Paint racing reaches out, educates about Paint racing

FORT WORTH, TEXAS—Paint Racing magazine headed to Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie, Texas, on November 10 to increase awareness about the sport of Paint racing. The magazine, which has been renamed with a new design for 2008, sponsored the first-ever APHA Family Night at the Races event to bring more recognition to the colored horses on the track.

Paint Horse Pete spends time visiting with children and educating them about the American Paint Horse and the exciting sport of Paint racing during Family Night at the Races, sponsored by Paint Racing magazine. Courtesy APHA/ Jerry Circelli © 2007. Hirez JPEG (6.33 mb)

As floods of racehorse fans poured through the entry gates at Lone Star Park throughout the evening, APHA staff was able to speak with and educate the attendees about Paint Horses and racing. Once visitors stopped by to learn about Paint racing, they were able to witness some of the top 2-year-old Paint racehorses burn down the track in hopes of qualifying for the Lone Star Paint and Appaloosa Futurity finals on November 24.

Along with the APHA staff came Paint Horse Pete—APHA’s official mascot. The fun-loving Paint Horse caught the attention of all— children, adults and Paint Horse owners—as he spent the evening visiting with track attendees and directing them to learn more about the American Paint racehorse.

Shortly after 8 p.m., post time of the first trial for the Lone Star Paint and Appaloosa Futurity, the real Paint Horses got down to business. Check This Treat, owned by Randall Read of Bowie, Texas, put on a show for the track attendees as the stallion ran 350 yards in 18.050 seconds to become the fastest qualifier of the evening winning the second trial race.

Check This Treat leads during the second qualifying trail race for the Lone Star Paint and Appaloosa Futurity. The 2-year-old chestnut solid Paint-bred stallion earned the fastest qualifying time, finishing the race in 18.050 seconds. Courtesy APHA/ Abigail Wilder © 2007. Hirez JPEG (208 kb)

2nd race on Nov 10, winner was Check This Treat

Suzie Marrs’ filly, Knee High Country, and Glenda Parum’s gelding, Little Johny Bell, followed closely behind with times of 18.056 and 18.079, respectively.

Qualifying with the fourth fastest time was heavily-favored Royal Quick Treasure. The filly, also owned by Glenda Parum, posted a qualifying time of 18.184 seconds, winning the third and final trial of the Paint and Appaloosa Lone Star Futurity. Royal Quick Treasure has eight wins in nine starts, and is expected be the favorite heading into the finals.

With 23 Paint and Appaloosas entered in the trials, 10 horses advanced to the finals. The ten qualifiers, listed in order with times, are: Check This Treat (18.05), Knee High Country (18.056), Little Johny Bell (18.079), Royal Quick Treasure (18.194); Blue Oyster Cult (ApHC) (18.196); Tia Wanna (18.207); Royal Harlot (18.265); Action Figure (18.330); Shake M Baby Shake M (18.416); and Op Dasher (18.421).

More about Paint Horse racing
Horse racing has long been one of America’s favorite spectator sports. With the recent growth of the Paint Horse breed, it’s no wonder that Paints have become one of the hottest tickets in the horse racing industry.

Since 1966, when APHA officially recognized the sport, Paint racing has made major strides forward. In that inaugural year, 17 starters ran for $1,290 in just two states—Texas and Oklahoma. In 2006, more than 600 starters competed in more than 800 APHA-recognized races for record purses totaling more than $5.3 million.

A total of 18 states now feature Paint racing, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. Paint Horses also race in Canada.

“The future is really bright for Paint racing,” said Lex Smurthwaite, APHA’s executive director. “Owners from other racing breeds are getting involved with Paints because of the strong and steady growth of our program. It is still relatively easy to get involved and be competitive.”