In an effort to kick start increased Ontario participation in the AQHA Racing Challenge, the Ontario Quarter Horse Racing Industry Development Program (the Program) is working in partnership with the Quarter Racing Owners of Ontario Inc (QROOI) and the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) to encourage Ontario owners of 2010 and 2011 foals to enrol their horses.
QROOI worked with AQHA to get an agreement for a one-time reduced enrolment rate, and in return will be conducting a blitz to try and contact all Ontario owners about this opportunity. The Program, in turn, will be funding the 2012 enrolments received from Ontario residents to a maximum of $300 US per horse. Foals enrolled to the Challenge are eligible for their lifetime to be nominated to specific AQHA Challenge races.
For Foals of 2010
The Ontario resident owner must submit a completed 2012 Racing Challenge Enrolment Form, indicating year foaled, to the office of the QROOI by January 31st.
For Foals of 2011
The Ontario resident owner must submit a completed 2012 Racing Challenge Enrolment Form, indicating year foaled, to the office of the QROOI by March 31st.
“Enrolment in the Racing Challenge will provide Ontario owners with the opportunity to test their horses in this prestigious racing program,” said QROOI president, Bob Broadstock. “There is a particular advantage in 2012, as we expect to host five Challenge races here in Ontario this year. As well, the Challenge Championship will be hosted on October 27th at Prairie Meadows in Iowa, a manageable journey for most horsepeople.”
Acting on this offer will make Ontario horses eligible to be nominated to Challenge races hosted in Ontario, as well as all U.S. jurisdictions hosting Challenge races. Ontario hosted three Challenge series races in 2011 at Fort Erie – a G3 Championship, a Distaff and a Bonus Challenge race – and it is expected that five Challenge races will be offered in 2012.
“Ontario owners who have not already registered their young horses will have to act fast to get that job done, as enrolment to the Racing Challenge is for horses registered with the AQHA,” said Darrell Hare, Director of the Racing Challenge.
The QROOI is standing by to receive Racing Challenge Enrolment Forms from Ontario owners.Quarter Racing Owners of Ontario Telephone: (905) 426-7050 Fax: (905) 426-7093 Email: qrooiheadoffice@gmail.com
More information on programs supported by the QHRIDP can be found on the Quarter Horse section of the Ontario Racing Commission website at http://www.ontarioracingcommission.ca/ or contact: Sandy Anthony Program Coordinator 416-213-0520 qhprogram@ontarioracingcommission.ca
