2017 WTBOA Annual Membership Meeting And a trio of topical issues
WTBOA President Dana Halvorson. 160
M. Anne Sweet Photos
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he Washington Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association held the organization’s annual membership meeting on Saturday, July 1, at Emerald Downs. Approximately 65 members and their guests enjoyed a delicious Emerald Downs feast before settling in to listen to the various association reports and guest speakers. WTBOA President Dana Halvorson introduced the other board members present: Will Brewer, Pam Christopherson, Jim Engstrom, Mary Lou Griffin, Nina Hagen, Duane Hopp, Greg Luce, Debbie Pabst and Keith Swagerty; and staff members: Anne Sweet, Susan van Dyke and Tara Homfeldt. Finance Report – Treasurer Debbie Pabst spoke about the highly successful WTBOA-sponsored SIP (Sales Incentive Program) and WHIP (WTBOA Homebred Incentive Program) incentives. She noted that the yearly Stallion Season Auction is a major source of funding for the two programs. She also promoted the annual Washington Thoroughbred Stallion Register, which is available in both print and online editions. The online edition, located on the WTBOA website (washingtonthoroughbred.com), is updated weekly by The Jockey Club Information Systems. Northwest Race Series – Chairman Pabst reminded that the lucrative juvenile series would be getting underway on July 16 with the runnings of the Emerald Express and Angie C. stakes. Sales Report – Mary Lou Griffin reported on the upcoming WTBOA sale, to be held August 22. The catalog was to be mailed shortly, but is also available on the WTBOA website. This year’s sale features an impressive group of yearlings sired by both national and local top-ranked sires. She also mentioned the stakes success of recent sales graduates. Publications – WTBOA General Manager Anne Sweet spoke about the association’s various publications: its award-
Emerald Downs President Phil Ziegler.
Washington State Department of Agriculture Field Veterinarian Dr. Thomas Gilliom.
winning quarterly magazine, sales catalog, yearly calendar and bi-yearly Farm and Service Directory. With regards to the sales catalog, she was pleased to inform that the female lines for the horses in this year’s sale catalog – which are posted on the WTBOA website – will now be updated every Monday by The Jockey Club Information Systems. Washington Thoroughbred Foundation – Sweet’s report included information about the WTF’s 2017 Breeders’ Cup trip to Del Mar fundraiser. The trip is to be auctioned prior to Hip 1 at the WTBOA Summer Sale on August 22. Some of the many things the WTF supports are educational and industry grants, the annual Equine Art show (which was to be held July 14-16) and off-the-track programs for retired Thoroughbred runners. Emerald Downs President Phil Ziegler was the first of three of the evening’s guest speakers. Ziegler promoted Emerald Downs’ recently remodeled fifth floor, which now features a card room, in addition to fine dining and other amenities. He also spoke about his own personal journey – which began with childhood trips
to Belmont Park – and his passion for the Thoroughbred industry. Ziegler stressed the importance of getting families to the races and the need to provide family entertainment. He felt that Emerald Downs does a good job in developing the next generation of racegoers. He also spoke about the successes of the entertaining camel and ostrich races held in May, the fast-paced Indian Relay Races in June and the upcoming popular wiener dog races, which will be held July 9. This year will also see the inclusion of Corgi racing on August 6. Washington State Department of Agriculture Field Veterinarian Dr. Thomas Gilliom gave a fact-filled presentation on the various communicable horse diseases that Washington horse owners should be aware of. He noted that the spread of most of these diseases could be halted with a proper vaccination protocol in place and he stressed the importance of having a good equine biosecurity plan in place, whether it be at the farm, track or in the breeding shed. Among the equine viruses of concern that Gilliom reviewed in his slide presentation were: West Nile, Equine Infectious
WTBOA Treasurer Debbie Pabst.
WTBOA board member Mary Lou Griffin. Washington Thoroughbred