From Santa Anita Publicity
ARCADIA, Calif. (Jan. 17, 2023) — On February 19, 2023, Santa Anita Park will host the Inland Empire Hunter Jumper Association (IEHJA) in celebrating their 2022 champion riders and medal winners. Wreaking Havoc, ridden by Kaitlyn Williams, will be awarded the 2022 IEHJA hi-point Thoroughbred award at the February banquet, and will be awarded a custom-made tack trunk courtesy of Showcase Training Stables and Caroline Betts, filled with merchandised provided by Santa Anita Park.
The event will be held in the beautiful grandstand finish line banquet area and includes a wonderful catered meal. Five lucky banquet participants will be selected to visit the Winner’s Circle to watch a race close up. A full day of exciting racing and cheering for the incredible racehorses, will complete the banquet activities.
The awards banquet is the second major IEHJA event sponsored by Santa Anita Park. In November of 2022 Santa Anita Park provided financial support for the IEHJA “Fest in the West” yearend horse show at Galway Downs in Temecula. This funding, like the banquet sponsorship, is provided under the auspices of an agreement between the two entities to promote second careers for retired racing Thoroughbreds.
IEHJA’s role in this partnership is to encourage its affiliated show managers to sponsor more Thoroughbred only classes and track “points” to determine the annual hi-point Thoroughbred award winner. The IEHJA Board of Directors are all off the track Thoroughbred owners and take every opportunity to promote the breeds versatility. As an organization the IEHJA Board of Directors created a special liaison to work with its affiliate show managers and the Jockey Clubs Thoroughbred Incentive Program (TIP). TIP is a major promoter of Thoroughbred hunter/jumper show classes throughout the United States.
Promoting second careers for retired Thoroughbred racehorses is a core mission for Santa Anita Park and its horse owners and trainers who voluntarily provide a percentage of race purses to fund a 501©(3) tasked with educating the racing community with rehousing, retraining and second career opportunities for their retiring horses. The California Retirement Management Account (CARMA) has its offices at Santa Anita Park and works with a network of facilities that house retired racehorses, provide training, and make horses available to potential new owners. Retired racehorses make great trail horses, western pleasure, barrel racers, three-day eventers, dressage, and of course show hunters and jumpers. Thoroughbreds can do it all in the equine sports world because of their intelligence, trainability, and willingness to work in any discipline.
Community outreach is also a big part of the Santa Anita Park/IEHJA partnership. Stories about unique second careers for retired racehorses are scheduled for publication in equestrian magazines and on social media platforms. The public is often amazed that Thoroughbreds participate in parades, long distance endurance rides or make great family horses. Good training and proper care are the keys to this transition which is why IEHJA is so keen on promoting them. IEHJA is just one of the many ambassadors including CARMA and other aftercare facilities working hard on their behalf.
Questions relating to the IEHJA banquet at Santa Anita Park should be directed to Gretchen Clark, President at (909) 809-0131. If interested in the retired racehorse program, please contact CARMA executive director Lucinda Lovitt at (626) 574-6622 or lucinda@carma4horses.org .