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Too Hot To Trot

By Tracy Gantz

As the weather heats up this summer, so does the chance of overheating in our equine athletes. Get the scoop on this serious condition and learn how to protect your horse from the dangers of overheating. Read More

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APHA Racing Department News

Upcoming Deadlines

June 1–Speedhorse Graham Paint & Appaloosa Futurity RG1, Remington Park, Oklahoma

June 11–Ad materials due for July 2013 Digital PHR issue

June 15–Western States Futurity, Arapahoe Downs, Colorado

July 8–GCFA Paint Stakes & Maturity, Gillespie County Fair, Texas

July 27–Spots & Dots Handicap, Fair Meadows, Oklahoma

August 2–Speed Horse Futurity & Tulsa Fair Stakes, Fair Meadows, Oklahoma

August 3–Colors of the Alamo Futurity & Colors of the Wind Stakes, Retama Park, Texas

August 3–Harvest Cup Futurity & Maturity, Les Bois Park, Idaho

August 13–Advertising materials due for September 2013 PHR

PBRIP Off and Running

The new Paint Barrel Racing Incentive Program is officially off and running. Kelly Palmer of Plainview, Texas, was first to enroll in the program-thanks for your support, Kelly! Visit the Paint racing website to learn more about PBRIP and download enrollment forms.

The first PBRIP-approved events are scheduled for June 1 in Wills Point, Texas; June 22 in Bullard, Texas; and July 6, July 8 and July 10 in Blackfoot, Idaho. In addition to being PBRIP-approved, these events also count toward APHA World Show qualifying requirements.

Game Chicken Reaches $500,000 in Offspring Earnings

When it comes to producing winners, it's been as easy as 1-2-3 for the 2003 chestnut solid Paint-bred mare Game Chicken. With only three starters on the track, Game Chicken has raced up the American Paint Horse Association's list of Lifetime Leading Dams by Money Earners. On May 25, Game Chicken became only the third broodmare to accumulate $500,000 in offspring earnings when two of her offspring-Imachickenkicker and Flashthechicks-earned first and second in the Grade 1 National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Stakes at Remington Park.

Bred by Shirley Wheeler of Boynton, Oklahoma, Game Chicken represents a long line of successful homebreds owned by Shirley and her husband, Jim. Sired by Game Patriot (QH), Game Chicken is out of the Wheelers' great mare Kickin Chicken, a Champion-producer by Judys Lineage. Game Chicken's three race-age offspring Flashthechicks, Imachickenkicker and Imflashinthechicks-have earned $516,118 to date.

Read more about Game Chicken and her assent of the $500,000 milestone in this press release and in the July 2013 issue of Paint Horse Racing.

2013 BFA World Championship is PBRIP-Approved!

One of the industry's most prestigious futurities, the Barrel Futurities of America Juvenile World Championship will feature a $5,000 PBRIP incentive. The event-which takes place December 9-14 in Oklahoma City-features $70,000 in added money.

To be eligible for the $5,000 PBRIP sidepot, exhibitors must be PBRIP-enrolled and ride an eligible Paint Horse. The sidepot pays out to the top five exhibitors based on the average from their runs on December 11 and December 13. For more information, check out the flyer on the Paint racing website or visit the BFA website.

Masterpiece Challenge Qualifiers

As of May 15, three horses have qualified for the 2013 Masterpiece Challenge, which takes place November 3 at Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie, Texas. Qualified horses include:

• Laus Deo, owned by Marion Hoskin
• Imachickenkicker, owned by Shirley Wheeler
• Zoomin Moon, owned by Wendell Blankenship

Three qualifying races remain for the 2013 Mastepiece Challenge: Colors of the Wind Stakes at Retama Park, Harvest Cup Maturity at Les Bois Park and the Lorelei Derby at Will Rogers Downs. Winners of these races automatically earn qualification for the Masterpiece Challenge, provided they are eligible. The Racing Committee will determine additional qualifiers, following review of eligible horses' stakes race points. Current standings include:

• Lajollas Mr Big Stuff, owned by Jane Cullum-16 points
• Hesa Sweet First Down, owned by Carole Vann Stacy-8 points
• Winners Winner, owned by Victor Villarreal, M.D.-6 points
• Eyeza Flash, owned by Javier Lujan-5 points
• Jess Shake N Smash, owned by Glen Wilkinson-3 points

Check out current Masterpiece Challenge qualification standings on the Paint racing website.

Speedhorse/Graham Farms Paint & Appaloosa Futurity Qualifiers

Congratulations to the following horses and their connections, and best of luck in the Grade 1 Speedhorse/Graham Farms Paint & Appaloosa Futurity, which takes place June 1 at Remington Park in Oklahoma City.

• Imflashinthechicks, :17.744
• Fly CB Fly, :17.890
• Major Tom (ApHC), :17.917
• Royal Country Grip, :17.942
• Situation, :18.033
• Call Him Awesome, :18.039
• Judys Clone, :18.047
• Sweet For The Queen, :18.051
• WW First Baby, :18.066
• Coal County Line, :18.074

Results from this race, including video of the race, will be in the July 2013 Paint Horse Racing.

Battle of the Breeds

Calling all owners of Paints, Quarter Horses, Appaloosas and Thoroughbreds—prove you've got the top racehorse by taking on the Battle of the Breeds race July 4 at Rupert Downs in Rupert, Idaho. Sponsored by Sta-Sound Joint Supplement, the winner of this 660-yard race takes home a Sta–Sound blanket, trophy and purse money. For more information, contact Becky Grant at (208) 431-9766.

Make Plans to run in the GCFA Paint Maturity

The Gillespie County Fair Paint Maturity is fast approaching, so make plans to enter your 3-year-old and older Paint runners in this great stakes race. The GCFA Paint Maturity takes place July 7 in Fredericksburg, Texas—there are no trials for this race. The total entry fee is $300, and the first payment is due June 7. To enter, mail payments to TPHBA, PO Box 163794, Fort Worth, TX 76161.

Call for Harvest Cup Maturity Entries

It's not too late to nominate your Paint racehorses for the Harvest Cup Maturity, which takes place August 3 at Les Bois Park in Boise, Idaho. The Harvest Cup Maturity is a 2013 Masterpiece Challenge qualifying race, so a win here could be your ticket to victory in this premier race for 3-year-old Paints and Appaloosas.

For more information, email Karen Utecht at kutecht@apha.com or call her at (817) 222-6444.

Western Rocker Sets New Paint Track Record

The Remington Park 300-yard track record for Paints fell on May 5 as Western Rocker set a new standard in a $16,050 allowance event for Paints and Appaloosas.

Bred in Arkansas by owner Ron Yates of Fort Smith, Arkansas, Western Rocker is trained by Durk Peery and was ridden to his 300-yard win by Jesus Salazar. Rolling from his outside post, number eight, Western Rocker got up to win by a nose over Judys Miss Banks, crossing the finish in :15.27 seconds over a fast track to set the new local Paint record for the distance. The previous record was :15.302 set on May 2, 2010, by San Mateo Chick.

Paint Racehorses Cash in with Racing Free

Several Paint Horses took home a bonus paycheck for their recent victories, thanks to Racing Free. Representing an alliance of racing supporters including owners, trainers and breeders, Racing Free members pledge to campaign enrolled horses without the use of performance-enhancing drugs. Whenever Racing Free-enrolled horses win, they earn a $1,500 bonus from Racing Free, pending drug-test results. Congratulations to the following Paint Horses who earned Racing Free bonus money:

• Corporal Cash, owned by Steve Rutherford
• Fly CB Fly, owned by Neal Cox
• Eye Opening Treasure, owned by Danny Caldwell
• Sweet For The Queen, owned by Mia Salazar

To learn more about Racing Free, visit their website.

Smokin' the Cloverleaf

Shout out to 10-year-old barrel racer Merrill Mundy and her 2007 sorrel overo mare Smoke More Money—they've been tearing up the Junior WPRA circuit! As of May 14, Merrill and "Silly" are No. 2 on the WPRA World Junior standings with $7,708. Among their recent wins are the WPRA Junior Approved Coastal Cash Barrel Bash Youth championship on April 27 in Bunnell, Florida, where they clocked a :15.302; and placing in the top three for the WPRA Youth Championship April 19–21 in Unadilla, Georgia

“Our registered Paint, Smoke More Money, is on fire!” wrote Merrily Mundy, Merrill's mother. “My daughter, Merrill, and ‘Silly’ are at the top at all the big barrel races around here. We were once told we shouldn't buy a Paint because there has never been a successful Paint in barrel racing—being in the Top 3 in the world in Junior WPRA is pretty darn successful if you ask me!”

Paint Barrel Racers Take Top Honors

Congratulations to the following Paint barrel racers:

SS Sabra Nox and Tara Schroedter
2004 bay solid mare by Scenics Symbol and out of The Sixth Sense (QH)
1D winner at the D & G Barrel Race, March 12-14, Abilene, Texas

JL Treasured Smash and Kim Couch
2000 sorrel solid gelding by Smash Em Joni (QH) and out of April Treasure
1D winner at the NBHA Oklahoma State Finals, April 13-14, Shawnee, Oklahoma
Winner at the Bryan Breakfast Lions Club PRCA Rodeo, April 18-20, Bryan, Texas
Winner at the PRCA Stampede Rodeo, April 26-27 Athens, Texas

APHA Racing Supporter Carolyn Bay Continues Winning Ways

Carolyn Bay of Clare, Michigan, has long supported Paint and Quarter Horse racing, and we're proud to hear her Quarter Horse champion Cold Cash 123 recently won the Grade 2 Bank of America Oklahoma Challenge Championship. Cold Cash 123 picked up $46,620 for his win in the Oklahoma Challenge Championship, upping his lifetime money to $1,326,216. His next start is expected to be a defense of his win in the Grade 1, $250,000 Remington Park Championship on June 1.

Paint Alternative Competition

Give your speed-bred Paint Horse an edge in his second career by enrolling in him APHA's Paint Alternative Competition program. PAC rewards horses excelling outside of the APHA show pen in more than 30 event categories, including games and barrel racing.

In addition to earning credits that are permanently recorded on the horse's APHA performance record, PAC-enrolled Paints can earn merit titles and year-end awards. To learn more, contact Karen Utecht at kutecht@apha.com or or visit the PAC website.

APHA partnership with USRider

APHA recently announced a new partnership with USRider, the national provider of roadside emergency assistance for equestrians. The partnership establishes USRider as the official roadside service provider for APHA and is one of the new benefits and substantial savings offered to members through APHA Xtras.

For more information about the USRider Equestrian Motor Plan and other great money-saving opportunities, visit the APHA Xtras website.

Industry News

Thoughts go out to Moore, Oklahoma, Tornado Victims

A devastating F5 tornado ripped through the town of Moore, Oklahoma-south of Oklahoma City-on May 20, killing at least 24 people. Causing severe destruction in the area, the tornado also killed more than 100 horses in the area. Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this deadly tornado.

In the wake of this serious tornado, many horse owners have been forced to consider what they would do in a similar situation. The Wisconsin Equine Clinic and Hospital suggests creating a tornado preparedness plan; identifying your horses with name and contact numbers for you and your veterinarian; creating a horse identification file kept in a safe location; making sure you have adequate food and water for you and your animals; and assessing your individual area to determine if your horse might fare better indoors or outside. Read the complete list.

Fair Meadows Celebrates 25th Anniversary

The 2013 racing meet at Fair Meadows in June represents the track's 25th anniversary. Races take place through August at the Tulsa, Oklahoma, track. For more information, visit fairmeadows.com.

Two Jockeys Injured at Remington Park

A pair of jockeys sustained injuries on May 19 as a result of being thrown from their horses during the fifth race at Remington Park. Juan Vazquez's mount, JC Lucky Clover (QH), fell and also caused Cody Jensen to fall from his mount, English Chicks Man (QH). Juan suffered a bruised kidney and bruised ribs; Cody's fall resulted in a broken clavicle. Best wishes for a speedy recovery go out to both jockeys.

Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act

The American Horse Council has asked for input on the effects of the broad Senate immigration reform bill on the horse industry. Read PDF.

If you or someone you know has expertise or experience in filing for foreign workers, either H-2As or H-2Bs, or with problems with current undocumented workers, please share this information with them. Email comments to Jay Hickey at jay@horsecouncil.org.

Storm Cat (TB) Dies at Age 30

Leading sire and grade I winner Storm Cat was euthanized April 24 at the Young family's Overbrook Farm near Lexington due to complications from old age. He was 30. Read the complete obituary at bloodhorse.com.

Suspects Convicted in Zetas Quarter Horse Scheme

On May 10, six men were convicted on federal charges, accused of helping launder drug trafficking money for Mexican gang Los Zetas by investing in Quarter Horse racehorses. Convicted individuals include Jose Trevino Morales, the brother of purported Los Zetas leaders; Miguel Trevino Morales; Oscar Omar Trevino Morales; Francisco Colorado Cessa; Fernando Solis Garcia; and Eusevio Maldonado Huitron.

Read more about the story on the FBI website.

Texas A&M Drug Testing Lab to Seek Drug Testing Accreditation

As part of its ongoing commitment to the state's horse racing industry, the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory announced it will seek ISO 17025 accreditation for its drug testing lab from the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation, designed to meet the guidelines of the Association of Racing Commissioners International and the Association of Official Racing Chemists. TVMDL is an AORC member.

Under the Texas Racing Act of 1989, the College Station facility serves as the primary provider of drug testing services to the state's pari-mutuel horse racing and greyhound racing industries. Read the entire article the TVMDL website.

Hollywood Park to close after final autumn meeting race Dec. 22

Betfair Hollywood Park, a racetrack in Inglewood, California, will end its operations following the final race of its autumn meeting December 22. Open since 1938, this brings a close to Hollywood Park's 75-year history. Santa Anita and Del Mar are expected to pick up racing dates with the closure of Hollywood Park. More challenging will be finding additional stable stalls with the loss of 1,800 stable spots. Read the entire Los Angeles Times article. .

State Legislation Update

Wyoming

In an effort to bolster the horseracing industry in the state, the Wyoming Horse Racing LLC doubled the number of race days at Sweetwater Downs in Rock Springs from four to eight this summer. This follows state lawmakers' votes to pass legislation in February that permits wagering on historic races, allowing racing fans to bet on racing year-round. Read the entire story on the Star Tribune website.

Florida

According to a May 6 article the Daily Racing Form, a Florida administrative law judge has struck down a decision by the state's parimutuel regulator to award a license to Gretna Racing, a north Florida track that offers betting on Quarter Horse barrel racing. Florida horsemen's groups had filed objections to the license shortly after it was granted. Read the entire article on the Daily Racing Form website.

Illinois

A bill to allow Illinois racetracks to operate temporary gaming parlors en route to constructing permanent racinos is on the move, having been passed by a 32-20 vote May 1 in the Illinois Senate. Senate Bill 1739 now moves to the House of Representatives and, should it pass there, must be signed by Governor Pat Quinn to become law. Read the full article on the Daily Racing Form website.