For immediate release
October 30, 2008
www.chda.org

Racing Great Frank “Scoop” Vessels III to Speak at CHDA Summit

Denver, January 5, 2009

The Colorado Horse Development Authority is privileged to present renowned breeder and racing legend Frank “Scoop” Vessels III as the keynote speaker at the 2009 Horse Summit. His topic will be “Acting as One: Keeping the Horse Industry Healthy.” Ranked among the nation’s leading breeders in both the Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse industries as well as the owner of a top racing stable, Vessels’ combined interests make him an outspoken proponent of cooperate efforts among the various breeds and disciplines in the horse industry.

Vessels himself represents the horse industry’s finest leadership, combining creativity, experience and ardent involvement. As the third generation member of his family to be involved in racing, Vessels has experienced first-hand the challenges of succeeding in a difficult industry—and succeed he has. In 2003, Vessels received the John W. Galbreath Award for Outstanding Entrepreneurship in the Equine Industry, which honors the “utilization of uncommon abilities or innovative approaches to business management.” His ongoing concern for the future of the horse industry has led him to serve in a number of leadership positions, among them Director of the Pacific Coast Quarter Horse Racing Association, President (2004-2005) of the American Quarter Horse Association, and President of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association.

Among the stallions owned by Vessels Stallion Farm (vesselsstallionfrm.com) outside of San Diego, California, is the famed First Down Dash, all-time leading Quarter Horse sire, with progeny earnings totaling over $60 million, including winners of almost 3,000 races and 32 AQHA Champions. On the Thoroughbred end, VSF’s stallion In Excess (Ire) has become California’s preeminent thoroughbred sire of the past decade. The racing stable side of the business also prospers under Vessels’ leadership: VSF-owned horses have won every important quarter horse race, including all of the major stakes at Los Alamitos, the All-American Derby, and the 2006 All-American Futurity at Ruidoso Downs (with No Secrets Here in partnership with Benny Rosset of Brazil).

Vessels’ most important partner is his wife, Bonnie, a successful horse owner in her own right, who is actively involved in every aspect of the Vessels Stallion Farm operation. Together, they look forward to their sons Kash, Colt and Bryan continuing the family legacy into the fourth generation.

The 2009 CHDA Summit will be held January 5, 2009 starting at 10:00 a.m. at the Holiday Inn, Denver Central. For information and reservations, please call the CHDA office at (303) 292-4981 or visit www.chda.org. There is no charge, and all horse enthusiasts are encouraged to attend.

Posted: October 31, 2008