Page 179 - July 2019

James Dillon Passes Away
James Dillon, 85, passed away on June 26. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, Jim married Donna Sue Shane in 1956. Jim’s start in the horse business began with his ownership of the Triple D Ranch in Nebraska, where he stood several stallions and where his love of racing began. He managed the 440 Ranch in Texas, and built Dillon Running Horses in Oklahoma. Jim was an AQHA council member, led 4H, and judged rein- ing and pleasure competitions. He had a fondness for his mares, and often said it was the mare, and not the stud, that makes a good race horse. His mares produced multiple graded stakes winners and earners of over $500,000. “He was not one of the biggest owners or breeders in the racing indus- try,” said son Chris, “but it was hard working men like him that made horse racing what it is today.” Dillon is survived by his wife, five children, 10 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and many other family members and friends.
Jim Pitts Passes Away
Jim Dale Pitts, 82, passed away on June 9. Born in Wichita Falls, Texas, Jim graduated from Midwestern University, served in the U.S. Marine Corp, and owned and operated Pitts Ready Mix for over 40 years. Jim had a great love of racing Quarter Horses. He owned 1998 Champion 3-Year-Old Colt, 1999 Champion Aged Stallion Dashin Is Easy, Grade 1 winner of the Heritage Place Futurity and Derby, Remington Park Derby, Rainbow Derby and Remington Gold Cup. Jim was also the co-owner with Terry Bell and Homer Hill of 2000 Champion 2 Year Old, Champion 2-Year-Old Colt Eyesa Special, winner of the Grade 1 All American and Texas Classic futurities. He is an all-time leading owner of over $2.8 million as well as an all-time leading breeder of over $2.6 million. Jim is survived by his wife
of 49 years La Dena, two sons and one daughter, three grandsons, four granddaughters and many other family members and friends.
Correction: RP Lil Brown Wagon
In our June 2019 issue on page 26 (Broodmare Feature) and page 40 (Speedlines), it was listed that Reacher 16 won the 2018 Alfredo Castro Rea Classic. It was actually RP Lil Brown Wagon (PYC Paint Your Wagon- Fast Dash Tanisha), however, who actually won the $91,040 stakes event. The colt is the property of Cuadra El Manantial.
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Can you identify the horse in this photo? Here’s a hint: This horse was named Champion Aged Stallion in 1985. The answer is on page 178.
SPEEDHORSE, July 2019 177
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