Page 212 - Speedhorse, October 2021

NEWS BRIEFS
Martha Claussen Honored with TTA Memorial Award
The Texas Thoroughbred Association released a video congratulating their 2020 award winners. Martha Claussen a long-time staple in the Texas Quarter Horse racing community, was honored with the Allen Bogan Memorial Award for 2020. With her role as publicity director at Sam Houston Race Park since 1997, she always goes the extra mile. Martha utilizes interviews with connections in her press releases, helping share the hard work and dedication that goes in to winning stakes races. She is among the most prominent voices on social media, keeping us
up to date on all the exciting Quarter Horse racing news. Claussen continues to be active in fan education, writing and Quarter Horse racing publicity in Texas, Louisiana and other regions of the US. Bill Tracy also received the Allen Bogan Memorial Award. He is a longtime TTA member, serving nearly 20 years on the board
of directors. The T.I. “Pops” Harkins Award
for lifetime achievement was awarded to Jim McIngvale and Joe Straus Jr. The TTA released this video honoring human and horse recipients instead of holding their 2020 banquet, due to COVID-19 pandemic concerns.
Proof of COVID Vaccination at Ajax Downs
Beginning Sept. 22, the Government of Ontario’s Vaccine Certificate System will require all guests 12 years of age and older to provide proof of full COVID vaccination - two doses plus 14 days - to enter horse racing venues and casinos. Proof of vaccination will also be required to enter all Ontario Off Track wagering facilities.
Special Incentive For Heritage Place Sales Graduates
Indiana Grand Racing & Casino,
which will host the 2022 Bank of America Challenge Championship races, is working in partnership with the AQHA and Heritage Place to offer a $15,000 special incentive bonus to yearling sale graduates from the Heritage Place September and November sales. The bonus will be awarded to the sale graduate who is the highest official finisher in the Juvenile Challenge Championship at Indiana Grand next year. “We wanted to do something to start the conversation about the Challenge Championship coming to Indiana in 2022,” said Indiana Grand Vice President and General Manager of Racing Eric Halstrom.
More Support For HISA Unconstitutionality Lawsuit
Six additional states have filed a brief sup- porting the unconstitutionality lawsuit against the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) that is going through federal court in Kentucky. The brief says HISA is unconstitutional since
it is acting as a private club with governmen-
tal powers. Alaska, Arkansas, Idaho, Ohio, Mississippi and Nebraska join Louisiana, Oklahoma, West Virginia, the U.S. Trotting Association, the Oklahoma Quarter Horse Racing Association, Hanover Shoe Farms Inc., and several state racing commissions and Native American-owned race tracks.
BOA Approves ADW Transactions
According to the Paulick Report, Bank of America (BOA), the second-largest bank in the U.S., in August began accepting debit card transactions with U.S. licensed and regulated advance deposit wagering companies (ADWs) with an expected positive impact on U.S. pari- mutuel handle.
Grants Pass Economic Study
Grants Pass Downs, Oregon’s largest race meet, and The Flying Lark, a gaming and entertainment destination set to open the winter of 2021, partnered in an economic impact study to analyze the horse racing industry in Southern Oregon over the next
30 years and to determine the value of The Flying Lark and Grants Pass Downs within the industry in the state. Independent agency Hunden Strategic Partners (HSP) identified
a positive influence on job creation, tax and earnings impact to the local economy, and funding and stability to the equine industry
in the region. HSP identified the following
in the study: $10.7 billion in new spending, $3.6 billion in new earnings, 2,007 new full- time jobs, and $361.9 million in taxes. The Flying Lark was founded by Travis Boersma and will include a family restaurant, sports bar and banquet facilities, as well as an equine- based art walk featuring regional artists.
Marilyn K. White Passes
Colorado native and horse racing enthusiast Marilyn K. White, 80, passed away on Aug. 17. Born on December 30, 1940, in Meade, Kansas, her family moved to Kit Carson, Colorado, where she grew up on their Ford and Fell Hat Bar Ranch. She met Norman White and they married when she was a senior in high school in 1957. Marilyn worked as an EMT and she and her husband raised their family in the ranch and rodeo lifestyle while fostering
69 youths over the years. They were long time supporters of the horse races at Arapahoe Park, and they enjoyed success as owners and trainers at the Colorado track. Norman passed away
in 2002. Their love for horse racing lives on through their grandsons Stetson and Ramsye Mitchell, who now train racehorses. Marilyn is survived by many children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, and numerous family members and friends.
Idaho Cattleman Matthew Telford Passes
Matthew Lane Telford “Tilly”, 56, of Twins Falls, Idaho, passed away Aug. 30, with his loving wife Dr. Melinda Dawson Roche by his side. Matt was born in Idaho Falls in 1964. He was passionate about his work in the cattle industry as a buyer. His first love was feeding cattle, and he had an eye for seeing potential in “plain” cattle and feeding them up to make a quality product. Matt also was an avid team roper, competing in USTRC, PRCA and amateur rodeo events, and enjoyed sponsoring up and coming rodeo athletes. Matt purchased
a yearling Quarter Horse for his wife, and that spurred their shared love of horse racing. Telford was a loving individual who valued his relation- ships built with friends and family. He is survived by Melinda and their beloved dog Dinah, several siblings, 19 nieces and nephews, and many other family members and friends.
Jose Guzman Passes
Longtime Texas horseman Jose Ernesto Guzman, 60, passed away on Aug. 30. Jose expe- rienced much success in the construction industry, building his own business from the ground up and running the company for 30 years. One of his greatest passions was Quarter Horse racing. He was successful as an owner, winning 95 races with earners of over $3.9 million. He won the 2019 All American Futurity with Mr Jess Jenkins, and also campaigned other outstanding runners such as the winner of the 2021 All American Derby-G1 Instygator ($1,268,239) and Remington Park Oklahoma Bred Futurity-RG1 winner Eye Work For You ($555,566). Guzman ventured into
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