Page 156 - January 2018

Gillespie County Fair notified the Texas Racing Commission of their intent to cease live racing.
August 24
Champion sire Jesse James Jr was euthanized following a battle with laminitis. Bred in Texas by Charlie and Dixie Patterson and owned by Mac and Janis Spencer, Jesse James Jr won the First Down Dash Handicap and placed in the Golden State Derby-G1, Bellflower Handicap, and Los Alamitos Super Derby-G1, earning $167,275. Jesse James Jr is the sire of $13 million in earners and 26 stakes winners, including Champion Astica.
August 28
Dennis “Dennie” George Hill of Blackfoot, Idaho, passed away at the age of 69. Hill worked on the family farm as a child, played basketball in high school, and attended Utah State University. Hill became an avid cattleman and rancher and bought a farm in Blackfoot where he raised his family. He was an avid horseman and, with his wife Kris, won many races, including the 2002 All American Futurity with 3-time Champion AB What A Runner.
August 29
The Gillespie County Fair notified the Texas Racing Commission (TRC) of their intent to cease live racing and simulcast operations on Aug. 31. In a letter, an attorney representing the track stated they will not pay license fees for the upcoming year, which begins Sept. 1.
August 31
Jess Send Candy died due to complications from colic. The mare produced 10 foals, eight starters/ROM, six winners, and four stakes winners, including 2-time 2015 Champion Jess Good Candy. Jess Send Candy was named the 2016 Speedhorse Co- Broodmare of the Year.
September 24
The Downs at Albuquerque ended their 57-day Thoroughbred/Quarter Horse meet, recording increases in total wagering handle and average daily purse distribution. The Quarter Horse meet leaders include: Leading Owner Jesus M. Estrada; Leading Trainer Jesus Carrete; and Leading Jockey Isaias Cardenas.
September 30
Oklahoma based jockey Mario Chavez died from injuries sustained in a racing accident at Will Rogers Downs. During the third race in the $81,800 Pot O’ Gold Futurity-G1 on Sept. 29, Mario’s horse took a sudden left turn, crashing into the rail and causing Mario to fall. The rider, who suffered irreversible brain damage and a broken neck, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones including his wife of 23 years, a son and two daughters.
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September 4
Ruidoso Downs declared their meet leaders with trainer Trey Wood named the Leading Quarter Horse Trainer of the Meet and the All-Around Leading Trainer, and Ricky Ramirez named the Leading Quarter Horse Jockey of the Meet and the All-Around Leading Jockey.
September 11
William Bullock, a prominent member of the Oklahoma racing world, passed away at the
age of 85. Bullock and his family established Pine Ridge Farm, and they bred and/or raced numerous stakes winners including Oklahoma Futurity-G2 winner Corona Fireball. Bullock also served as President of the Oklahoma Racing Association and was active on the group boards for many years.
William Bullock passed away at 85.
Ruidoso Downs declared their meet leaders including trainer Trey Wood and jockey Ricky Ramirez.
SPEEDHORSE SEPTEMBER 2017