Page 163 - Speedhorse February

APHA CHAMPIONS BANQUET
NEWS BRIEFS
working for Robicheaux Ranch for years, taking care of out paperwork at AQHA.” said Farm Manager Ryan Robicheaux. “Finding someone who understands the ends and outs of this business is rare. Jewel’s combined experience in office work and bookkeeping, along with her knowledge from her position at AQHA, is priceless to us!” Robicheaux continued. Jewel stated, “If my younger self could see me now, she would be overjoyed to have this opportunity to work at Robicheaux Ranch. I am looking forward to meeting and getting to know each and every one of you.”
CANTERBURY PARK SETS QUARTER HORSE STAKES SCHEDULE
Canterbury Park has announced their 2025 Quarter Horse stakes schedule. The 51-day mixed meet will begin on May 24 with stakes finals being run on June 11,
July 10 and 24, Aug. 13 and 21, and Sept.
6. Quarter Horse racing will be conducted mainly on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Five of ten stakes will be restricted to horses bred in Minnesota. The Cash Caravan will now
be open to both Minnesota breds and horses who that are at least fifty percent owned
by Minnesota residents. “We continue to make improvements to our Quarter Horse schedule.” said Amber Carlisle Racing Operations Senior Manager. “There are many trainers in the Midwest at various racetracks, not just stabled at Canterbury, that will find the timing of our biggest races appealing.”
ENERGY DOWNS 307 RACING ANNOUNCES 2025 SCHEDULE
Energy Downs in Gillette, Wyoming has released its 2025 stakes schedule. An 18-day meet will commence on May 16 and will continue every Friday-Monday until June 22. This season will have twenty stakes races for Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses. Among those is the $75,000 Wyoming Bred Derby, $100,000 Wyoming Bred Futurity, and $100,000 Energy Downs Futurity all for Quarter Horses.
THE 2025 AQHA CONVENTION
The 2025 American Quarter Horse Association Conention will be held in Las Vegas at the South Point Hotel Casino and Spa on Mar. 28-31. The four-day event will hold many chances for its members to be involved from activities, special events, receptions, and the Convention Party that will be held Saturday night. Committee meetings are open to registered attendees. Voting rights are available to members who have joined at least 60-days prior to the first day of the convention. AQHA is offering young adult registration for members who are under 35 at a special rate.
Amber Mendez, Los Alamitos
JOCKEY RICARDO RAMIREZ ADDS QUARTER HORSE WINS TO RESUME
Ricardo Ramirez, a jockey who is known for his success in distance races, has made a name for himself this year at Los Alamitos among the Quarter Horses. Ramirez finished out 2024 at Los Alamitos reaching the winner’s circle with over 20% of his mounts, the leading rider at 1,000 yards with 50 victories, and finished in the top two with
22 wins riding Thoroughbreds. He carried
his winning streak over to Quarter Horses this year to be in the top 7 leading riders
on Quarter Horses. He secured 24 wins and the only riders ahead of him are “Quarter Horse Specialists”. Ramirez piloted EG High Desert Farms’ Favorite Jesshawk to victory
in the Governor’s Cup Futurity and the Los Alamitos Two Million Juvenile. Overall, Ramirez won on 17% of his Quarter Horse mounts and is already continuing his winning streak in 2025.
THE JOCKEYS’ GUILD HOLDS VIRTUAL ASSEMBLY
The Jockeys’ Guild held it’s annual virtual assembly on Jan. 14. The meeting was attended by active Thoroughbred
and Quarter Horse jockeys from around
the country. Kim Quigley, the CEO of Onrise, discussed the joint effort between the Jockeys’ Guild and HISA along with
the Racetrack Chaplaincy of America to provide jockeys with access to free mental health services using Onrise’s online platform. The meeting also went over the jockey’s retirement plan and that is available through the horseman’s bookkeeper at a variety of tracks. The members elected
were John Velazquez and Mike Smith as Co-Chairmen, Javier Castellano, Julien Leparoux, and James Flores as Co-Vice Chairmen, Tyler Gaffalione as Secretary
and Julien Leparoux as Treasurer. Joe Bravo, Drayden Van Dyke, James Graham, and Rodney Prescott were elected to serve on the Board of Directors.
Linda Earley, Speedhorse
The American Paint Horse Association will hold their Champions Banquet in conjunction with the OQHRA Awards Banquet on Feb. 22 at the Grand Casino Hotel and Resort in Shawnee, Oklahoma. The 2024 APHA World Champion Running Horse title will be presented to WF Jess Candy and Vesper Martini, both two year olds who had an outstanding year. In addition to World Champion Running Horse, WF Jess Candy will also hold the titles of Champion Two Year Old and Champion Two-Year-Old Gelding. Vesper Martini
will add World Champion Solid Paint- Bred Running Horse as well as Champion Two-Year-Old Solid Paint-Bred Filly and Champion Two-Year-Old. Other awards such as the Champion Leaders, Champion Running Horses, and the Regional awards will be given out the same night.
MICHAEL WAYNE CARLTON HAS PASSED AWAY
Susan Bachelor, Speedhorse
Louisiana Horseman Michael Wayne Carlton passed away on
Jan. 10 surrounded by family. Michael loved to spend time with his family and friends and always loved Sundays when all he loved gathered to fill the porch and barn for meals and visiting. His other
days were spent in the barn prepping horses for the sales. His dedication and love will live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Tracey, his step-children, and grandchildren.
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