The following press release was distributed by the Oklahoma Quarter Horse Racing Association–
The Oklahoma Quarter Horse Racing Association will partner with Will Rogers Downs and Lone Star Park to administer the collection of hair testing samples for the 2022 Fall Quarter Horse season at each track.
This will be the second year that Will Rogers Downs has required a negative hair test prior to entry. Lone Star Park made an announcement in the spring that they intended to implement the same procedure at Lone Star Park this fall. OQHRA has successfully implemented the program in Oklahoma and has agreed to assist Lone Star Park in building their program. With support from the TQHA and the Texas Horsemen's group, OQHRA will oversee the program at Lone Star in 2022, while also training their personnel, who will continue the program in future years. The OQHRA Board of Directors are very passionate about improving the integrity in the racing industry and feel fortunate to help other states as we all work towards what is best for the industry nationwide.
Along with the partnership between OQHRA and the racetracks, both Will Rogers Downs and Lone Star Park have agreed to use the same test results so horsemen will get a “two for one” special. For $240 (on-site fee) horsemen can have the hair tested and the results will be reciprocated by both tracks, making the horse eligible for entry at both places. With Lone Star Park running on Friday and Saturdays and Will Rogers Downs moving to a Sunday, Monday, Tuesday schedule, we hope this allows for more racing opportunities for the horsemen.
Also new for the fall, hair tests will now be good for 90 days. All horses would have to be re-tested before the 90 days have passed to remain eligible, regardless of whether they have started in a race or not. Horses that qualify for Futurities and Derbies at Will Rogers Downs will be required to have a negative hair test between the trials and finals. Test results can take up to 10 business days for a negative test (some instances it may take longer), with the extended good through time, horsemen are encouraged to test early. Results must be back before a horse is allowed to enter, no exceptions.
Because of the unique circumstances with the testing window for opening weekends, the OQHRA testing crew will be traveling to Ruidoso Downs and Retama Park. Anyone needing a horse tested at Ruidoso Downs for the Lone Star or Will Rogers meet will need to schedule for Aug. 3 & 4, these will be the only days testing is conducted at Ruidoso Downs. For horses at Retama Park you can schedule Sunday, Aug. 7, Monday, Aug. 8 and Tuesday, Aug. 9. Any horses stabled on track or that wish to haul in to Retama will be able to have their hair tested then. It is possible additional days will be added at Retama the following week if needed.
On Aug. 11 the team will set up the first of two offices as they begin testing for the Will Rogers meet. The first four days of testing at WRD will be Thursday, Aug. 11 and Friday, Aug. 12, followed by Aug. 18 and 19. The second office will be set up on Monday, Aug. 22 at LSP and testing will take place that Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning Aug. 23. At that point the normal testing schedule will be Mon/Tue at Lone Star Park and Thur/Fri at Will Rogers Downs.
For horses not at Lone Star Park, Will Rogers Downs, Ruidoso Downs or Retama Park, there is the option of testing off-site at another track. The collection must be done by a veterinarian working under the auspices of the State Racing Regulator. A complete schedule with times and location for August and September, hair testing information and off-site testing information will be available at oqhra.com soon. Schedules and information will also be available in the racing offices for both tracks.
The cost for an onsite test is $240. For offsite tests the cost is $275 plus vet fees and shipping. To schedule for either track or for more information text or call the OQHRA hair testing hotline at 405-881-5120. Scheduling will be open Monday through Friday 9:00-5:00 starting Monday, July 25th
The post Oklahoma And Texas Announce Hair Testing Partnership For Quarter Horses This Fall appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
