Page 39 - NMHBASummer2019

“I would like to get the word out about the advantages of running New Mexico-breds.”
NEW MEXICO HORSE BREEDER:
How did you get involved in the business of racing horses?
ANNETTE MCCLOY:
Mark and I have always had horses -- ranch, roping, bucking, and now racing. In 2012, we bought a Thoroughbred at the New Mexico- Bred Sale at Ruidoso. We brought him home and began to break him, and then we sent him to our trainer, but he didn’t work out.
NMHBA MAGAZINE:
What were the primary motivating factors behind your decision to run for a board position?
ANNETTE MCCLOY:
I would like to get the word out about the advantages of running New Mexico-breds. We have great breeders’ awards and purses. This is our business, and we are committed to making it flourish.
McCloy’s homebred MM Fourinthemorning wins the Rainbow Futurity at Ruidoso Downs.
NMHBA MAGAZINE:
What do you think are the major issues regarding racing in our state that the board should be most concerned about this year?
ANNETTE MCCLOY: In New Mexico, we are trying to level the playing field and clean up the drug problem. These horses are first-class athletes, and they need to be protected. I believe it is imperative that we strive to run clean races. We must protect our jockeys too. We don’t want them riding horses that might break down or collapse due to drugs.
NMHBA MAGAZINE:
Are you generally optimistic about the future of racing in New Mexico?
ANNETTE MCCLOY:
I am very optimistic about the future of racing in our state. We have very strong tracks that keep our racing going year-round, and we are hoping to expand our membership by getting more people into the New Mexico breeders’ program.
NMHBA MAGAZINE:
What is your feeling about split meets at New Mexico tracks (i.e., separate meets for Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses)?
ANNETTE MCCLOY:
I am not in favor of split meets.
NMHBA MAGAZINE: The New Mexico Racing Commission has been considering applica- tions for a sixth racetrack in the state. Do you think a sixth racetrack would be beneficial or detrimental to New Mexico’s racing industry?
ANNETTE MCCLOY:
As a breeder, the more tracks (we have) the more horses that are needed to race. Hobbs (Zia Park) has been a great addition. Texans cross the border to enjoy the casino there, and that makes for great purses. I’m personally in favor of a sixth track being built in Clovis. Of course, it would be the closest location to our home, but it would draw people from Texas to help make the purses big.
In the winner’s circle after the Rainbow Futurity victory.
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