Page 156 - Speedhorse June 2020

NEWS BRIEFS
Mike Dimoff Named Ruidoso Downs Track Announcer
Ruidoso Downs on May 6 wel- comed their new track announcer Mike Dimoff, who called 21 schooling races for an online audience. Dimoff, who hails from Canada, previously called races at at Northlands Park
in Canada, before heading to the Fairgrounds in New Orleans. When he’s not at the track, Dimoff is a registered nurse in a hospital pediatric critical care unit of a hospital in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Boyd Gaming to Reopen Casinos
Boyd Gaming reopened Delta Downs Racetrack Casino Hotel, Evangeline Downs Racetrack Casino Hotel and Treasure Chest Casino on May 20. These are the first Boyd Gaming properties to reopen following the COVID-19 closure mid-March. The proper- ties are operating with limited amenities and capacity restrictions in compliance with state and local requirements.
Texas Governor’s Order Allows Simulcasting
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s executive
order allowed for the reopening of the state’s simulcast racing on May 22. The facilities are operating at 25% total sited occupancy. Training ceased at Sam Houston and Retama Park on April 30, while training at Lone Star Park began on May 6.
Los Alamitos Has Records Record Handle
The total handle on the 9-race program at Los Alamitos on May 10 reached a record $2,901,650, surpassing the $2,843,573 that was set on April 25.
BLM Tests New Fertility Drug
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) began testing a new fertility-control vaccine for controlling wild herd growth. Hopes are the new drug will become an alternative contraceptive
to porcine zona pellucida (PZP), which when injected into mares produces antibodies that prevent sperm from attaching to and fertilizing an egg. The new drug, oocyte growth factor (OGF), prevents oocytes from maturing and renders mares infertile for at least three years and can cause early menopause. Some horse advocates believe the vac- cine can reduce wild horse gatherings, while others feel the agency is not allowing enough oversight of the testing to assess the condition of the mares and to monitor any detrimental effects.
CHRB Prohibits Use Of Bisphosphonates
The California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) recently prohibited the administration of bisphosphonates to any horse within a facility regulated by the CHRB and prohibited any horse from entering the grounds that has been admin- istered the drug within 6 months. Additional information is available at chrb.ca.gov.
AHP & Zoetis Announce 2020 EIVA Winner/Finalists
The American Horse Publications partnered with Zoetis in 2001 to develop the Equine Industry Vision Award (EIVA), which recognizes ingenuity and service as well as the benefit to the equine industry by inspiring these qualities in oth- ers. Presented to an individual or organization that exemplifies outstanding visionary achievement or sustained contributions that have had a profound impact on the equine industry, the 2020 EIVA winner is Barbra Schulte, CEO and President of the Center for Equestrian Performance Inc. The other finalists included: Breyer Horses, which cre- ates realistic horse models that introduce children to the world of horses; Roxane Durant, co-founder and Executive Director of the Interscholastic Equestrian Association; and Monty Roberts, inter- nationally known horseman and founder of Flag Is Up Farms and Join-Up International.
Murray Craddock Passes Away
Longtime horse transporter Murray Craddock died in a car accident on May 2. Based in Louisiana, Craddock drove many miles doing what he loved. Affectionately called “Driver”, Craddock is survived by his four children Angela, Brandon, Madison and Cassidy along with many other family members and friends.
Duponte Dies
2017 Champion 3-Year-Old Colt Duponte was euthanized due to a serious medical condi- tion on May 29. Duponte won the Heritage
Place Futurity-G1 and Harrah’s Entertainment Futurity-G3, was second in the All American Derby-G1 and Dash For Cash Futurity-G2, and was a multiple Grade 1 finalist. Duponte is by Champion/Champion sire American Runaway, and he is out of AQHA Dam of Distinction Havanah Goodtime, by Ivory James. Duponte was bred and owned by AQHA Hall of Fame member and multiple Champion breeder/owner Bobby
D. Cox, who is the #3 all-time leading owner and the #3 all-time leading breeder of money earners. Duponte’s first foals are yearlings of 2020.
Non-Stakes Races Jake Kapp Maiden Frolic
Weber Downs • Ogden, UT • 5/24/2020 • 350yds • 3yo&up • $25,633 • Fast
:18.063 Wilmas Dynasty, 3, f, (Jr Dynasty Mountain-Watch Wilma Burn) Michael L Clark/R Moosman/J Valenzuela
Harems Runaway, 3, g, (Harems Last Dash-Shes Fabulous)
Judy & George T Weldon/J Pitcher/M Ybarra Jesslikeasweetdream, 3, f, (Apollitical Jess-A Dash Of Sweet Heat) Larry C Stewart/J Pitcher/J Guzman
Ryansmanonthemoon Dies
Ryansmanonthemoon (First Moonflash- Girlonthego, Man On The Move), died the morning of June 2 due to colic. The 2016 bay gelding came on strong in his 2019 three-year-
old campaign. He was ranked #11 by 2019 wins and #30 by 2019 earnings, winning the Zia
Park Championship-G1, NMHBA Stakes-G2 and the Shue Fly Stakes-G3, finishing second
in the Zia Handicap-G2, and as a finalist in the Championship at Sunland Park-G1. He made his final start on Jan. 25, 2020, winning the $100,000 Dona Ana County Handicap by 1 1/2-lengths at Sunland Park (pictured). Ryansmanonthemoon, who earned $410,081, was bred and owned by Jimmy Negrete and Jimmy Vazquez.
154 SPEEDHORSE June 2020