Del. Guest served on another Joint Legislative Subcommittee which

Del. Guest served on another Joint Legislative Subcommittee which evaluated public-sponsored horse breeder incentive programs. Establishment and funding were recommended to the General As- • sembly; the Virginia Horse Breeder \ Incentive Program began in 1982.

Since that time the state horse industry has overwhelmingly responded to this unique national program. Private sector business enhancement programs have proliferated, directing a larger portion of the mid-Atlantic horse business into the commonwealth.

The 1978 Session of the Virginia General Assembly passed a bill establishing pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing in Virginia. This bill allowed for the commerical development of the state horse industry through racing. Pari-mutuel was rejected by a small margin during the statewide referendum that year.

Over the next several years Del. Guest worked with Virginia horsemen and breeders in developing a winning approach to establishment of this much-needed agricultural economic development tool. A bill sponsored by and shepherded through the legislative process by Del. Guest was passed by the 1988 session of the General Assembly.

“Months of answering questions from the public and press, continual explanations of what the bill would and would not do, and much time spent in public forums were rewarded by a resounding victory in the statewide referendum. Horse racing and, to a larger extent, the horse industry, can now be developed in the commonwealth. Without the long-term vision and dedication of Andy Guest, this would not have happened,” the council spokesman said.

“These are but a few well-known accomplishments on behalf of the Virginia economy, but they do exemplify Andy Guest’s long-term commitment to economic development. It is the pleasure of the Virginia Horse Council to award its Agricultural Economic Development Award to Raymond R. “Andy” Guest.”