Page 68 - January 2021

Free Thought is the current record holder for consecutive wins with a win streak of 18.
AUGUST 15
Free Thought (Stel Corona-Just Think, Pritzi Dash), the current world record holder for consecutive wins, extended his win streak to 18 in the Evergreen Park Distance Challenge. Bred by Edward Allred, the 2011 gelding is owned by Charles G. Stojan and trained by William H. Leech.
AUGUST 22
Jockey Vinnie Bednar, 28, suffered lower-limb paralysis after a spill at Los Alamitos. Bidnar rode 2019 World Champion He Looks Hot to victory in the Champions of Champions, as well as many other leading runners.
AUGUST 22
Delta Downs ended its 36-day 2020 Quarter Horse meet, honoring their leading horsemen. The leading owner title went to Rayne Knight with 10 winners for her first local title. Rogelio Marquez Jr. is the leading owner by money earned, including a victory in the Lee Berwick Futurity on closing night. Trey Ellis won his first leading trainer title at Delta Downs, saddling
28 winners, and trainer Jesus Marquez was the leading trainer by earnings. Jockeys David Alvarez and Juan F. Garcia Jr. tied in the standings for wins, each getting 37 in the season. It was the second jockey title for Alvarez and the first for Garcia. Alvarez also led all jockeys by earnings.
AUGUST 27
The 2020 Ruidoso Select Yearling Sale, the 2020 New Mexico Bred Sale and the Foal In Utero Sale were held at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Oklahoma, due to the New Mexico Public Health Order that limited mass gatherings. The sale was streamed online at RaceRuidoso.com, where buyers could bid onsite and via phone.
SEPTEMBER
SEPTEMBER
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/publication 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 additional funding for safety.
SEPTEMBER 1
According to the Paulick Report and the Buenos Aires Times, people in Argentina may be able to participate in clinical trials for a new COVID-19 treatment using equine serum to deliver antibodies to affected people. Horses are unaffected by the disease and generate large amounts of antibodies, and it is expected that the antibodies will prevent the virus from entering cells. Developed by biotech company Inmunova
in conjunction with San Martin University, trials will be held at four hospitals and 10 health care centers around Buenos Aires.
SEPTEMBER 5
The 146th running of the Kentucky Derby was held without spectators. Churchill Downs Inc. stated, “. . . the health and safety of our team, fans and participants is our highest concern.” Only essential personnel and participants were permitted on grounds. Gov. Andy Beshear supported the decision.
SEPTEMBER 14
The Louisiana Quarter Horse Breeders Association announced the cancellation of the 2020 LQHBA Fall Mixed Sale that was scheduled for Nov. 21.
SEPTEMBER 29
The U.S. House of Representatives 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 McConnell (R-KY) and Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (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).
OCTOBER
OCTOBER
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 including 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.”
OCTOBER
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 (Confederate 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.
OCTOBER 26
Chris Polzin joined Indiana Grand as the track’s new director of racing and racing secretary.
66 SPEEDHORSE January 2021