Chavers, Kulow, Ring, Smith Elected to CHA Board; Stacey Rushton Appointed to Fill Vacancy

The Colorado Horse Racing Association, the state’s statutorily recognized horsemen’s group for all racing breeds, officially announced the results of its Board of Directors election at its annual meeting Dec. 11 at The Celtic on Market Irish Pub & OTB. Owner/trainer Howie Chavers, owner Rob Ring, and owner Robin Smith were elected to full three-year terms, while owner/trainer Mark Kulow was elected to a one-year term. The top four vote-getters were the same horsemen appointed to the Board last summer to fill vacancies after a rash of resignations.

Ballots were received by the Rocky Mountain Quarter Horse Association (RMQHA) and counted by representatives from both the RMQHA and Colorado Thoroughbred Breeders Association (CTBA).

At the CHA’s monthly Board meeting Tuesday, owner/trainer Stacey Rushton was appointed to replace a director that was removed for not attending 50% of the regular meetings, per the organization’s bylaws. Rushton has trained since 1994 and has won stakes races in Colorado and New Mexico.

Also at Tuesday’s meeting, the Board unanimously agreed to have its current officers retain their leadership positions in 2022 – owner/trainer Kim Oliver, President; owner/trainer Mark Schultz, Vice President; owner Larry Terrell, Treasurer (non-voting Board member); and owner Lisa Trujillo, Secretary (non-voting).

“Having the full membership elect the same group of horsemen we appointed to get us through a major transition last summer feels like a strong endorsement for our work,” said Oliver. “I am excited to add Stacey Rushton’s extensive knowledge of Colorado racing into the mix. We have a lot to look forward to in 2022 with what we expect will be more race dates and a very healthy purse account.”

from Colorado Horse Racing Association news release