Page 160 - September 2019

LUIS ALVAREZ
by John Moorehouse
“Our life is what our thoughts make it.”
We’re smackdab in the middle of the sale sea- son, and if you are heading out to a horse sale in your neck of the woods, chances are good you’re going to see a bloodstock agent. These professionals use their expertise to buy and sell horses on behalf of the owners and breeders, then receive a commission based on the amount of the sale.
For Luis Alvarez, his career as a bloodstock agent allows him to combine his background in the finance industry with lifelong involvement in the world of horses.
“It all started with my father. Throughout my childhood we had horses,” Alvarez said. “As I grew up, my passion for the horse evolved into educating myself by starting to learn the different pedigrees.”
He went on to receive his Accounting degree, working in that field for a time before returning to the horse industry. Today, Alvarez Racing has a track record of more than a decade of experience providing bloodstock agent services.
“I’ve been blessed to be able to buy some of the best horses in our industry at auction and/or private sales,” Alvarez said.
Alvarez more recently has taken on the position of Racing Integrity Liaison at Ruidoso Downs, partnering with the track’s canine security officer Chini, a 3-year- old German Shepherd-Belgian Malinois cross.
Alvarez says he is fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn this new craft - to the betterment of himself and family.
While Alvarez is busy at Ruidoso Downs preparing for the All American Futurity and Derby trials, he took the time to visit with us for this feature.
Q: Where were you born?
A: I was born in El Paso, Texas, but grew up in Southern California.
Q: What are your hobbies outside of horse racing?
A: Never been the person to have a hobby. I like to collect things: pens, knives, an occasional watch or two.
Q: What is your favorite movie, and why?
A: “Gladiator.” It’s just a great movie to watch.
Q: If you were not in the horse racing busi- ness, what job would you like to have?
A: I would probably still be an accountant.
Q: Do you have a nickname and, if so, what is it and how did it come about?
A: Guero, which means blondie. My older brother was the one who gave me that nickname. Believe it or not, I had blonde hair at one time.
Q: What is the strangest personality quirk you have ever seen in a horse?
A: I have yet to see one. But, I always get a kick out of when you when scratch a horse’s back or neck and the horse’s lip curls up.
Q: What is your favorite thing about living where you live?
A: Now that my family and I have relocated to Ruidoso, New Mexico, just living in Ruidoso is so far my favorite thing.
Q: If you could vacation anywhere on the planet, where would it be and what would you do there?
A: I would like to go to Spain. Go see all the historical sites and, of course, visit the breeding farms for the Andalusians.
Q: Do you have a favorite quote and, if so, what is it?
A: “Our life is what our thoughts make it.”- Marcus Aurelius.
Q: If you could sit down and visit with any- one, past or present, who would it be?
A: My great-grandfather Emilio Alvarez.
Q: Who’s your favorite athlete of all time, and why?
A: Nolan Ryan – The Ryan Express. I was a big baseball fan when I was kid. In my eyes (as a kid), he was a player who did it all. I have a few pictures and a baseball autographed by him.
Q: What’s one thing you don’t like about Quarter Horse racing?
A: The continued use of prohibited substances.
Q: What’s one thing you like about Quarter Horse racing?
A: Seeing a horse that you bred and raise go to the track and win.
John Moorehouse
158 SPEEDHORSE, September 2019
THE LIGHTER SIDE