Page 12 - June 2016

Got Good News to Share?
Do you have a positive story that you’d like to share?
by Jennifer K. Hancock
TalenTed Cover arTisT Ginny HardinG
2015 Speedhorse Broodmare of the Year and
2015 AQHA Dam of Distinction Dasha Freda with 2014 Champion 2-Year-Old Gelding Heza Dasha Fire as a weanling - artwork by the very talented Ginny Harding
While we wish a very happy Father’s Day to dads both two- and four-legged this month, we give a nod to Dasha Freda, the Speedhorse Broodmare of the Year, with the beautiful cover art created by the incredibly talented Ginny Harding. The June issue is one of my most highly anticipated Speedhorse editions each year as I look forward to marveling at Ginny’s ability to capture the likeness of our equine heroes. Her love and appreciation of equine athletes is evidenced in her art.
Harding’s attention to the tiniest details of her sub- jects, which isn’t limited to racing American Quarter Horses, flows from her colored pencils. Harding credits Millie Vessels for being one of her first clients and for encouraging her to pursue her art as a career. Vessels had Harding create artwork for a calendar fea- turing the first 12 Champion of Champions winners.
“She purchased all 12 of those and that got my name out,” Harding said. “People were surprised by my art and said, ‘We didn’t know she did that.’”
Since breaking from the gate in 1985, Harding’s creations have graced magazine and sales catalog covers and the walls of homes and offices. In 2006, Harding was recognized by the American Quarter Horse Association and received the Mildred Vessels Special Achievement Award.
“I had drawn horses all my life and had given pictures as gifts,” Harding says. “I just hadn’t really ever thought about it as a profession. It has let me stay in contact with wonderful people and great horses.”
Her artwork is branded as Ginny Harding Equine Classics, and her gallery at the foot of the Horse Heaven Hills in Kennewick, Washington, is named Horse Heaven Gallery. Harding shares her vast archives and knowledge with her fans through her gallery’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/horseheavengallery.
Speedhorse gives a tip of the hat to Harding for once again sharing her talent chronicling Quarter Horse racing’s champions, stakes winners and beloved athletes and connections with her creative talents.
r.d. Hubbard beComes sole ruidoso owner
R.D. Hubbard has purchased the 28 percent inter- est in Ruidoso Downs that was previously held by Dr. Ed Allred and Bruce Rimbo to become the sole owner of the New Mexico track.
Hubbard’s grandson, Shaun Hubbard, has been serving as the track’s general manager and will now also assume the role of president. “I’m very proud of the job that Shaun has done over the past five years as general manager,” said R.D. Hubbard in a press release sent out by the track. “He will be an excellent president and an important part in the future of Ruidoso Downs.”
Hubbard bought into the track in 1988 and reconfigured it from a 5/8ths-mile oval to the current 7/8ths-mile configuration. A separate 550-yard chute was added for Quarter Horse racing.
Hubbard was instrumental in the state passing legislation allowing casinos at racetracks. Ruidoso Downs added the Billy the Kid Casino in 1999.
Under Hubbard’s leadership, Ruidoso Downs’ Grade 1 futurities and derbies have shown history- making growth.
The All American Futurity has grown from $2 million in 1988 to the current $3 million, mak-
ing it the largest 2-year-old purse in the world. The Rainbow Futurity has grown from $422,612 in 1988 to $1 million this year. The Ruidoso Futurity started in 1993 with a $326,992 purse and is now $1 million.
The All American Derby was $550,165 in 1988 and is now estimated at $2.5 million. The Rainbow Derby has grown from $396,354 to an estimated $1.2 million this summer. The Ruidoso Derby began in 1994 with a $55,561 purse and now has a $1 million (est.) purse.
Ruidoso Downs began its 2016 season Memorial Day weekend, and racing will continue through Labor Day. For Ruidoso Downs’ racing calendar and information, visit www.raceruidoso.com.
waiTs named new rTCa exeCuTive direCTor
On April 25, the Race Track Chaplaincy of America (RTCA) announced Dan Waits will take over the reins as the new executive director from Craig Wiley, who recently retired. Waits is
Send photos and news items to jennifer_k_hancock@hotmail.com.
The MonTh in review
10 SPEEDHORSE, June 2016
Track chaTTer