AQHA DISTANCE CHAMPION FOR 2021, WASCALLYWITTLEWABBIT, MAKES 2022 DEBUT A WINNING ONE IN PAULS VALLEY STAKES
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – April 1, 2022 – Wascallywittlewabbit was the American Quarter Horse Association Distance Champion for 2021, putting together a campaign of 870-yard wins in which he was virtually unbeatable. He began his defense of that title with a victory in Thursday night’s $50,880 Pauls Valley Stakes.
Wascallywittlewabbit had a few things working against him, coming into this stakes race at Remington Park. He lost his regular rider Benito Baca, who retired this year. He ran poorly in his debut in Oklahoma City last year, managing only a fourth-place finish after a layoff. Finally, he was facing a multiple stakes winner, Shockinglyfamous, who had just won his first try around the hook at 870 yards by more than seven lengths. In fact, even though that race wasn’t in stakes company, the public sent Shockinglyfamous off as the favorite at 4-5 odds against the country’s top turn horse.
None of it mattered as Wascallywittlewabbit, from the rail post-position, was first out of the gate, negotiated the turn with ease, and jockey Josh Romero, aboard him for the first time, locked down on him at the end. The 7-year-old gelding by Heza Motor Scooter, out of the Rabbits Rainbow mare Rabbits N Diamonds, drew off to win by 3-1/2 lengths. He was the even-money second choice and paid $4 to win, $2.10 to place and $2.10 to show.
Wascallywittlewabbit had shown trainer Michael Joiner and owner Rogers Farm (Jarett Rogers) of Clint, Texas, that he was indeed ready with two workouts in the morning at Remington Park of :34.53 breezing for 660 yards on March 5, the bullet (fastest work of the day) and a :34.56 handily from the gate work follow-up on March 19. Most of the faster horses that have worked that distance this meet have checked in at about 36-seconds.
“He’s such a cool little horse,” said Joiner. “We are fortunate to have him. He even makes me look like I can train a little.”
Wascallywittlewabbit won at 870 yards for the sixth time in his past seven tries. To garner his award as best hook horse in the country last year, he won this race, the Pauls Valley Stakes to get things going, and then took home trophies from the $64,000 Remington Park Distance Championship on May 29, followed by the $50,000 Zia 870 Championship on Aug. 28 at Ruidoso Downs in New Mexico and last, but certainly not least, the $104,000 Challenge Distance Championship at the Downs at Albuquerque, on Oct. 23 to finish the year. He also sandwiched an allowance win along the way at Ruidoso.
Shockinglyfamous checked in second in this year’s Pauls Valley, clear of third-place finisher Bubba Bad (7-1), another 2-1/4 lengths back.
Running time for Wascallywittlewabbit was :45.08 over the fast track for a 97 speed index. Wascallywittlewabbit earned $29,946 from the purse to push his record to 23 starts, 12 wins, and two second for a bankroll of $312,046. It was his 11th win in 17 starts at 870 yards and his fourth trip to the winner’s circle in five tries at Remington Park.
“I chased him all year long last year (aboard other horses) and couldn’t catch him,” said Romero. “It was nice to get the mount this year. He broke decent from the gate, but I think he can do even better. But once he got to the lead, he pricked those ears forward and took care of business.”
It was the second year in a row Wascallywittlewabbit won this race, matching the number of wins for Joiner and Rogers Farms. The Pauls Valley Stakes is named after the town of the same name, located about one hour south of Remington Park.
Live racing continues Friday and Saturday night at 6 p.m. with 11 trials on tap each night for 2-year-old Oklahoma-bred Quarter Horses trying to qualify for the finals of the restricted Grade 1, $973,665 Remington Park Futurity that will be run on Saturday, April 16. The top five fastest times from each night will qualify as the 10 finalists.
•••••
Tracked by more than 168,000 fans on Facebook and 10,600 Twitter followers, Remington Park has provided more than $286 Million to the State of Oklahoma general education fund since the opening of the casino in 2005. Located at the junction of Interstates 35 & 44, in the heart of the Oklahoma City Adventure District, Remington Park will feature the richest futurity for state-breds, the $925,000 (estimated) Remington Park Futurity on April 16. Simulcast horse is racing featured daily at Remington Park where the casino is always open! Visit remingtonpark.com for more information.
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CATHEY ACCEPTS DIRECTOR OF RACING HELM AT REMINGTON PARK
OKLAHOMA CITY – When 2023 racing begins at Remington Park, it will start with new guidance in the racing department. Kelly Cathey has accepted the director of racing position and will oversee the operation for all breeds competing at the Oklahoma City facility.
The American Quarter Horse, Paint and Appaloosa Season will begin March 9. The 2023 Thoroughbred Season will get underway in late August.
Cathey brings more than 30 years of experience in horse racing to Remington Park. He first worked with horses in the late 1980s as a teenager, assisting his father who was a trainer. He has also served as a groom, pony person, assistant trainer, valet and assistant starter.
Cathey moved into track management in 1998 at Retama Park in Selma, Texas. He has also worked for Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie, Texas; Sam Houston Race Park in Houston and Will Rogers Downs in Claremore, Okla. He has held nearly every position associated with racing, pari-mutuel wagering and simulcast operations throughout his career.
Since 2013 Cathey has worked for the Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission as a state steward (2013-2015), advancing to the role of executive director of the commission in 2015. He will leave that post to become the director of racing at Remington Park.
“Remington Park and Global Gaming are excited to have Kelly Cathey join our racing team,” said Matt Vance, executive vice president of racing operations at Remington Park. “Kelly has a resume reflective of more than 30 years in the sport, working as a racing executive and regulator. His extensive experience with both Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses and their respective organizations throughout the region makes him uniquely qualified to lead our racing department at Remington Park.”
Horsemen will bring horses onto the grounds at Remington Park beginning Feb. 6 with the initial morning of training set for Tuesday, Feb. 7. The first night of the spring season falls on Thursday, March 9 and the 50-date schedule continues through Saturday, June 3. ... ’Expand’See Less
It continues to be the goal of Remington Park and OQHRA to provide a race meeting of the highest quality and integrity. As a condition of entry, no horse will be allowed to enter a race at Remington Park unless results of a negative hair test have been provided to Remington Park prior to entry. All pre-entry hair testing will be facilitated by OQHRA. Pre-entry hair tests will be good for 90 days beginning the day after the sample is collected. All tests will expire after 90 days and horses must re-test to remain eligible, regardless of if the horse started in a race within those 90 days. In no event will a horse be eligible to enter a race unless a current negative hair test is on file at Remington Park in accordance with the conditions set forth in the condition book. The Remington Park Racing Office nor OQHRA staff receive the results of hair testing. All test results submitted to Remington Park management will remain confidential. Any horse receiving a positive hair test will be unable to enter until a negative test is obtained, there is no penalty to the trainer.
To better serve horsemen, OQHRA will be setting up offsite testing days at Retama Park, Lone Star Park and Blue Ribbon Downs. The OQHRA testing crew will be available at each location one day, allowing horsemen the opportunity to get horses tested closer to where they are stabled/training. Horses needing to be tested in other states do have the opportunity to have an offsite test done by a state veterinarian working under the auspices of a State Regulatory Agency.
𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗮 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸 – 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟱𝘁𝗵 Appointments should be made by 2/2/23 by calling (405) 881-5120. Cost of test - $275. These tests will expire on Sunday, May 7, 2023. T̲a̲t̲t̲o̲o̲e̲r̲ w̲i̲l̲l̲ b̲e̲ o̲n̲ s̲i̲t̲e̲ a̲s̲ w̲e̲l̲l̲,̲ a̲p̲p̲o̲i̲n̲t̲m̲e̲n̲t̲s̲ c̲a̲n̲ b̲e̲ m̲a̲d̲e̲ b̲y̲ c̲a̲l̲l̲i̲n̲g̲ h̲a̲i̲r̲ t̲e̲s̲t̲i̲n̲g̲ l̲i̲n̲e̲.̲
𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸 – 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟮𝟰𝘁𝗵 Please call ASAP to sign up for this date/location must have a minimum of 40 horses scheduled. (405) 881-5120. Cost of test - $275. These tests will expire on May 26, 2023 T̲a̲t̲t̲o̲o̲e̲r̲ w̲i̲l̲l̲ b̲e̲ o̲n̲ s̲i̲t̲e̲ a̲s̲ w̲e̲l̲l̲,̲ a̲p̲p̲o̲i̲n̲t̲m̲e̲n̲t̲s̲ c̲a̲n̲ b̲e̲ m̲a̲d̲e̲ b̲y̲ c̲a̲l̲l̲i̲n̲g̲ h̲a̲i̲r̲ t̲e̲s̲t̲i̲n̲g̲ l̲i̲n̲e̲.̲
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝗯𝗯𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗼𝘄𝗻𝘀 – 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟯𝗿𝗱 Appointments should be made by 3/1/2023 by calling (405) 881-5120. Cost of test - $225. These tests will expire June 2, 2023
𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸 – 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟴𝘁𝗵 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗱𝗮𝘆. Onsite testing during February will be conducted 9:00 – noon, Monday through Friday beginning Wednesday, February 8th. There will be no Hair Testing on Tuesday, February 14th or Friday, February 24th. Tests done in February will expire before the end of the meet. Please review the schedule and test/safe dates posted on OQHRA.com and plan accordingly. Onsite test cost $225.
𝑭𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒏𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒅𝒖𝒍𝒆 𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕, 𝒕𝒆𝒙𝒕/𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒊𝒓 𝒕𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒂𝒕 (405) 881-5120. Full schedule and details can be found at www.oqhra.com
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AQHA DISTANCE CHAMPION FOR 2021, WASCALLYWITTLEWABBIT, MAKES 2022 DEBUT A WINNING ONE IN PAULS VALLEY STAKES
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – April 1, 2022 – Wascallywittlewabbit was the American Quarter Horse Association Distance Champion for 2021, putting together a campaign of 870-yard wins in which he was virtually unbeatable. He began his defense of that title with a victory in Thursday night’s $50,880 Pauls Valley Stakes.
Wascallywittlewabbit had a few things working against him, coming into this stakes race at Remington Park. He lost his regular rider Benito Baca, who retired this year. He ran poorly in his debut in Oklahoma City last year, managing only a fourth-place finish after a layoff. Finally, he was facing a multiple stakes winner, Shockinglyfamous, who had just won his first try around the hook at 870 yards by more than seven lengths. In fact, even though that race wasn’t in stakes company, the public sent Shockinglyfamous off as the favorite at 4-5 odds against the country’s top turn horse.
None of it mattered as Wascallywittlewabbit, from the rail post-position, was first out of the gate, negotiated the turn with ease, and jockey Josh Romero, aboard him for the first time, locked down on him at the end. The 7-year-old gelding by Heza Motor Scooter, out of the Rabbits Rainbow mare Rabbits N Diamonds, drew off to win by 3-1/2 lengths. He was the even-money second choice and paid $4 to win, $2.10 to place and $2.10 to show.
Wascallywittlewabbit had shown trainer Michael Joiner and owner Rogers Farm (Jarett Rogers) of Clint, Texas, that he was indeed ready with two workouts in the morning at Remington Park of :34.53 breezing for 660 yards on March 5, the bullet (fastest work of the day) and a :34.56 handily from the gate work follow-up on March 19. Most of the faster horses that have worked that distance this meet have checked in at about 36-seconds.
Wascallywittlewabbit won at 870 yards for the sixth time in his past seven tries. To garner his award as best hook horse in the country last year, he won this race, the Pauls Valley Stakes to get things going, and then took home trophies from the $64,000 Remington Park Distance Championship on May 29, followed by the $50,000 Zia 870 Championship on Aug. 28 at Ruidoso Downs in New Mexico and last, but certainly not least, the $104,000 Challenge Distance Championship at the Downs at Albuquerque, on Oct. 23 to finish the year. He also sandwiched an allowance win along the way at Ruidoso.
Shockinglyfamous checked in second in this year’s Pauls Valley, clear of third-place finisher Bubba Bad (7-1), another 2-1/4 lengths back.
Running time for Wascallywittlewabbit was :45.08 over the fast track for a 97 speed index. Wascallywittlewabbit earned $29,946 from the purse to push his record to 23 starts, 12 wins, and two second for a bankroll of $312,046. It was his 11th win in 17 starts at 870 yards and his fourth trip to the winner’s circle in five tries at Remington Park.
“I chased him all year long last year (aboard other horses) and couldn’t catch him,” said Romero. “It was nice to get the mount this year. He broke decent from the gate, but I think he can do even better. But once he got to the lead, he pricked those ears forward and took care of business.”
It was the second year in a row Wascallywittlewabbit won this race, matching the number of wins for Joiner and Rogers Farms. The Pauls Valley Stakes is named after the town of the same name, located about one hour south of Remington Park.
Live racing continues Friday and Saturday night at 6 p.m. with 11 trials on tap each night for 2-year-old Oklahoma-bred Quarter Horses trying to qualify for the finals of the restricted Grade 1, $973,665 Remington Park Futurity that will be run on Saturday, April 16. The top five fastest times from each night will qualify as the 10 finalists.
•••••
Tracked by more than 168,000 fans on Facebook and 10,600 Twitter followers, Remington Park has provided more than $286 Million to the State of Oklahoma general education fund since the opening of the casino in 2005. Located at the junction of Interstates 35 & 44, in the heart of the Oklahoma City Adventure District, Remington Park will feature the richest futurity for state-breds, the $925,000 (estimated) Remington Park Futurity on April 16. Simulcast horse is racing featured daily at Remington Park where the casino is always open! Visit remingtonpark.com for more information.
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CATHEY ACCEPTS DIRECTOR OF RACING HELM AT REMINGTON PARK
OKLAHOMA CITY – When 2023 racing begins at Remington Park, it will start with new guidance in the racing department. Kelly Cathey has accepted the director of racing position and will oversee the operation for all breeds competing at the Oklahoma City facility.
The American Quarter Horse, Paint and Appaloosa Season will begin March 9. The 2023 Thoroughbred Season will get underway in late August.
Cathey brings more than 30 years of experience in horse racing to Remington Park. He first worked with horses in the late 1980s as a teenager, assisting his father who was a trainer. He has also served as a groom, pony person, assistant trainer, valet and assistant starter.
Cathey moved into track management in 1998 at Retama Park in Selma, Texas. He has also worked for Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie, Texas; Sam Houston Race Park in Houston and Will Rogers Downs in Claremore, Okla. He has held nearly every position associated with racing, pari-mutuel wagering and simulcast operations throughout his career.
Since 2013 Cathey has worked for the Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission as a state steward (2013-2015), advancing to the role of executive director of the commission in 2015. He will leave that post to become the director of racing at Remington Park.
“Remington Park and Global Gaming are excited to have Kelly Cathey join our racing team,” said Matt Vance, executive vice president of racing operations at Remington Park. “Kelly has a resume reflective of more than 30 years in the sport, working as a racing executive and regulator. His extensive experience with both Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses and their respective organizations throughout the region makes him uniquely qualified to lead our racing department at Remington Park.”
Horsemen will bring horses onto the grounds at Remington Park beginning Feb. 6 with the initial morning of training set for Tuesday, Feb. 7. The first night of the spring season falls on Thursday, March 9 and the 50-date schedule continues through Saturday, June 3. ... ’Expand’See Less
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R̳e̳m̳i̳n̳g̳t̳o̳n̳ P̳a̳r̳k̳ H̳a̳i̳r̳ T̳e̳s̳t̳i̳n̳g̳ I̳n̳f̳o̳r̳m̳a̳t̳i̳o̳n̳
It continues to be the goal of Remington Park and OQHRA to provide a race meeting of the highest quality and integrity. As a condition of entry, no horse will be allowed to enter a race at Remington Park unless results of a negative hair test have been provided to Remington Park prior to entry. All pre-entry hair testing will be facilitated by OQHRA. Pre-entry hair tests will be good for 90 days beginning the day after the sample is collected. All tests will expire after 90 days and horses must re-test to remain eligible, regardless of if the horse started in a race within those 90 days. In no event will a horse be eligible to enter a race unless a current negative hair test is on file at Remington Park in accordance with the conditions set forth in the condition book. The Remington Park Racing Office nor OQHRA staff receive the results of hair testing. All test results submitted to Remington Park management will remain confidential. Any horse receiving a positive hair test will be unable to enter until a negative test is obtained, there is no penalty to the trainer.
To better serve horsemen, OQHRA will be setting up offsite testing days at Retama Park, Lone Star Park and Blue Ribbon Downs. The OQHRA testing crew will be available at each location one day, allowing horsemen the opportunity to get horses tested closer to where they are stabled/training. Horses needing to be tested in other states do have the opportunity to have an offsite test done by a state veterinarian working under the auspices of a State Regulatory Agency.
𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗮 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸 – 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟱𝘁𝗵
Appointments should be made by 2/2/23 by calling (405) 881-5120. Cost of test - $275. These tests will expire on Sunday, May 7, 2023. T̲a̲t̲t̲o̲o̲e̲r̲ w̲i̲l̲l̲ b̲e̲ o̲n̲ s̲i̲t̲e̲ a̲s̲ w̲e̲l̲l̲,̲ a̲p̲p̲o̲i̲n̲t̲m̲e̲n̲t̲s̲ c̲a̲n̲ b̲e̲ m̲a̲d̲e̲ b̲y̲ c̲a̲l̲l̲i̲n̲g̲ h̲a̲i̲r̲ t̲e̲s̲t̲i̲n̲g̲ l̲i̲n̲e̲.̲
𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸 – 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟮𝟰𝘁𝗵
Please call ASAP to sign up for this date/location must have a minimum of 40 horses scheduled. (405) 881-5120. Cost of test - $275. These tests will expire on May 26, 2023
T̲a̲t̲t̲o̲o̲e̲r̲ w̲i̲l̲l̲ b̲e̲ o̲n̲ s̲i̲t̲e̲ a̲s̲ w̲e̲l̲l̲,̲ a̲p̲p̲o̲i̲n̲t̲m̲e̲n̲t̲s̲ c̲a̲n̲ b̲e̲ m̲a̲d̲e̲ b̲y̲ c̲a̲l̲l̲i̲n̲g̲ h̲a̲i̲r̲ t̲e̲s̲t̲i̲n̲g̲ l̲i̲n̲e̲.̲
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝗯𝗯𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗼𝘄𝗻𝘀 – 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟯𝗿𝗱
Appointments should be made by 3/1/2023 by calling (405) 881-5120. Cost of test - $225. These tests will expire June 2, 2023
𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸 – 𝗙𝗲𝗯𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝟴𝘁𝗵 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗱𝗮𝘆.
Onsite testing during February will be conducted 9:00 – noon, Monday through Friday beginning Wednesday, February 8th. There will be no Hair Testing on Tuesday, February 14th or Friday, February 24th. Tests done in February will expire before the end of the meet. Please review the schedule and test/safe dates posted on OQHRA.com and plan accordingly. Onsite test cost $225.
𝑭𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒏𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒅𝒖𝒍𝒆 𝒂𝒏 𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕, 𝒕𝒆𝒙𝒕/𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒊𝒓 𝒕𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒂𝒕 (405) 881-5120. Full schedule and details can be found at www.oqhra.com
*𝑊ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑟𝑒𝑔𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑝𝑎𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑜 𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑜𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑒, 𝑝𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑎 𝑐𝑜𝑝𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑎𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑠 (𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑛𝑡 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑏𝑎𝑐𝑘) 𝑓𝑜𝑟 ℎ𝑎𝑖𝑟 𝑡𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛, 𝑖𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑠𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑜𝑜𝑒𝑑, 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑝𝑦 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑙𝑢𝑑𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑖𝑛𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛. ... ’Expand’See Less
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