Our Mission Statement
The mission of the Arizona Quarter Racing Association is to represent the best interests of racing owners, breeders, stallion owners and trainers participating in the state of Arizona.To communicate and cooperate with the state legislature, racing commission and the department of racing.To work directly with commercial race tracks and county fair racing associations for enhanced Quarter Horse racing opportunities.To publicize and promote advantages of participating in Arizona Quarter Horse racing to racing fans, other Quarter Horse owners, new owners and breeders, media and the general public.
The Arizona Quarter Racing Association
(AQRA)
AQRA is an organization of race horse owners, trainers, breeders, jockeys, and enthusiasts from all walks of life. They share one common interest - the promotion of Quarter Horse racing in Arizona.
Founded in 1976 with 15 charter members, the association has grown to an average yearly membership of over 400. The objectives of the original founders of the association were to "promote, advertise, advance, aide and encourage" Quarter Horse racing and the Quarter Horse industry as a whole. One of the first moves of the group was to found the AQRA Futurity-a stallion stakes. This race provided a monied race for colts and fillies sired by stallions standing within the state of Arizona. In 1988, this race reached a gross purse of $83,000.
Other activities of the association include annual awards to leading money-earning horses in several different catagories. Awards are also given to leading owners, trainers, and jockeys.
In 1980, the group decided to add an award to honor the leading sire and dam in the state. A horse of the year has been added this year.
The association also hosts a yearling sale for race-bred foals, which this year will be a mixed sale.
Additional activities include presentation of award blankets for many races around the state, sponsorship of maiden races on the county fairs specifically for AQRA members and of various other races along the circuit, plus a constant monitoring of the political actions of both the state and national legislatutes and agencies on matters affecting racing. Among the social events are an annual banquet to honor the year end award winners and various other social gatherings, both formal and informal, throughout the year.
In 2000 a Hall of Fame was created to honor both man and equine who have contributed to the legacy of Quarter Horse racing in the state of Arizona. Arizona bred certifications, nominations of stallions, nominations to futurities, and your membership money, is why we can be a successful organization.
……ATTENTION HORSEMEN…….
The AQRA Sponsors:
The Desert Classic Stakes Program Grade R3
The AQRA President's Open Spring Futurity Grade 3
The AQRA Restricted Stallion Futurity. Grade 3
The Arizona Stallion Owners Association Futurity G3
The AQRA /Turf Paradise Open Futurity and Derby
A Stallion Service Auction each year to support the Desert Classic Stakes Program
A Yearling and Broodmare sale each fall to support our organization and a member service for our breeders and owners
The Arizona Racing Hall of Fame for both influential horses and people.
The AQRA Supports:
Legislation for Arizona Racing
The Arizona County Fair Racing with added money races each week end and a AQRA Older Horse Series at each Fair Race Meet
The Arizona Youth with two racing scholarships each year, and host "Youth Day at the Races" through out the year at various racetracks
We give end-of-the-year awards for Arizona Horses who have excelled in their catagories in the state each year
We are a non-profit membership organization. Go to the membership page to see how you can become involved with our organization today
PLEASE JOIN TODAY!!!!