State sports briefs

OUTDOORS

Spinning-wing decoy ban approved on 2 WMAs

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission banned Thursday the use of simulated wing-movement decoys on two of the state’s wildlife management areas during waterfowl season.

The two WMAs affected by ban are Bayou Meto WMA and Dave Donaldson Black River WMA, and the ban is effective immediately.

Previously the commission banned statewide use of the decoys beginning with the 2005-06 waterfowl season, but it removed the ban after three years. The decoys are defined as “any electric, mechanically-operated, wind-powered, or manually-powered apparatus or device that simulates wing movement, including any device that spins one or more fixed- or stationary-winged decoys around a central axis.”

The new regulation states that it will be unlawful “to possess, or take or attempt to take waterfowl with the use of, any simulated wing movement decoy on Bayou Meto WMA and Dave Donaldson Black River WMA from the first day of the first segment of regular duck season through the last day of the last segment of regular duck season.” Violation of the regulation could result in a fine of up to $1,000 and jail of up to 30 days.

The decoys will be allowed on all other WMAs and on private land during waterfowl season.

HORSE RACING

Owner considers retirement for Take Charge Brandi

Thoroughbred owner Willis Horton of Marshall said Wednesday that he’s “90 percent” certain Take Charge Brandi will be retired after being eased Saturday in the $1 million Cotillion Stakes for 3-year-old fillies Saturday at Parx in suburban Philadelphia.

The Grade I race marked the second consecutive poor performance for Take Charge Brandi following a knee injury earlier this year.

“I don’t want to break her down,” Horton said, according to the Oaklawn media relations department.

Horton said Take Charge Brandi is at Churchill Downs and that he wants to talk to the filly’s trainer, D. Wayne Lukas, before moving her to another location to begin preparing for a broodmare career.

Horton said his plan is to breed Take Charge Brandi to Tapit or War Front.

Take Charge Brandi wintered at Oaklawn and won the $100,000 Martha Washington Stakes in her 3-year-old debut. Take Charge Brandi has a 5-1-0 record in 11 career starts and earnings of $1,692,126. She won an Eclipse Award as the country’s champion 2-year-old filly after winning her last three starts, including the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies on Nov. 1 at Santa Anita.

Upcoming Events