Page 12 - April2022

TRACK CHATTER
THE MONTH IN REVIEW
by Jennifer K. Hancock
LOUISIANA QUARTER HORSE BREEDERS ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP
On March 27, Louisiana Downs hosted the final of the Mardi Gras Futurity-RG2, and some Louisiana students found themselves in the winner’s circle, too, as scholarship winners.
The Louisiana Quarter Horse Breeders Association Scholarship Fund provided $3,000 for the drawings, and Louisiana Downs doubled the awards with a donation of $3,000. Three drawings of $2,000 each were offered to Louisiana students wishing to further their education.
“We are tremendously grateful to Kevin Preston and his team at Louisiana Downs for their generosity in matching funds for the three scholarships,” said Bruce Salard, LQHBA executive director. “This is a first for us, and their willingness to support students who wish to further their education is greatly appreciated!”
Scholarship entrants must be a Louisiana high school graduate or a Louisiana high school student graduating in 2022 planning to attend a higher education institution. Louisiana residents enrolled in a Louisiana college or university are also eligible.
While the primary goal of the LQHBA is
to promote breeding and racing in the state,
the association remains dedicated to furthering higher education for Louisiana youth. The scholarship program was the vision of the
late Jim Mitchell and Leverne Perry, and
is supported by the LQHBA and its board members. Since its inception in 2001, the LQHBA scholarship program has provided more than $700,000 for Louisiana students.
WILLIE S. HICKMAN
Willie S. Hickman, who served in numerous capacities in the Texas/Louisiana racing industry, passed away in Houston on March 15 at the age of 64.
Born in Red Rock, Texas, Hickman
was involved in many roles in the racing community from training racehorses to serving in a variety of duties in the Sam Houston Race Park racing office for more than 20 years. As stall superintendent, jockey room coordinator and most recently, stakes coordinator, Hickman had lasting relationships with horsemen in both Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing. He also worked as jockey agent to rider Alfonso Lujan.
“Willie was a valued member of the Sam Houston racing office and was well-respected by our horsemen,” said James Leatherman, Racing Secretary. “We appreciate his many years of service and extend our deepest condolences to his family.”
Veteran horseman Lewis “Tooter” Jordan has known Hickman for six decades. “I galloped horses for Willie’s dad and have known him since he was a baby,” said Jordan. “Willie excelled in everything
he did and worked very well with the horsemen. I remember when he was the stall superintendent at Sam Houston, he walked the barn area every morning at 6 a.m., checking with each trainer to make sure they had what they needed. We will miss him a great deal.”
He is survived by his daughter, Cheyenne Hickman; brother, Jimbo Hickman; niece and nephew, Chelsea and Justin; aunt, Betty Davis; and numerous cousins and friends.
SOUTH AMERICAN RACING SUMMIT PLANNED
AQHA will host the 2022 AQHA South American Racing Summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Sao Paulo, Brazil, June 13-19.
Key industry leaders and racing enthusiasts are invited to this multi-national event focused on the economic and market benefits of approved American Quarter Horse racing. The 2022 AQHA South American Racing Summit is an opportunity to bring together people who are interested in learning about and advancing approved American Quarter Horse racing
to develop a successful market for the sport throughout South America.
During this inaugural summit, AQHA plans to engage owners, breeders, racetrack management, racing officials and racing regulators. Together, participants will contribute to key conversations that are important to the South American racing industry.
Summit participants will have the opportunity to talk with fellow racing enthusiasts and leadership about animal welfare, sport integrity, market value of progeny and more.
Visit aqha.com by May 31 to register to attend.
Got Good News to Share?
Do you have a positive story that you’d like to share?
Send photos and news items to jennifer_k_hancock@hotmail.com.
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