Page 20 - Speedhorse April 2021

AQHA RACING UPDATE
The AQHA staff invests a generous amount of time compiling an abundance of data to help the Committee decide on the grades of various stakes.
2021 AQHA CONVENTION RECAP
Hello friends, I have just returned from the 2021 AQHA Convention held at the beautiful Hyatt Regency Hill Country
Resort and Spa in San Antonio. After last year’s hiatus, what a joy it was for me to see those of you in attendance. This year’s event was a little different than most, opting for open-air receptions that took the place of seated formal events. The evening festivities were more casual, and the host facility offered lovely amenities for each occasion. Even Mother Nature proved to be our friend, as the weather was delightful.
Inside the meeting rooms, however, it was business as usual. Race-related gatherings were held, and I will give a brief overview of topics in each meeting. Any of the measures discussed will be presented to the AQHA Executive Committee for their approval in April, so each are merely recommendations at this time.
GRADED STAKES COMMITTEE
The AQHA Graded Stakes Committee consists of nine members and is currently chaired by Jorge Haddad Mestre. Their recom- mendations are presented to the AQHA Racing Council, then, if approved, will be presented
to the Executive Committee. The AQHA staff invests a generous amount of time compiling an abundance of data to help the Committee decide on the grades of various stakes. The Committee addressed the grades of stakes to
be anticipated in 2022, so that such assign- ments can be referenced when tracks release their stakes schedules. The meeting materials are inclusive of many data points: There is
an algorithm of quality points based on the horses in the race and how they faired in other stakes throughout the year. Purse value of the race is considered, with different tiers offered as guidelines for the Committee members.
In stakes with trials, the number of trials contested is offered. Additionally, three years of historical information is provided. This year, special consideration was given to the impact COVID had on the running of races. In 2020, there were 438 stakes run, and the Graded Stakes Committee was offered information
on each, whether graded or not. The list is too long to include in this article, but once ratified by the Executive Committee, each track will be notified of the grades assigned for 2022.
One topic of discussion that garnered a lot of consideration during this meeting was the Champion of Champions. Various AQHA members have expressed concerns about exclu- sions to the field in recent years, asserting that the race no longer qualifies as an “Open” stake by AQHA’s definition. The members wanted the subject to be addressed by the Graded Stakes Committee, and the group did discuss
April 2021
by Janet VanBebber, AQHA Chief Racing Officer
18 SPEEDHORSE April 2021