Amarillo, Texas, June 7, 2006 – American Quarter Horse racing saw expansion in 2005, and the trend continues as statistics show considerable increases in 2006.
Year to date, American Quarter Horse purses are up to more than $23 million, an 18.5 percent increase from 2005. Total added money thus far has been greater than $19.5 million, a 17.8 percent surge.
The growth is further supported by the dramatic 47.2 percent increase in 2-year-old purses, exceeding $5.7 million, more than $3.6 million of which is added money, a 50.6 percent boost. Another major advance is occurring in 3-year-old and up purses that are in excess of $7.9 million, an increase of 22.9 percent.
“We are seeing a vast improvement in all facets of the American Quarter Horse racing industry,†said Trey Buck, AQHA Senior Director of Racing. “With purses and the number of races increasing, American Quarter Horse racing is moving in the right direction.â€
Facilities that host American Quarter Horse racing are enjoying the benefits of the industry’s success. The combination of top horses and horsemen and the new casino at Remington Park in Oklahoma City has drastically increased the public interest and therefore attendance, which was up for the third consecutive season in American Quarter Horse racing to 270,010. On May 6, Remington Park hosted nearly 13,000 racing fans, the largest attendance of the season and the first time in almost six years that Remington Park has hosted more than 10,000 fans.
During Remington Park’s 50-date American Quarter Horse season, which ended June 4, more than $8.7 million in purse money was distributed. In addition, after only 72 days of racing, the Oklahoma City track was able to present a check for more than $1 million to the Oklahoma State Superintendent of Schools. Remington Park vice president and general manager Scott Wells expects the track to generate even higher levels of educational funding.
American Quarter Horse racing impacts local economies of cities in North and South America through sustaining and developing employment, business and large purses that get people excited about horse racing.
For more information and statistics about American Quarter Horse Racing, visit aqharacing.com.
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