Page 8 - New Mexico Fall 2020
P. 8

FROM THE PRESIDENT
   Greetings members,
We continue to march along in spite of the pandemic.
As I write this, we just concluded the race meet at Ruidoso and are currently running at the Downs at Albuquerque.
And, despite some initial uncertainty, we
will have a race meet at Zia Park albeit with a reduction in days. Due to the amount of purse money available, $380,000 was moved from the stakes to the overnight races from the horsemen’s purse fund. Some good news, the New Mexico Horse Breeders’ Association was able to add enough funding to keep intact the New Mexico bred stakes for thoroughbreds and quarter
horses and maintain their black type status – of
significant importance to the breeders. We are also able to add as much as $900,000 for New Mexico breds running in overnight races.
The casinos at the tracks remain closed, which as you all know, affects purses. But, New Mexico’s COVID numbers are rapidly decreasing and the state has exceeded the Governor’s targets for a gradual reopening of our economy. Let’s hope the casinos are able to open soon. Once that happens, and providing the virus continues to remain under control, there will be renewed optimism for sure.
Both the Ruidoso NM Bred quarter horse sale and the Ruidoso Select quarter sale were moved to the Lazy E Ranch in Oklahoma.
Results for the NM breds were spotty as had to have been expected with the change in venue, but the open portion of the sale was strong, particularly the median prices. Attendance was also strong; apparently folks felt the need to get out and do what they love to do, myself included.
Kudos to the Ruidoso Horse Sale Company and the Lazy E Ranch for making the sale possible. They handled the difficult logistics like champs. Credit to you NM breeders as well for trying to make the best of a tough situation.
The NM Bred thoroughbreds were available for sale with Thoroughbred Auctions.com and most of the offerings were able to find new homes and the sellers were able to put a little money in their pockets.
I’d like to give special thanks to our Executive Director, Mary Barber, our Registrar, Ernestine Aragon, and Administrative Assistant, Paulette Taylor. They do the heavy lifting in the office and are doing a great job. I hope
you’ve noticed the significant improvement
in outreach to the membership with the email alerts, Facebook updates, and the new and improved website. Also, thanks are due to our board members. They are engaged and working hard to serve the interests of the industry and especially you, the members.
The NMHA has recently done a nice job in including us in their discussions regarding issues affecting our industry. Communication between the Horsemen and the Breeders is especially important now more than ever. Thank you to the NMHA.
As a personal note if I may; as you’re no doubt aware, with the sale of the quarter horses in Oklahoma, the dispersal of the R.D. Hubbard horses was completed. Few people were more committed to horse racing and breeding, particularly in New Mexico, than Mr. Hubbard. My wife Leslie and I will be eternally grateful to have been included on a truly amazing ride with Mr. Hubbard’s equine endeavors. He will be missed.
As tough as things have been this year, things appear to be gradually improving and there’s genuine reason to be hopeful. Horsemen, like ranchers and farmers, are accustomed to highs and lows and together, we will get through this.
Stay strong, be resolute, and determined. There is light at the end of the tunnel.
Best,
Tom Goncharoff
Thank You!
To Mark & Annette McCloy
For sending your photo and including Mister Riptide!
What an Incredible Horse!
    6 New Mexico Horse Breeder








































































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