colose-us

© Paolo Camera

The hendra virus, which has a wide host range has been affecting horse racing since 1994, when Vic Rail, a famous horse racing trainer died because of the virus infection along with 14 horses. There have been outbreaks of the virus here and there since then, but it has mostly been scattered and not too harmful, with respect to horse racing.
This is changing and the outbreaks are increasing, especially in Australia, where the bat population is quite large. The hendra viruses are naturally harboured by Pteropid fruit bats, a species found in abundance in Australia and other countries in Oceania, and this has been affecting horse racing, resulting in the deaths or quarantine of a large number of horses. The virus is passed from bat urine, or bat excreta, between and to horses, and then in many cases it is passed from horses to people associated with these horses and horse racing.

© Paolo Camera

It has been more than two weeks now since the Minnesota horse racing industry was forced to shut shop following a government order. This order to shut down of the horse racing industry could result into loss of almost 1000 jobs.
This shut down on horse racing was the result of the closing of Minnesota Racing Commission after Republican legislators and Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton could not work out an agreement on the budget till July 1. The racing at Canterbury Park and Running Aces Harness Track in Columbus has been suspended and despite their appeal that they have paid for regulation, Chief District Judge Kathleen Gearin has ruled against them.
The Head of Minnesota branch of the Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, Tom Metzen stated that without horse racing action soon, the racing and the community that runs it will be severely handicapped. The horse racing community consists of jockeys, trainers and assistants who are highly mobile and will migrate to other states and thus remove their contribution to the local economy.
Dayton is still asking for an agreement on the agreement budget package before he even considers reopening the horse racing tracks.

© Velo Steve

The horse racing season at the Del Mar Racetrack, from 20th July, is also the venue for the 17th One and Only Truly Fabulous Hats Contest. This annual contest has been associated with the horse racing event ever since the tracks opened in 1937.
The hats at this horse racing event are judged by eminent people, on the basis of originality and style. There will be more than 400 participants entering the contest. They have to be above 18 years of age. They would be judged on the basis of Best Racing Theme, Funniest Theme and Most Glamorous and Best Flower.
Those interested in participating, can register at the Plaza de Mexico, from 11.30 am to 3 pm, on the first day of the horse racing event. Shortly thereafter the parade for display of the hats will start as the contestants are led to the Paddock for the display of their hats.
According to the creator of the contest Julie Sarno a lot of effort goes in creating these hats and some take months of preparation.
The grand prize comprising of two return flight trips to anywhere in the US, is named after Bing Crosby. Each category has three prizes each, namely for 1st, 2nd and 3rd winners, apart from other lucrative gifts. Winners would be announced, after the seventh race, at the horse racing event.