Page 261 - September2021

Indiana Grand Supports the PDJF Racing Across America
On July 26, Indiana Grand associates, jockeys, horseman and race fans all gathered to help sup- port the PDJF Racing Across America and Back to School national weekend. Celebrated at tracks across the U.S. the event helps raise funds and exposure for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. The event also commemorated the 31st anniversary of the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in honor of National Dis- ability Independence Day. The events included a foot race, where jockey German Rodriguez came from behind in the 50-yard dash to win. Next was the Tug O War with Track Maintenance Crew taking on the undefeated jockeys. Shortly after the teams got to tugging the rope broke right in front of jockey Natasha Fritz, causing her to fall to the ground and forfeit the win to the Track Maintenance Crew. Indiana Grand Vice President and General Manager of racing Eric Halstrom presented a $2500 check from
the track to the PDJF. The PDJF Race Across America was cosponsored by the Indiana Horse- man’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) with Back To School activities, provid- ing 10 backpack giveaways and an iPad.
Negative Hair Tests Required for 2022 in Louisiana
The Board of Directors of the Louisiana Quarter Horse Breeders Association announced adoption of Hair Testing Policy for 2022. Hair Testing will begin at the Delta Downs Quarter Horse meet
in the spring of 2022. As an additional condition for participation in any LQHBA or Licensed Association Futurities, all horses may be subject to substance testing by the LQHBA. Positive tests for prohibited meditations may result in a loss of eligibility to participate in the trials or finals. Re- fusal by an owner or trainer to submit to pre-race examination or the LQHBA Hair Testing before or after a race, will also deem the horse ineligible. If a horse receives a positive test and is deemed ineligible to participate in the trials or finals, all money paid in to the LQHBA and the horseman’s bookkeeper is forfeited for the following 2022 Quarter Horse futurities: Lassie Futurity-RG2, Laddie Futurity-RG2, Old South Futurity, Fire- cracker Futurity-G2, Lee Berwick Futurity-RG1, LQHBA Sale Futurity-RG1, Louisiana Million Futurity-RG1, and Evangeline Downs Futurity- G3. For complete details and more information, contact LQHBA at (318) 487-9506.
Equine Fatalities in California Decrease by Half
In California, 144 horses died from race or training injuries between the fiscal year of 2018- 2019. That number was decreased by half in fiscal year 2020-2021, marking the most drastic improvement to date with a 40% reduction
of equine fatalities. Over the last 19 months, various commissioners and the chairman of
the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) have put into effect over 40 regulatory actions intended to protect horses and jockeys. The most significant of these regulations are: allow- ing track vets and officials to require diagnostic imaging before removing a horse from the re- stricted vet’s list, limiting the use of whips, and requiring full postmortem examinations to help prevent similar issues in the future. The CHRB also added to their staff a Chief Official Veteri- narian in Dr. Timothy Grande, and appointed Dr. Jeff Bela as Equine Medical Director.
Arapahoe Park Purse Increase
Arapahoe Park track officials announced a $2,000 purse increase for all open-company overnight races to reward horsemen loyalty and support of the Bally’s Arapahoe Park 2021 meet, which opened on Aug. 11 and runs through Oct. 15. The track is also offering a new bonus structure for Colorado-bred horses running against open competition, with up to an addi- tional $2,000 for a top-three finish.
NMHA Ongoing Legal Action Against NMRC
On Aug. 6, District Court Judge Erin B. O’Connell handed the New Mexico Horseman’s Association (NMHA) an initial win in their
efforts against the New Mexico Racing Commis- sion (NMRC) by blocking the racing commission from ordering state tracks to withhold owners’ contributions to the horsemen’s association. The judge granted a Motion to Stay on behalf of the NMHA, with the ruling and subsequent Order of the District Court granting the motion filed by NMHA to stay the decision of the commission and uphold the horsemen’s position.
Industry Leaders Support Barrel Racing
The American Quarter Horse Association in conjunction with a group of influencers within the Barrel Racing industry, which has seen significant growth in the last 10 years, formed the Barrel Racing Industry Alliance (BRIA). Its mission is to form a unified presence for the sport at a national level, along with creating a series of initiatives to better serve the industry. The BRIA Charter Members include Barrel Futurities of America, Better Barrel Races, Breeder’s Challenge, Future Fortunes, National Barrel Horse Association, West Coast Bar-
rel Racing Association, Old Fort Days, Pink Buckle/Ruby Buckle, and Women’s Pro Rodeo Association. The BRIA includes industry lead- ers with years of experience looking forward to helping barrel racing grow.
NEWS BRIEFS
SPEEDHORSE PHOTO ARCHIVES
Do you recognize the mare pictured above?
Here’s a clue: She is the dam of our only Triple Crown winner. You can find the answer on page 261.
SPEEDHORSE September 2021 259