Miscellaneous

Earlie Fires Retires

Sunday, the 21st of September 2008, was a very sad day for Arlington Park Racecourse as it said good-bye to one of its long standing jockeys. After forty-four years on the racecourse and at the age of sixty-one, Earlie Fires announced his retirement after Arlington Park Racecourse had run its last race for 2008. As the leading rider in the history of Arlington Park, Earlie Fires bowed out of the horse racing industry to take on new challenges, such as fishing and traveling. He leaves behind a magnificent legacy at the track and on North American horse racing.

Lincoln Gets New Track

Plans to build a new horse racing track on the outskirts of Lincoln are being looked at, at the present time. In 1935, the state of Nebraska became the first state to offer pari-mutuel wagering and horse racing has been a part of Lincoln for many years. Unfortunately, Nebraska has not followed in the footsteps of other states by legalizing other forms of gambling at its racecourses, and even though there is still a loyal fan base and attendance at the present racecourse, racing has not attracted new interest and it is feared that without the new development, horse racing in Lincoln might face extinction.

Harness Racing Turns its Attention to Whips

Safety regulations have been at the forefront of discussions and regulation changes in the thoroughbred horse racing industry. Commissions have banned steroids, improved on rules and enhanced standard regulations to ensure the welfare and safety of the horses and jockeys. Now the harness racing world is turning their attention to various safety issues, to avoid injuries, prevent accidents and enforce rules that will bring positive change to the harness racing industry. They are focusing their attention on issues such as safety reins, injury reporting, therapy regulations, safety gear and the use of whips.