Page 223 - December 2021

Texas Horse Racing Hall of Fame Induction
The Texas Horse Racing Hall of Fame gala was held Nov. 20 at Lone Star Park, with five in- ductees in AQHA Past President Dr. Jim Heird, Mike Robbins, Tommy Azopardi, Kenny Trout and Hal Wiggins. Also recognized with the JoAnn Weber Distinguished Service Award was Jennifer Gibbs, and special presentations were given to the honorable Lois Kolkhorst and the honorable Tracy King. The ceremony featured AQHA Hall of Fame member D. Wayne Lukas as a special keynote speaker.
National Youth Racing Experience
Scholarship Winners
The AQHA awarded $6,000 in scholarships during the American Quarter Horse Youth Association National Youth Racing Experience held during the Bank of America Challenge Championships at The Downs at Albuquerque on Oct. 21-23. The five 2021 National Racing Experience participants were A.J. Kendrick (Texas), Aliya Hawker (Washington), David Kendrick (Texas), Gaston Strickland (Mississippi), and Mallory Robbins (California). The scholarships were presented to the highest-scoring youth determined from the cumulative score of their application, skillathon contest, on-site participation, and interview. Dave Kendrick won the $3,000 top prize, A.J. Kendrick was second with a $2,000 scholarship, and Gaston Strickland finished third for a $1,000 scholarship. Interested youth can visit aqha.com/youth to locate a regional racing experience.
Global Gaming Proposes Nebraska Track
Global Gaming Nebraska president Sean Boyd on Dec. 2 presented a regional market analysis on a proposed racetrack and casino in North Platte, Nebraska, which could generate over 180 jobs, $5.5 million in annual payroll and $115 million in tax revenues for the city, county and state over 10 years. Global Gaming Nebraska is a subsidiary of the Chickasaw Nation’s Global Gaming Solutions, which oversees over 26 casinos in Oklahoma and Texas, including Remington Park and Lone Star Park. “The findings of this study verify our belief that western Nebraska is an untapped market for this type of entertainment
facility,” Boyd said. “This study confirms that, if approved for license, the investment we will make in these communities will have a positive impact on the western part of the state for decades to come.”
Jockey Mendez Facing 20-Year Suspension
Indiana Horse Racing Commission Executive Director Deena Pitman recommended a 20- year suspension and a $10,000 fine for Indiana Grand leading Quarter Horse jockey Sammy Mendez, who during an investigation admitted he possessed and used a prohibited electrical device during training and live races. According to the complaint, Indiana Downs track veterinarian Dr. Katie Naughton recovered the device from the track surface following a Quarter Horse allowance on Sept. 4, 2021, in which Mendez won aboard Rock Candy Almighty. The ruling also recommended the winner’s share be redistributed. Mendez has 20 days after the filing of the complaint to request a hearing. Pitman may withdraw, amend or modify the complaint and penalty.
Award Winning Movie Jockey Coming To Theaters
A movie entitled ‘Jockey’ will hit theaters in New York and California in December, and then move to other theaters throughout the U.S. Filmed in 2019 at Turf Paradise in Arizona, the movie won at the Sundance Film Festival, and uses several current and former riders. ‘Jockey’ is about an aging jockey who
is suffering from lasting effects of injuries sustained while riding and his hopes to win one last big race for his longtime trainer. The years and injuries have taken a toll on his body, throwing into question his ability to continue his lifelong passion.
Prairie Meadows 2022 Dates
Prairie Meadows in Altoona, Iowa, has received approval from the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission for their 2022 race dates. The live race meet will begin May 13 and conclude on Oct. 2, with Thoroughbred racing from May 13-June 18, continuing with a mixed meet and then a Quarter Horse meet starting June 19 and running through Oct. 2.“Quarter Horses in Iowa will be racing
for the longest period of time in their history here with 60 race days over more than three months in 2022 and depending on how strong the horse inventory is, the potential torun nearly 10% more races for Quarter Horses would be possible,” said Assistant Racing Secretary Chad Keller.
Wyoming 2022 Dates Approved
The Wyoming Pari-Mutuel Commission approved 52 live race dates at their meeting on Nov. 19. Energy Downs in Gillette will
race from May 21-June 26; Wyoming Downs in Evanston will race from June 4-Aug.7; and Sweetwater Downs in Rock Springs will race from Aug. 13-Sept. 25.
Indiana Grand Gets 2022 Dates
2022 dates for Indiana Grand Race Course were approved by the Indiana Horse Racing Commission on Dec. 6, with 127 racing
days from April 19 through Nov. 23. A total of six Quarter Horse days will be dedicated
to Quarter Horse racing with an additional date for the AQHA Bank of American Challenge Championship on Oct. 22. “We feel our racing schedule offers a great balance that
will appeal to a wide range of racing fans in 2022,” said Eric Halstrom, Vice President and General Manager of Racing.
LQHBA Awards Scholarships During Champions Day at Fair Grounds
The Louisiana Quarter Horse Breeders’ Association continued their Scholarship Award program, awarding another $4,000 in scholarships to Louisiana youths during the Louisiana Champions Day at the Fairgrounds Race Course on Dec. 11. Molly Monteleone, Alexandra Nasas, Christopher Collet and Patrick Mahan were each awarded a $1,000 scholarship each from a “live drawing” held
in the Fairgrounds winner’s circle, presented by LQHBA Executive Director Bruce Salard. LQHBA has awarded more than $700,000 in scholarships to the youth of Louisiana through this program. For additional information visit the association’s website at lqhba.com.
NEWS BRIEFS
Stop by the Speedhorse booth when you’re at the Sale.
We look forward to Visiting with You!
Heritage Place
Winter Mixed Sale
January 13th-15th, 2022
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