AQHRA is pleased to announce a new direction for those interested in racing Alabama-bred Quarter Horses. The goal for this year is to increase interest in Quarter Horse racing with growth of the Association so that we provide Alabama-bred horse racing once again.

Mike Stanley, the current president of AQHRA, met with two representatives of the Birmingham Racing Commission last week to see what the Association needs to do in order to bring Quarter Horse racing back to the level we have experienced in past years. The representatives were very positive and supportive of the effort to renew these races.

If the Association is successful in finding interest and available horses, then the Birmingham Racing Commission has committed to having a race in the fall with a purse of $35,000 added money. They agree to set up a Breeder's Fund, which will award money to any Alabama-bred horse running anywhere in the country as long as it is registered with the Birmingham Racing Commission. They will also help with the costs associated with the transportation of the horses to the track.

 Now we need you. If you are the owner or a breeder of an Alabama-bred Quarter Horse and you are interested in racing your horse(s), please follow the steps below so you will receive more information about racing:

1. Fill out the AQHRA membership application.
2. Register your horse with the Birmingham Racing Commission to have your horse eligible for inclusion in the Breeder's Fund.
3. Put your horses in training.

Our goals for the future include:

1. Increase interest so that we will once again have more than one race, i. e. trials, stakes races, a derby and more, so horses can earn Black Type.
2. Promote growth in the Association so that it might be capable of sponsoring a scholarship(s) for those with equine aspirations.
3. Offer events where fellow members would be able to network.

For more information contact ALQHRA President Mike Stanley at 205-454-6326.