Page 25 - August 2021

TRACK CHATTER
ROB WERSTLER NAMED TQHA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Rob Werstler took the reins of the Texas Quarter Horse Association on July 26, replacing longtime Executive Director Val Clark who is leaving the AQHA Texas state affiliate for a seasonal role with a Christian- based dude ranch in Colorado.
With TQHA since 2003, Clark began
as director of shows; she was promoted to TQHA executive director in 2013 and held that role until announcing her resignation. During her tenure, TQHA maintained tra- ditional programs and services in addition to launching upgrades in technology – all while preserving a small staff. Through her 18 years with the association, Clark played a pivotal role in creating programs and events designed to provide direct benefit to horse owners of all levels and disciplines. Within the past few years, these programs drove an increase in membership, and TQHA saw membership totals double.
“It has been an honor and privilege to lead the world’s largest AQHA state affiliate organization since 2013. My role as TQHA executive director and as AQHA director for the state of Texas have been a large part of my life for a long time. I am grateful for the friendships and memories I’ve made over the years while in this role with TQHA,” Clark said. “The time has come for me to move on, and I know TQHA will be in good hands with Rob at the helm. I look forward to remaining involved with horses and taking some time to enjoy my family.”
The son of a leading Thoroughbred trainer, Werstler steps up to the role of executive director from his former position as the TQHA director of racing which he held since 1998. Werstler has been instrumental in the operation of the TQHA’s Accredited Texas- Bred program and its annual yearling sale. Prior to his hiring with TQHA, he worked
at Remington Park holding several positions.
INDIANA HALL OF FAME INDUCTS NEW MEMBERS
The Quarter Horse Association of Indiana celebrated two new inductees into the Indiana Quarter Horse Hall of Fame on July 3 at Indiana Grand Racing & Casino. Noel Alexander, a longtime owner and breeder, and Jockey Harold Collins were officially honored for their outstanding and dedicated service to the Indiana Quarter Horse industry.
Alexander, a native of Monticello, Indiana, has been involved in Quarter Horse rac-
ing in and around Indiana for 60 years. He competed at the smaller tracks in Indiana, including Wabash Valley Downs in Terre Haute and the Muncie Fairgrounds, before the implementation of pari-mutuel Quarter Horse racing in 1997 at Hoosier Park.
Running under the farm’s name of DNA Quarter Horses, Alexander has had suc- cess over the years at Indiana Grand. He is currently ranked among the top 20 all-time leading owners at the track.
Collins, a native of North Carolina, com- pleted his stellar riding career in 2018 with 787 wins and earnings in excess of $7 million. He is second on the list in all-time leading purse earnings for a Quarter Horse jockey and holds the record for most jockey titles
at Indiana Grand, winning the top spot five times - in 2005, 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2013. He also has the most career stakes victories
of any other Quarter Horse jockey in Indiana Grand history. Standout horses during his career in Indiana include Air Born Leader,
Eyes Got Hope, One Tough Dude and Sum Fun For Magic.
Both Alexander and Collins were recog- nized during the second all-Quarter Horse racing day for their achievements and induc- tion into the Hall of Fame with commemora- tive plaques. Members of QHRAI were on hand to make the presentations for 2020.
QHRAI also honored several other award recipients from 2020. The awards, gener-
ally provided during the annual banquet,
were delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions earlier this season. Those receiving awards and honored in the winner’s circle included Trainer Randy Smith, Jockey Samuel Mendez, Sophomore Jockey German Rodriguez, Rookie Jockey Erik Esqueda, Breeder/Owner Sheri Miller, and Matt Frazier for Small Stable. Each recipient received a belt buckle for their success in 2020 in Indiana.
CANTERBURY PARK HALL OF FAME WELCOMES NEW CLASS
The newest members of the Canterbury Park Hall of Fame were announced July 11 and were recognized during the July 17 Hall of Fame Night. They include A P Is Loose and Honey’s Sox Appeal, Thoroughbreds that are among the all-time leaders in purse earnings in the history of the track in Shakopee, Minnesota, as well as Steve & Dorothy Erban and Mary Green, pio- neers in the state’s racing industry dating back to the 1970s. These inductees join a group of more than 45 individuals and horses that comprise the best of Minnesota racing.
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