Page 173 - November 2020

Equine and Jockey Bills Pass in California
According to the Paulick Report, two new bills relating to equine and jockey welfare and safety were passed and signed into law in California. SB 800 provides greater access to veterinary records for racehorses, requires reporting/publi- cation of equine facilities at facilities regulated by the California Horse Racing Board, and requires publication of positive post-race test findings within 5 days of confirmation. AB 1975 gives regulatory veterinarians authority to order diagnostic tests on horses; extends time for removing horses from the Veterinarian’s List; gives more veterinary oversight for at-risk horses; allows diagnostic imaging in pre-race exams; requires racing associations to provide areas for enhanced veterinary exams; enhances a whistleblower program; and provides addi- tional funding for safety.
U.S. House Passes Anti-Doping Bill
The U.S. House of Representatives on Sept. 29 passed the Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA), led by Representatives Paul Tonko (D-NY) and Andy Barr (R-KY), which addresses the safety and welfare of racehorses and the integrity of the sport. HISA mirrors legislation recently introduced by U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch Mc- Connell (R-KY) and Senators Kirsten Gil- librand (D-NY), Martha McSally (R-AZ) and Diane Feinstein (D-CA) to end widespread doping of racehorses. HISA includes a ban on race-day doping, establishing of a uniform national standard for rules and regulations for U.S. horseracing that would be overseen by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).
AAEP Supports Horseracing Integrity
& Safety Act
The American Association of Equine Prac- titioners (AAEP) board of directors voted to support the Horseracing Integrity & Safety Act (HISA) to create uniform safety and medica- tion standards in all U.S. racing jurisdictions. The decision is primarily due to the qualifica- tions of the individuals chosen to serve on the HISA Nominating Committee which include equine industry leaders Dr. Jerry Black and Dr. Nancy Cox, who will select members of the board of directors and standing committees. AAEP will continue to advocate for additional veterinary representation on the HISA board and committees. “The composition of the Authority Nominating Committee gives us confidence that the needed scientific expertise for these important positions will be consid- ered, but we believe the breadth of knowledge needed to successfully protect equine athletes requires additional individuals,” said Dr. Jeff Berk, AAEP immediate past president and Rac- ing Committee chair.
Klaiber First Woman To Win Los Al Million $ Race
Justine Klaiber became the first woman to win a million-dollar race at Los Alamitos when she scored a neck victory in the $1,070,550 Grade 1 Golden State Million Futurity aboard Apollitical Gold. Bred and owned by Grant R. Cox Revocable Trust, the 2018 sorrel gelding was sent off at 12-1 odds for trainer Eddie D. Willis. Apollitical Gold previously finished third in the All American Futurity-G1.
Turf Paradise 2021 Meet
Following a March 2020 shutdown due to COVID-19, Turf Paradise and the Arizona Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (AZHBPA) have agreed to an 84- day live racing meet from Jan. 2 – May 1, 2021.
Pigeon Fever In Washington
According to the Paulick Report, five horses in the state of Washington have tested positive for pigeon fever, a somewhat seasonal disease caused by a gram-positive bacteria that likely lives in soil and in which insects are believed to be vectors. The disease also infects cattle, goats, sheep and, rarely, humans.
PETA Buys Shares In Racetracks
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has purchased stock in four companies that own racetracks: Penn National Gaming, VICI Properties, Boyd Gaming, and Gaming and Leisure Properties Inc., owners of multiple racetracks in- cluding Evangeline Downs, Delta Downs, Retama Park, Sam Houston, and Zia Park. Although PETA
does not support horse racing, the stock purchase was made in order for the organization to have a voice in the boardroom and to push for changes to make a “difference for vulnerable horses.”
Epic Leader To Pink Buckle, Guys Eye Paint to Ruby Buckle
Lance Robinson and Kristi Schiller have entered into a partnership on their respective stallions, Guys Eye Paint (Frenchmans Guy-Miss Eye Paint, Mr Eye Opener) and Epic Leader (Con- federate Leader-Firewater Fiesta, Fire Water Flit), which will move Guys Eye Paint from the Pink Buckle to the Ruby Buckle and transfer Epic Leader to the Pink Buckle for 2021. Epic Leader stands at Lazy E Ranch in Oklahoma, while Guys Eye Paint stands at Robinson Ranch in Utah.
Johnnie F. Jamison Passes Away
Longtime racetrack superintendent Johnnie F. Jamison, 63, passed away on Oct. 13. Jamison was dedicated to ground maintenance at tracks such
as Lone Star Park, Sunland Park, Indiana Grand, Gulfstream Park, Canterbury Park and Palm Meadows, and was an official starter at Sam Houston, Indiana Grand, Manor Downs and the Hipodromo de las Americas. Jamison also maintained arenas
and was the 2016 National Finals Rodeo Surface Coordinator for the World Championships and received the National Finals Achievement Award for ground safety that year. Jamison is survived by his wife Kimber, four sons, two granddaughters and many other family members and friends.
SPEEDHORSE PHOTO ARCHIVES
NEWS BRIEFS
Can you identify the horse in this photo? Here’s a hint: He was named Champion 3-Year-Old Colt in 1981. The answer is on page 172.
SPEEDHORSE November 2020 171