For Immediate Release
December 12, 2005

KyQHA Establishes New Sprint Racing Committee

The Kentucky Quarter Horse Association (KyQHA), the only official affiliate of the American Quarter Horse Association in Kentucky, has announced creation of a new standing committee to promote pari-mutuel sprint racing in Kentucky and to unify individuals interested in working together on behalf of the sport. Norm Luba, newly elected president of the KyQHA, made the announcement following the group’s annual meeting in Louisville.

“The main objectives of this committee,” said Luba, “are to work more closely with the Kentucky Equine Education Project (KEEP) and the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority (KHRA), to enhance communications among all segments of this industry in the Commonwealth, to increase general awareness of sprint racing across the region, and to help promote this sport to new owners, breeders and fans in Kentucky and southeastern states.”

Luba stressed that the KyQHA’s new Sprint Racing Committee is not intended to compete or conflict with existing groups or associations with compatible goals. Rather, he said, the intentions are to broaden support and to complement other efforts. Appointed to the new KyQHA committee as initial members are John T.L. Jones, Jr., of Lexington; Denny Nunnelley of Midway; and Rich Wilcke of Bethlehem, who will serve as chairman.

“I am delighted that these gentlemen have agreed to launch this important initiative for our sport and our breed in Kentucky,” said Bennie Sargent, KEEP board member and a national AQHA director. “Each one brings valuable experience and a sterling reputation to the table, which cannot help but give a positive boost to our efforts with this new initiative.”

Trey Buck, Senior Director of Racing for the American Quarter Horse Association, said that AQHA welcomes the creation of KyQHA’s Sprint Racing Committee and looks forward to working through both the KyQHA, KEEP and the KHRA to promote and encourage pari-mutuel sprint horse racing, along with the entire equine industry, across Kentucky.

“TREK wants to work with existing trail riding organizations around the state as points of contact,” said Ms. Smith. “This is the Horse Capital of the World. It should be the trail riding capital as well.”

Ms. Smith said TREK representatives will be contacting equine trail riding organizations in the near future to encourage TREK membership at $10 individual and $15 family. The funds would be used for organizational expenses and marketing.

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