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SUNRAY 2020 MEET CANCELLED
The New Mexico Racing Commission made the decision to cancel the SunRay Park 2020 meet.
The track posted the following on their website: “We do compliment the Governor & commission members for putting the employees, horsemen, and public’s health first. At this time, it is in the best interest
of all communities to stay safe and healthy. 2020 Live racing season at SunRay Park & Casino has been canceled due to the ongoing concerns of COVID-19. Join us in 2021
for several weeks full of fun and excitement, such as the famous Kentucky Derby Hat Contest, Preakness Day, numerous partner- ship programs, and giveaways.”
Visit www.sunraygaming.com for more information about the track reopening and future operating hours for simulcasting.
•2012 – Gilbert Ortiz
SANDY DOWNS CANCELS SUMMER MEET
Sandy Downs canceled its 2020 live racing meet that was schedule for June-July. The track shared on its website and social media sites the following: “We have tried
to postpone as long as possible not know- ing how long current restrictions will stay
in place due to COVID-19. However, due
to the City of Idaho Falls and their non- refundable cancellation policy, we had
only until April 3rd to cancel our currently scheduled race dates. We did express our interest in trying to work with the city
on securing later race dates if possible as schedules permit. Our highest priority is to keep everyone, along with all horses, safe and healthy. Refunds will be issued for all nomination fees. We are hopeful for the return of live horse racing in Idaho Falls and thank you to all of our fans, sponsors, train- ers and racers.” Visit www.idaracing.com for information on the Idaho Falls track.
MONTANA RACING CANCELS 2020 MEET
The Great Falls Turf Club in Montana cancelled its 2020 meet, which was sched- uled to run five days from July 18-26.
“With the uncertainty of restrictions placed on events in July regarding health issues
and the COVID-19 outbreak, the (Great Falls Turf Club) board reviewed all of their options before making this difficult deci- sion,” said Montana Board of Horse Racing Executive Secretary Tom Tucker in a memo. According to the memo, the Great Falls Turf Club plans to apply for 2021 race dates
in November.
TRACK CHATTER
Sam Thompson Memorial Jockey Award
The 2020 Sam Thompson Memorial Jockey Award will not be presented this year. Each year the recipient of the Sam Thompson Award is chosen by votes cast by fellow jockeys at tracks that hold American Quarter Horse racing. Active jockeys receive ballots and vote for the person whose personal character on and off the track reflects positively on Quarter Horse racing. The closure of many tracks has taken away the opportunity for the voting process to be conducted this year.
We look forward to being able to continue this award honoring the jockeys of the American Quarter Horse Racing industry next year. These are the Sam Thompson Memorial Jockey Award winners from the past. Once again, we congratulate and applaud these fine individuals who have had such a beneficial influence in the Quarter Horse rac- ing world by their leadership and good examples.
2011 Roy Brooks
2012 Gilbert Ortiz
2013 G.R. Carter, Jr.
2014 Cody Jensen
2015 Eddie Garcia
2016 Ramon Sanchez
2017 Cesar de Alba
2018 Ricky Ramirez
2019 Esgar Ramirez
SPEEDHORSE May 2020 15