Page 18 - 28 December 2012

SpeedhorSe
Welcomes Donnie Hatton
If you’ve had the pleasure of talking
to Donnie Hatton, you’re sure to
agree that his unabashed passion
for Quarter Horse Racing makes
him a great addition to our
advertising sales team!
Donnie started working for Speedhorse in November, and right away, we knew we had the
right man for the job. His passion for Quarter Horse racing and his knowledge of pedigrees and racing history is outstanding, prompting some of our clients to tag him the “walking encyclopedia of Quarter Horse racing!”
Donnie’s love of Quarter Horse racing started young. He grew up just south of Walter Merrick’s famed 14 Ranch, so horses like Easy Jet were always spoken of with much respect in the Hatton house. Donnie’s father, Carl, took his family to Ruidoso each summer for the horse races, where Donnie’s love of the sport grew.
One of his fondest memories is when Shoot Yeah won an elimination trial to the All American Futurity. That day, Jacky Martin and Jack Brooks cemented themselves as Quarter Horse racing heroes in young Donnie’s eyes. He also fondly recalls Mr Master Bug splashing down
the track in the All American Gold Cup at Ruidoso Downs. Life has come full circle for Donnie, who this year was able to take his father to Ruidoso to watch brother Joey Hatton’s Blaze Carver (owned with Nicky Payne and Curtis Ross as Flying Hooves RC LLC) run third in the Rainbow Futurity-G1.
Donnie has raced a few horses of his own and with his mother Janice and brother Joey, and most recently helped take care of Carl Pevehouse’s famed band of Candy horses in Ratliff, Oklahoma.
“I enjoy every aspect of the industry, from choosing which mare would work on what stud, to watching the actual races. I love it all,” said Donnie. “But most of all, I love to study bloodlines.”
Many of you will be hearing from Donnie as he helps fulfill your advertising needs. We know you’ll enjoy talking to him and appreciate his enthusiasm for Quarter Horse racing as much as we do!
16 SPEEDHORSE, December 28, 2012