Page 18 - January 2021

AQHA RACING UPDATE
“2020 was indeed the most unusual and unprecedented year.”
TRANSITION TO A NEW YEAR
As I sit to pen this, I have already enjoyed the opportunity to proof several articles that you will be seeing in ensuing AQHA magazines and Q-Racing blogs. These are written by people who write editorials for a living, so how can I convey my thoughts on the transition to a new year in a manner different than what they have articulated? It’s a tough task for this horse- man, but I will do my best.
2020 was indeed the most unusual and unprecedented year. We endured struggles we never imagined, but, despite the impact of the pandemic and a response never seen before, there is a lot in Quarter Horse racing that I continue to be very proud of. At the top of my list, I think it is remarkable that through the collaboration of the AQHA Racing Department and individual tracks, we were able to offer all the AQHA Regional Challenge Stakes. Even more remarkable, we partnered with the Downs at Albuquerque to host a fully funded 2020 Challenge Champi- onships. The 10-race card boasted full fields, and while in person attendance was not allowed, the offering of stakes via simulcast tallied an improved off-site handle over the 2019 running. All of this speaks volumes for our AQHA Racing Challenge, and I wish to express my appreciation to you, our mem- bers, for supporting the program.
While many are worried about the long-term impact of the pandemic, another positive note about the AQHA Racing Challenge is the over- whelming evidence that the program remains
viable for the future. We have released the 2021 Regional Challenge schedule (aqha.com/Racing/ Bank of America Racing Challenge/Schedules), and our friends at the Downs at Albuquerque have committed to hosting the 2021 Champi- onship event for a record third time! They enjoy hosting the event so much, they want an op- portunity to do it again without the limitations presented by COVID-19.
Further good news about the AQHA Racing Challenge is that Indiana Grand Racing and Casino is tentatively approved to host a fully funded event in 2022. What a wonderful op- portunity! A new venue for our Challenge races? I can’t wait!
Yes, there are struggles as we move forward into the new year. I am disappointed that the bill designed to expand Federal oversight of racing was rolled into the massive omnibus legislation passed the end of the year. My work will be cut out for me as I do my best to protect the welfare of our racing Quarter Horses in individual jurisdictions.
We continue to face issues in the sport, specifically regarding the use of performance enhancing substances. Know that people are working hard behind the scenes to impact change and ensure that those seeking an unfair advantage are caught. The members who serve on AQHA Committees consider their task of upholding the integrity of racing of paramount importance and will continue to work towards that goal in their leadership roles with AQHA.
“The members who serve on AQHA Committees consider their task of upholding the integrity of racing of paramount importance . . .”
If ever there is a topic that concerns you, please know that your voice is welcome via participation in the Racing Committee. There are two dates that you should put on your calendar: First, our next Racing Com- mittee meeting will be conducted in San Antonio at the 2021 AQHA Convention which starts on March 18, 2021. If you have an interest in being appointed to the Racing Committee, email me at jvanbebber@aqha. org and I will send you an application and pertinent details. Involvement in this group is an effective way to know what is going on and to impact the future of the business.
In closing, I continue to pray for the health and safety for each of you, and also for your horses. May your foaling season bring healthy babies and may your racing season produce black type winners!
Happy New Year!.
January 2021
by Janet VanBebber, AQHA Chief Racing Officer
“. . . I think it is remarkable that through the collaboration of the AQHA Racing Department and individual tracks, we were able to offer all the AQHA Regional Challenge Stakes.”
16 SPEEDHORSE January 2021