November 30, 1999

Regarding inquiries about the MBNA America Canada Challenge races, I would like to clarify why the AQHA Racing Council decided the 2000 regional Challenge races previously held at British Columbia racetracks, would be run at different locations.

All tracks that are interested in hosting a regional Challenge race are encouraged to apply. This gives them the opportunity to put their best foot forward and bid for any race in which they would have an interest. Due to the small size of many racetracks in Canada that run Quarter Horses, the host track’s required financial obligation for each Challenge race is approximately half that required of the eight regions in the United States. As the program has grown, this financial hurdle has increased. The ability of the track to meet or exceed the minimum financial obligation is a major factor in determining who will host a regional MBNA Challenge race. Both of the tracks in British Columbia that applied for regional Challenge races expressed difficulty with meeting the financial requirements.

Additionally, there were many trainers and owners that I received feedback from that preferred the races were run elsewhere in 2000. This was due in part to the high concentration of owners and trainers shipping from Alberta, and also to some difficulty related to rules and regulations, which BC enforces differently than other jurisdictions. The differences in the rules that effect the running of MBNA Challenge regional races in British Columbia have since been remedied. Mr. Joseph Horton, Director of Racing with the BC Racing Commission has been forthright in his efforts to alleviate any conflicts with this matter. Relations at Kin Park and at Kamloops in 1999 were good and it is my hope that the AQHA Racing Council and the MBNA America Challenge will have the opportunity to consider them as host tracks for future regional Challenge races in Canada.

The MBNA America Challenge is committed to providing racing opportunities for the American Quarter Horse. The success that this program has achieved could not happen without the support of racetracks and horsemen alike. I look forward to more Challenge Races in British Columbia and in all of Canada.

Sincerely,

M.C. Seward

Manager of Racing Challenge