[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 119 (Thursday, September 19, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1623-E1624]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            RACING REMEMBERS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ERNIE FLETCHER

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 19, 2002

  Mr. FLETCHER. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to recognize the 
American racing industry for its response to the terrible tragedies our 
nation suffered a year ago. I am deeply

[[Page E1624]]

gratified to note that the nation's horseracing industry, which is of 
such great importance to the Commonwealth of Kentucky, shared in our 
nation's ceremonies of remembrance on September 11. Yesterday, all 
across the country, our racetracks, owners, trainers and jockeys all 
stood together to remember what happened a year ago and to honor those 
who were lost and those who showed such great courage in the aftermath 
of the terrorist attacks.
  The National Thoroughbred Racing Association requested that all 
racetracks operating on September 11 cease normal business operations 
to share in a 10-minute, nationally simulcast observance at 4:10 p.m. 
Eastern Time. All across the country, there was no racing or related 
activity at any NTRA-member facilities during the brief, dignified and 
patriotic service which included a flag ceremony, a moment of silence, 
the singing of the National Anthem and a video tribute.
  The nationwide ceremony allowed racing and its fans to remember 
September 11 together, even though they were at many different 
locations, because the observance was broadcast via simulcast to many 
different facilities from Del Mar Thoroughbred Track in California. It 
was hosted by Emmy Award-winning broadcaster Dick Enberg.
  This observance was the culmination of a year-long effort by the 
racing industry to raise funds for individuals and families devastated 
by the attacks. Over the past year, members of the international 
Thoroughbred horseracing community, including tracks, horse owners, 
trainers, grooms, jockeys and veterinarians, have contributed more than 
$12 million to assist the families of those lost on September 11.
  I am proud that the American racing and breeding industry has 
responded so patriotically to our nation's ordeal and assisted so many 
Americans hurt by those tragic attacks.

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