Page 16 - July 2020

AQHA RACING UPDATE
“This year our industry has taken a big leap forward by offering great races for three-year-old fillies, and I think it is fantastic.”
Let’s hear it for the ladies!
I loved training horses and many good horses were entrusted into my care. When I reached the milestone of 1,000 wins, most journalists covering the story wanted to focus on the gender issue. I was, after all, the first woman in AQHA’s history to do so. However, at first, I was not a proponent of that angle. I wanted to be recog- nized as a horseman, not a “female” horseman. Then, one columnist reminded me that it was indeed an accomplishment; after all, it did take an extra level of tenacity to beat the boys! I was advised to celebrate the achievement to serve
as a positive example for the next generation of young ladies. That perspective resonated with me. And so, I embraced the celebration of my place in the industry as a female.
Influenced by this perspective, I am particu- larly pleased that the female equine athletes that grace our tracks are enjoying new opportuni- ties. This year our industry has taken a big leap forward by offering great races for three-year-old fillies, and I think it is fantastic. Los Alamitos has already had the inaugural running of their Oaks, and in the coming days, Ruidoso Downs will offer an Oaks option for the fillies paid into the Rainbow and All American.
As the Chief Racing Officer of the American Quarter Horse Association, I never lose sight
of the fact that among our various roles in the industry, we are first and foremost a breed regis- try. Furthermore, mares are critically important to the improvement of our breed. All of us who have endured the ups and downs of raising
foals know that good mares are the heart of a breeding operation. Additionally, while scoping out prospects at yearling sales, most of us place well deserved emphasis on the mare’s side of
the pedigree. There is good reason that Robin Glenn Pedigrees devotes most of the catalog page to the accomplishments of the bottom side
of the family. So, hats off to the track manage- ment at Los Alamitos and Ruidoso Downs for implementing these races. Fillies deserve the races, and it should provide incentive for owners to pay into the stakes programs! I would love to see more tracks consider the implementation of something similar.
On to an update about the AQHA Racing Department:
I am still working remotely while AQHA Headquarters returns to normal in phases. My absence from the office allows another staff member who is critical to Customer Service to take my place in the on-premise headcount, and their work for you is important! With today’s technology, I am quite productive even while not in Amarillo. Between my phone and computer, I am engaged in AQHA business all day long. Ad- ditionally, nearly every day I participate in at least one meeting scheduled via video conferencing... and it truly is the next best thing to being there!
Right now, we are working on the AQHA Racing Department’s Governance. In March, we welcomed new Racing Committee members Ed Burgart, Fran Cavenaugh, Mindy McArthur, Lisa McMahon, Charles Moore, and Bee Silva. This week we are seeking nominations for three open spots on the Racing Council, as Dr. Larry Findley, Ross Brigden, and Lloyd Yother’s terms are ending. These three positions each require that the candi- date be both a Racing Committee member and also an AQHA Director. If you are on the Racing Committee, be on the lookout for the ballot via email, and be sure and send us your votes.
I continue to advocate for racing’s best interest in different areas. For instance, Remington Park was able to pay $1,301,125 retroactively after the meet closed, realizing the revenue stream that creates purses had gener- ated enough money to do so. Isn’t that great news! However, I am working with track man-
agement and Equibase to get that purse dis- tribution credited to each horse’s race record. The money is indeed purse money, and the horse, the pedigree, and even the year end stats reflecting total Quarter Horse purses paid need to be inclusive of this retroactive payment. It is a work in progress, and I hope I am successful. It is the right thing for the business.
I am weighing in on the crop issue for our Quarter Horse jockeys. (Note that even the ter- minology has changed: No longer do we call it a ‘whip’, as that term has negative connotations.) Considering current concerns about animal wel- fare, new regulation is being proposed to limit
a rider’s use of the crop. I understand there is need for change and that we must be cognizant of protecting both the horse and the perception of our industry. But our Quarter Horse races are different than the Thoroughbreds, and we may need to consider breed specific verbiage that af- fords our riders rules that are more applicable to our straight-away sprints. If a rider may not use the crop more than two times without allowing the horse to respond, how do you define “al- lowing a horse to respond” in a 250-yard race?
I believe we need to refine the proposal to have an option that better suits our breed’s races, or our riders are going to have a very difficult time. I will be submitting a letter to the Model Rules Committee of the Association of Racing Com- missioners International, so that your Associa- tion is on record in looking out for the Quarter Horse jockeys and the regulation that governs them while riding our American Quarter Horse.
I share this to give you a better idea of the variety of issues we address every day to advocate for Quarter Horse Racing. If ever you have a race-related issue that you think we can assist with, do not hesitate to reach out to me. I love this business and am never too busy to advocate for the betterment of the sport.
AQHA WEIGHS IN
July 2020
by Janet VanBebber, AQHA Chief Racing Officer
14 SPEEDHORSE July 2020