ARCADIA, Calif., March 21, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- TheAmerican Association of Equine Sports Preservation(AAESP) launched theirinternational division in Dubai, UAE to promotetheir product line ofcutting-edge products for the horse industry, it was announced. In addition, AAESP is one of only two U.S. organizations to advertise at the 10th Dubai International Horse Fair (DIHF) at the Dubai World Trade Centre, and it also will have a major presence at the "world's richest race" - the Dubai World Cup (DWC) - at Meydan Racecourse onMarch 29, 2014.
Allison Booth, president and founder of AAESP, said, "AAESP isproud to extend its reach internationally, and we areglad to be the U.S. representative for the DIHF14. We also want to let international vendors know that there are still opportunities to showcase their products duringthis International racing festival without personally being available. And we would like to hear from those interested in exhibiting in DIHF15."
Booth added that "exhibiting at the DIHF is a fantastic opportunity, as the economy has turned around this year and features prime networking, the latest in sport and leisure activities, previews of next season's styles and accessories, art and sculpture, the best in equine care and equipment, and hundreds of products from suppliers from more than 20 countries." AAESP also provides media and marketing services, such as news releases and media kits for vendors.
Saving Hollywood Park Racetrack
Last year, Booth began a petition to list the historic Hollywood Park Racetrack - which is scheduled for demolition in late March 2014 - as one of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places, according to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. One of the first big signers of the petition was Hall of Fame trainer, Bill Mott - who trained Royal Delta, a 10-time graded stakes winner and two-time Eclipse Award champion. Other supporters include Hall of Fame trainer Jack Van Berg, famed "horse whisperer"Monty Roberts, television personality and jockeyChantal Sutherland, trainersTom ProctorandDoug O'Neill, and Hall of Fame jockeyMike Smith. The petition has over 4,000 signatures. Sign the petition at:bit.ly/SaveHollywoodPark.
In Dubai, Boothis continuing to spread the word about her petition and will also focus her efforts on finding a buyer for the iconic park - which held the first-ever Breeder's Cup in 1984 - among other efforts to save the landmark.
Booth said that Hollywood Park has "tremendous potential and is great investment" that could support a "string of restaurants, retail shops, and an entertainment center."
In addition, in 1991,thepark underwent a$20 million reconstruction project. The park has a total of 18 barns (6 handicapped friendly) with 1,950 stalls, 619 tack rooms, and 216 feed rooms. In addition, in 2006, a cushion track racing surface was installed, making the track soft and safe for horses.Hollywood Parkis also the state's most centrally-located track, located just minutes from downtown Los Angeles, Los Angeles International Airport, and three major highways.
Saving Horses, Saving Human Lives
Booth also requested meetings in January 2014 with California Governor Jerry Brown, and U.S. Representatives Maxine Waters (D-CA), and Judy Chu (D-CA), and California State Senator Roderick Wright. In her letters, Booth said, "AAESPand its strong allies in theU.S.horse racing industry would like Hollywood Park to remain open for horse training and turned into a major center to provide horse wellness programs for the 200,000 veterans and children in theLos Angelesarea, especially those suffering from PTSD."
Ms. Booth recently had a successful meeting with Congresswoman Chu, who represents the state's 27th congressional district which includes Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, CA. Booth will be following up with Congresswoman Chu to discuss ways to improve California's racing industry and ensure the viability of its racetracks for the future. Booth also hopes to discuss immigration reform, considering the horse racing industry's many intersections with immigrants from around the world.
The Irish in Sports
Fellow Irishman and horse trainer Aidan O'Brien - with whomBooth reconnectedat the 2013 Breeder's Cup- could have as many as 13 horses running across eight thoroughbred races, including Magician (who won the 2013 Breeder's Cup Turf) at the upcoming $10 million DWC onMarch 29, 2014. The highly-anticipated DWC race attracted entries from 15 countries. In total, 341 international stars were nominated.
In Other News...
AAESP had a major presence at the The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Annual Conventionin Nashville, TNin early December 2013.
Recently,AAESPpartnered with the Wild for Life Foundation (WFLF) to host the 15thAnnual EAGALA Conference in Dallas, TX on March 12-15, 2014 in Mesquite, TX. Special guests included Robert Pliskin, LSW, Dual Certified Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association Professional who has been gentling wild horses since 1998. AAESP will sponsor WFLF's exclusive Spring Benefit Reception on March 29, 2014 in San Diego, CA. wildforlifefoundation.org/events.html.
In addition,Boothhas a hand-written invitation to deliver by hand to HRH Sheikh Mohammed from the winner of the 2014 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race - Dallas Sevey and his seven-dog team - in Nome, Alaska. Booth hopes to facilitate a neat match race from the Arctic to the Desert to cross-brand and promote endurance racing sports.
The mission ofAAESPis to protect the historical, cultural and economic value of equestrian sports, and related industries, throughout the world in recognition of the innumerable contributions of horses to mankind over centuries. Learn more ataaesp.org.
CONTACT:
Allison Booth, President and Founder, American Association of Equine Sports Preservation
Tel: (305) 216-6252
Fax: (626) 357-9384
Email: Allison@AAESP.org
SOURCE American Association of Equine Sports Preservation
