AQHA will host a two-day Starters' Workshop at Sunland Park near El Paso, Texas, on March 27-28.

Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie starter Ross Von Hemel and Hollywood Park starter Gary Brinson will be participating in the inaugural workshop along with noted master horseman Ray Hunt, who will do a clinic on handling problem horses at the gate for starters, assistant starters, trainers and jockeys. In addition, there will be discussions and presentations on starting gate procedures, training of assistant starters and safety at the gate.

Representatives from Tru-Center Starting Gates also will be in attendance to demonstrate their latest equipment, including a laser for positioning starting gates properly for time trials.

For a complete agenda, click here.

The workshop is endorsed by the Association of Racing Commissioners International and the North American Pari-Mutuel Regulators Association.

The workshop will begin Wednesday morning and end on Thursday afternoon. Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino will host a reception for participants Wednesday evening.

The registration fee is $25. The late registration fee is $50 at the workshop. The Sunland Park Holiday Inn is offering a $59 horsemen's rate. Please make hotel reservations direct as soon as possible as this is the week of Easter Sunday. The special room rate code is 2SPG.

Reservations must be made directly with the hotel to receive the special rate. Please call 915-833-2900.

For travel assistance or reservations, please consider using National Travel Systems, AQHA's Official Travel Agency. To register or for more information, please contact AQHA Executive Director of Racing Dan Fick at 1-877-AAA-RACE.