point Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. In addition to giving AQHA members a chance to be part of the governance process and vote on AQHA Rule Changes, the 2022 Convention will also feature the Affiliates In Motion Rally and the AQHA Breeder Banquet, presented by Teton Ridge. The banquet is slated for 6 p.m. on Feb. 27.
During the AQHA Breeder Banquet, AQHA will recognize the 50-year cumulative and legacy breeders from 2021, the 2021 AQHA Best Remuda, the 2021 and 2020 International Best Remuda, the 2020 AQHA Ranching Heritage Breeder of the Year, and the Top Money-Earning Ranching Heritage Breeder of the Year.
For more information on the 2022 AQHA Convention or to register, visit www.aqha.com/convention.
Got Good News to Share? Do you have a positive story that you’d like to share?
Send photos and news items to jennifer_k_hancock@hotmail.com.
10 SPEEDHORSE February 2022