Page 12 - Speedhorse June 2020

TRACK CHATTER
THE MONTH IN REVIEW
by Jennifer K. Hancock
DANNY JOE MILLER HONORED
Being a racehorse breeder is a passion, and it takes extra dedication when you raise horses in a state without a track. In the Show Me State, one horseman’s perseverance over the past four decades not only resulted to a dream trip to the All American Futurity winner’s circle, but also got recognition in both cham- bers of the Missouri legislative branch.
Danny Joe Miller is an electrical contractor and businessman in Farmington, Missouri, and for the past 40 years, he’s raised racehorses at his West Crest Farms that have earned more than $3 million. His family, including wife Sandra, daughter Christine Robbins, son-in- law Bill Robbins and granddaughter Mallory Robbins, held a secret that was revealed in May and gave the family a happy memory in the midst of the COVID craziness.
When Mallory decided she needed some farm time with the grandparents, Christine made an inquiry to the legislators about mak- ing a presentation to her dad at the farm since his big day at the statehouse in Jefferson City had been wrecked by the pandemic.
Unbeknownst to Miller, his successful American Quarter Horse breeding program received accolades through proclamations in both the Missouri Senate and the House of
Representatives. Miller’s local representatives were willing to be flexible and made a visit to West Crest Farms on May 16 to make the official presentation. Representatives Mike Henderson and Dale Wright conducted
the ceremony as Senator Gary Romine was unable to attend.
The proclamations acknowledge Miller’s success in horseracing dating back to 1990 when he purchased Diamond Spoon, who produced Diamonds For Leigh, the dam
of Cassandra Crest. Cassandra Crest is
the dam of All American Futurity winner Apocalyptical Jess, who is owned by Miller’s son-in-law Bill. Apocalyptical Jess’ bank stands at $2,204,240 with eight wins, three second-place finishes and one third-place finish in 16 starts. The Apollitical Jess gelding was the AQHA Champion 2-Year-Old Gelding in 2018 and the 2019 Champion 3 Year Old and Champion 3-Year-Old Gelding.
The process for the proclamations began in January when Christine was contacted
to gather information. The Robbins family planned to attend the ceremony, but then the country began sheltering in place, and things were put on hold. Mallory requesting to quarantine with her grandparents got the ball rolling again.
With Miller’s family back in Missouri for a quick visit, Christine suggested the farm presentations, where social distancing is easy outside on 40 acres.
With their normally busy schedules open and the opportunity to actually present the proclamation at West Crest Farms, the represen- tatives jumped at the chance. To keep the secret, but to make sure Danny Joe would be ready
for the photo op, one of the representative’s assis- tants called to set up a quick farm visit.
“My dad was completely caught off guard,” Christine said. “It was awesome. And it was excellent to be able to see it. My dad was
just surprised that so many people knew and nobody told him. It was very special. It was awesome that they did it. Obviously, I’m quite proud of him.”
Miller’s friend, former Missouri state repre- sentative Tommy Green started the process on the proclamations to celebrate Miller’s success- ful breeding program.
“I think the big thing about my dad is this is purely a hobby for him,” Christine said. “He’s got a main job – he owns his own company. This is how he relaxes. He keeps the babies in the pasture so that when you sit at the table to have coffee, you can look out and see them. It’s the greatest way to start your day.”
10 SPEEDHORSE June 2020