Page 10 - February 2021

TRACK CHATTER
THE MONTH IN REVIEW
by Jennifer K. Hancock
2020 CHAMPIONS
While the world is still navigating the “new normal” with quarantines, masks and pivots, it was refreshing to pause on Jan. 14 to celebrate the accomplishments of American Quarter Horse racing’s newest Champions.
In a year that saw so many uncertainties with meets cut short, postponed or even canceled, what a joy to relive the thrilling stakes and the accomplishments of horses and horsemen who will now be known in the history books as Champions.
For the first time in 53 years, a 2-year- old filly earned the World Champion title. Congratulations to Whistle Stop Cafe, the 2020 World Champion Racing American Quarter Horse, and her connections. The Freighttrain B filly, who is out of the Mr Jess Perry mare Sinuous, joins Laico Bird as the only other freshman filly to earn the title.
Congratulations to all the 2020 Champions! You can learn more about the other AQHA racing champions starting on page 56 of this issue.
And a special thank you to all the track personnel and officials who worked tirelessly to save not only race meets but possibly the entire industry by being innovative in finding ways to safely hold races. Without you, we wouldn’t have 2020 Champions to celebrate. These are the unsung heroes of our sport!
SAM THOMPSON MEMORIAL FUNDRAISER SUCCESS
The Sam Thompson Memorial Foundation continues to raise funds to help others in the industry and keep Sam’s memory alive and his legacy thriving. The foundation announced on Facebook that their annual scholarship fund- raiser that has historically been held over All American weekend was moved to the Heritage
Place Winter Mixed Sale and was a big success. While the pandemic has caused many non- profits to struggle, the generosity of the horse racing industry shined brightly at the Heritage Place event. The organization was able to raise $48,806, which will be returned to the indus- try and racing community via scholarships.
“What a great feeling to know how many we can help in Sam’s name,” the Foundation posted on their Facebook page.
RUIDOSO HORSE SALES COMBINED
The All American Ruidoso Horse Sale Company will conduct its three signature horse sale events over Labor Day Weekend in 2021.
The New Mexico-Bred Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred Yearling Sale, and the Foal-in- Utero Sale will begin the afternoon of Sept.
3, while the evenings of Sept. 3, 4 and 5 will feature consignments for the Select Quarter Horse Yearling Sale.
“Our 2020 Select Yearling Sale was one of our most successful sales ever with 315 year- lings selling for an average of $45,774,” said Lowell Neumayer, general manager of the All American Ruidoso Horse Sale Co. “We had 29 different yearlings that brought six-figure sale prices.”
Sale contracts will be available in April, and the sale entry deadline for the 2021 sales is May 14.
For more information visit RaceRuidoso.com.
AQHA PLANS 2021 CONVENTION
The 2021 AQHA Convention is slated for March 18-22 at the Hyatt Hill Country Resort in San Antonio and will be held according to local, state and federal mandates. Registration is open online.
After careful discussions with AQHA leadership and key stakeholders, the AQHA
Executive Committee decided to modify the traditional format of the annual convention to host a business format in 2021.
“With the cancellation of the 2020 conven- tion as a result of the coronavirus, AQHA lead- ership understands the importance of hosting an in-person convention in 2021,” said AQHA executive vice president Craig Huffhines. “AQHA is a member-driven organization, and the modified schedule will allow attendees
to focus on business initiatives, including committee and council meetings, reviewing member-submitted rule-change proposals, appointing new AQHA directors and electing the AQHA Executive Committee.
The American Quarter Horse Foundation Board of Trustees, Foundation Council and AQHF made the decision to postpone the annual Hall of Fame Induction, which will recognize the Class of 2020 and Class of 2021.
“The Foundation Council and Foundation staff are planning to host an event that will match the prestige of the honorees,” said Chris Sitz, chief foundation officer. More informa- tion about the Hall of Fame Induction, includ- ing the date and location of the event, will be released once details are finalized.”
You can learn more about the Convention and the latest health protocols at 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.
A special thank you to all the track personnel and officials who worked tirelessly to save not only race meets but possibly the entire industry by being innovative in finding ways to safely hold races. Without you, we wouldn’t have 2020 Champions to celebrate. These are the unsung heroes of our sport!
8 SPEEDHORSE February 2021