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when they purchased Desert God in 2001, an unraced 1991 stallion by Fappiano and out
of Kentucky Oaks winner Blush With Pride by Blushing Groom. The purchase was made from the University of Arizona, where Desert God stood for eight years. Ron worked for the University as the head of its extensive equine program. He was the one who opened all the doors leading to Desert God making his new home at A & A Ranch.
Bred by Morven Stud, Ltd. in Virginia, Desert God brought no race record with him, but his impeccable pedigree provided his offspring with an automatic license for the highest competitive levels. Mare owners agreed, making him the leading TB sire in New Mexico from 2010 – 2014. That same pedigree data also opened the door for success in the sale ring. Blushing Pride, Desert God’s dam, also produced Better Than Honour, a mare that sold for $14-million at Fasig-Tipton in 2008.
In 2002, Allen bred his mare Lady Pepper to Desert God. The following year, a filly named Pepper’s Pride hit the ground running.
Pepper’s Pride was nicknamed the “Queen of New Mexico Racing.” She was the darling of the spectators and consistently brought out a crowd when she ran. Trained by Joel Marr and always ridden by Carlos Madeira, she had the grit and the talent to compete outside New Mexico, but Allen and Marr elected to remain within her home-state. The important point, however, is she allowed her connections a choice, which continues as one of Alexander’s foundational principles.
The gutsy mare retired undefeated, with 19 consecutive victories. She was welcomed to the
Desert God stood at A & A Ranch and was Leading Thoroughbred Sire from 2010-2014.
Peppers Pride, sired by Desert God, winning the 2008 Sydney Valentini Handicap.
winner’s circle after 14 stakes competitions and earned a career total of $1,066,085. She retired in 2009, sound and ready for the broodmare chapter of her life. She joined the courts of such stallions as Tiznow, Distorted Humor, Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, and California Chrome. Pepper’s Pride was sadly euthanized in 2019 due to complications from laminitis.
Pepper’s Pride’s sire, Desert God, was euthanized four years earlier at the age of 24 due to advancing age and fertility issues. He
was pensioned in 2013, spending his later years at Allen’s farm. He sired 136 winners from
180 starters, 29 stakes winners, and earners of $14.7-million.
“There were also some Quarter Horse stallions during the farm’s earlier years,” Alexander said. “I owe them a debt because they helped us establish our reputation and our desire for quality but, gradually, we moved exclusively into the Thoroughbreds. Desert God was the leader, and the Allens were two of our important mentors.
“I didn’t know much of anything about TBs in those days. Remember, I came from the Quarter Horse world and that was pretty much all I knew. Linda had a lot more insight into the Thoroughbreds because of her family’s connections. About 10-years ago is when we made the final transition.”
Linda’s father, O.D. Filmore Jamison, and her mother Stephanie (Fannie), were two of A & A Ranch’s biggest supporters. According to Linda, her parents, as well as her entire family, were always ready to assist in whatever way they were needed.
O.D. and Fannie were married 63 years, and O.D trained the entire time. He was widely recognized and highly successful – he had to succeed since he had four sons and two daughters to feed. That means he put food on the table for eight people! Fred knew how hard that was. He passed away in 2018 at the age of 83. He was a quiet, private man but, according to the many people who paid tribute to him,
16 New Mexico Horse Breeder
Coady Photography
Courtesy A&A Ranch