Utah Quarter Horse Association Kicks Off Horse Race Season with Fun for the Family

Salt Lake City, Utah – Get ready to make tracks to the Laurel Brown Equestrian Park in South Jordan to witness the fastest sport on earth. The Utah Quarter Horse Association (UQHA) prepares to kick off its 2005 racing season with five race days in Utah, running April 30th – June 18th.

The UQHA is introducing a number of new family-focused activities to entertain and educate attendees on Quarter Horse racing. Features include kids stick horse races, kids foot races, and free race track orientation tours. In addition, the UQHA will hold dog races on two separate race days.

Another race season feature is Youth Day, a program held on June 18th that encourages awareness and participation in Quarter Horse racing activities for high-school aged kids. Participants will learn how to care for horses, witness race preparations, and discuss riding tips with the jockeys.

“We are pleased to offer a number of new programs and activities for horse race fans this year,” said Billy Peterson, UQHA Director. “It will allow us to better serve the fans, educate people on Quarter Horses, and of course show people how exciting horse racing can be.”

The popularity of horse racing has increased significantly over the past several years. It is now one of the most widely attended spectator sports in the United States. Especially popular in the southwestern United States, Quarter Horse racing takes place at tracks, county fairs, and rodeos. As the name implies, Quarter Horses compete at distances of generally 440 yards (0.4 km), in sprints that last approximately 20 seconds.

The UQHA Horse Races will be held at the Laurel Brown Equestrian Park in South Jordan, located at 10800 South 2200 West. General Admission is $4. Children four and under get in free when accompanied by an adult.

2005 UQHA Race Schedule - Utah:
Gates open - 10:30 a.m., Post Time: 12:00 noon
April 30th, 2005
May 7th, 2005
May 21st, 2005
June 6th, 2005
June 18th, 2005

The UQHA is currently offering race sponsorships to companies looking to assist the racing community and reap the benefits of race day exposure. Sponsorship contact: Amy Hall, 801-518-1562.

About the Utah Quarter Horse Association (UQHA)
The purpose of the UQHA is to develop positive participation in Quarter Horse activities in Utah with cooperation from the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA). The UQHA’s goal is to promote and stimulate the racing events, shows, youth activities, trail rides, sales and ownership of Quarter Horses. The Utah Quarter Horse Association encourages sportsmanship and family values in all activities. For ticket information please call 801-518-1562 or email Amy Hall at uqhaamy@msn.com or visit http://www.uqhra.com.

###