Los Alamitos To Provide Stalls For Horses Affected By Wildfires

Los Alamitos Race Course has set up 180 stalls specifically designed to provide temporary shelter for horses affected by the Southern California wildfires. The barns have been set up on the Los Alamitos Equine Sale grounds, which is adjacent to the Cypress racetrack.

"The barns are ready to welcome 180 displaced horses on a first come, first serve basis," said Frank Sherren, the Los Alamitos plant superintendent. "We will have staff to supervise the horses. We will also provide hay, water and shavings for these animals."

In addition, trainer Denny Ekins has offered his truck and horse trailer for the purpose of hauling horses to Los Alamitos. "If they need help, I'll go get their horse," said Ekins, who saddled champion Ocean Runaway to victory in the 2004 Los Alamitos Million Futurity and 2005 Champion of Champions. "I know other trainers here will also lend a hand by transporting horses to Los Alamitos. We just need to know who needs help and the trainers here at Los Alamitos will go out there and help these people and their horses."

Ekins can be contacted directly at his home at 714-901-1265 or on his cell phone at 714-299-8823.

"If for whatever reason I can't go out there and pick up the horse, I'll find someone that can provide some assistance," he added.

Sherren noted that horses do not have to racehorses to be placed in the temporary stalls. The barns have been set up in cooperation with the Orange County Animal Care Center. For more information, call 714-820-2690.

Los Alamitos will host the 2007 Bank of America Challenge Championships on November 3. The Bank of America Racing Challenge is American Quarter Horse racing's richest program. The championship series was designed for "America's Fastest Athlete." For more information, visit www.aqharacing.com. 

Source: www.aqha.com