Page 230 - April2022

NEWS BRIEFS
Correction
In our March 2022 issue in the Speedlines feature, we stated that Neff Hogue Farm LLC was located in Guthrie, Texas, but Neff Hogue Farm is located in Guthrie, Oklahoma. We apologize for this mistake.
Mardi Gras Trials Set New Record Handle
Trials for the Mardi Gras Futurity-RG2 at Louisiana Downs were contested over two days for the first time in history, as a record number of Louisiana bred juveniles were nominated to the $382,658 event. On-track and simulcast reported a total handle of $1,026,942 for the two days, which was up considerably from the total handle of $552,000 for the 17 trials run last year. “This exceeded our expectations, and it was rewarding to see the interest in the trials, with good crowd support on-track and solid wagering from horseplayers across the country,” said Louisiana Downs Director of Racing David Heitzmann.
Special Day for Alvarez Family
The fifth trial on March 6 for the Mardi
Gras Futurity at Louisiana Downs marked a memorable milestone for the Alvarez family. David Alvarez Jr. rode in his first career race alongside his father David Alvarez, one of the top Louisiana Quarter Horse jockeys with over $20.8 million in earners. David Alvarez Jr. finished second aboard Blue Bueno in the race. “I really thought I was going to win,” he stated. “Last year, I decided that I wanted to get my license, but after today, I can’t wait to win my first race!” Alvarez Jr. went on to break his maiden on March 20 at the track aboard Ddeez Kiss My Dash (Fast Prize Dash-Dashin For Royalty) in a 250-yard $10,300 maiden. The 3-year-old colt was also breaking his maiden for owner Jose M. Montoya and trainer Pedro Lopez.
Lone Star Announces Hair Testing Requirement For 2022 Fall Meet
Hair testing will be introduced as a condition of entry for all Quarter Horse, Paint and Appaloosa breeds for the 2022 Fall Meeting
of Champions at Lone Star Park beginning on Sept. 16. A negative hair test free from prohibited substances set out in the Texas Racing Act and the Texas Rules of Racing will
be required before any horse can enter at Lone
Star Park. Texas Racing Commissioners and Executive Director Amy F. Cook are supporting the introduction of the hair testing program. “The overall awareness garnered from our Remington program has proven to be very successful. Our goal with this testing is to ensure a level playing field for all, and we hope our participants understand how this change helps us achieve that goal and is a benefit to racing at Lone Star Park.”
Preston Makes Impact As New Owner/President of Louisiana Downs
Kevin Preston is now the new president and owner of Louisiana Downs after purchasing it earlier this year for $22 million with approval from both the Louisiana Gaming Control Board and Louisiana State Racing Commission. He is the founder and president of Premier Gaming Group, Magnolia Bluffs Casino & Hotel in Natchez, Mississippi. Preston was onsite for the Mardi Gras Futurity trials, meeting countless
members of the racing community. Kenneth Roberts Sr., one of the top Quarter Horse trainers in Louisiana, said, “To see him out here talking to the owners, trainers, jockeys and fans means a lot.” Preston is committed to elevating both the racetrack and onsite casino with ongoing improvements. “Race fans, get excited because we are bringing this iconic racetrack back to life again,” he said.
Indiana Restricts Thyroxine
The Indiana Horse Racing Commission joined other jurisdictions, including Minnesota, in the restriction of thyroxine, a hormone secreted by the thyroid gland. It is now prohibited to be
in possession of thyroxine, any thyroid analog, or thyroid supplement if it does not meet the conditions set forth by the Indiana Horse Racing Commission at their March 1 meeting. The administration of thyroxine has been found to be given to racehorses for reasons unrelated to the horses’ thyroid health.
SPEEDHORSE PHOTO ARCHIVES
Can you identify the horse in this photo? Here’s a hint: The stallion is one of two million-dollar sires born in 1950. The answer is on page 230.
228 SPEEDHORSE April 2022
Leslie Simmons, Speedhorse