Page 12 - Speedhorse August 2018

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by Jennifer K. Hancock
JOHN HAMILTON REACHES MILESTONE AT DELTA DOWNS
Congratulations to jockey
John Hamilton on his 2,000th
career victory. The 54-year-old
reached the milestone at Delta
Downs on July 7 when he
piloted Sweet Caliente Royal,
who is owned by Bulldog Racing and trained by Benjamin Wilbanks, to a 1/2-length win. Hamil- ton also picked up his sixth leading rider title at the Vinton, Louisiana, track with 44 victories dur- ing the 2018 Quarter Horse season, one more than Luis Vivanco.
Since beginning his professional riding career in 1984, Hamilton has started in 14,654 races and earned more than $26 million according to AQHA records.
The record is a testament to Hamilton’s strong work ethic and love of the game, especially consid- ering he sustained injuries including a broken leg last November at Evangeline Downs.
“I might get the glory for winning a race, but the truth is that I only account for 18 seconds,” Hamilton said. “My success is owed to God, my owners, trainers, grooms, gate crew and my wife, who has put up with so much! Maybe this title is even sweeter considering what happened eight months ago.”
RUIDOSO WELCOMES HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
The home of American Quarter Horse racing’s All American Futurity has drawn the best in the business to Ruidoso Downs for more than half a century. The moun- tain resort track is known to attract fast horses and talented horsemen. While the summer days are highlighted by rac- ing action, one night each summer is set aside to honor the track’s past and preserve its history as the Ruidoso Downs’ Racehorse Hall of Fame welcomes its newest members.
On July 5, a large crowd gathered at Ruidoso Downs to pay tribute to the class of 2018 – trainer Jaime Gomez, jockey Cody Jensen, the late owner/breeder Carl Peve- house, and Champion racehorse One Famous Eagle. In addition to the newest Hall of Fame inductees, Lowell Neumayer was also recognized for his work in the indus- try with a special achievement award.
Every year, the Racehorse Hall of Fame adds a se- lect group of four inductees that includes one owner/ breeder, trainer, jockey and horse.
Carl Pevehouse, who died in 2014, left a sweet mark on the industry. The Oklahoma breeder is known by his horses that have “Candy” in their names. With a limited number of mares, Pevehouse focused on quality. He bred 2015 Champion 2 Year Old and $3-million All American Futurity-G1 winner Jess Good Candy, who also won the 2016 $1-million Ruidoso Derby-G1. Undefeated in eight starts, the stallion earned more than $2 million. Jess Good Candy’s pedigree is a testament to Pevehouse’s acumen as
ThE MonTh in rEviEw
10 SPEEDHORSE, August 2018
Ruidoso Downs’ Racehorse Hall of Fame hosted a night of celebration for its newest members. Pictured from left to right are Jaime Gomez, Lowell Neumayer, Dr. Glenn Blodgett, Johnny Trotter, Rozella Pevehouse and Cody Jensen. Dr. Blodgett and Johnny Trotter represented One Famous Eagle, and Rozella Pevehouse represented the late Carl Pevehouse.
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Ty wyant/ruidoso Downs