Page 8 - NMHBA Spring 2022

FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dear Members,
It was great to be able to finally have an
annual meeting live and in person. I realize that it can be a challenge to attend with foaling season underway and for those of you who were able to attend, thank you. We also added the ability to attend via Zoom in continuing our efforts to reach as many of you as possible.
The meeting went very smoothly thanks to the efforts of Mary Barber, Amber Martin, Linda Griego, Paulette Taylor and the Sheraton Uptown Hotel staff. Well done!
Speaking of Paulette Taylor; she came to work for us on a temporary, part-time basis that stretched out to much more than a temporary position. She’s moving on but has promised that she’ll be there when we need her. Her performance was exemplary and we were fortunate indeed to have her on our team. Best wishes and many thanks, Paulette.
Some really good news was recently announced; Sunland Park raised purses
25% which translates into about $50,000 in additional purse money per day!
We’re looking forward to the upcoming Oaks and Derby for New Mexico bred Thoroughbreds at Sunland where we were able to raise the purses for each race to $250,000 each. Next year, the Quarter Horse Futurity at the Downs with an estimated purse of $1,000,000 will debut. Good reasons to keep those foals coming.
We joined with the Cowboy Channel in 2021 for an ad campaign, which featured the benefits of breeding, owning, and racing a New Mexico bred racehorse. We look to continue and expand on this in 2022 on the days when the big races take place in New Mexico. Details will be worked out soon and we’ll let you know which races will be featured so that you can watch.
Wishing you all a successful breeding season.
Best regards,
Tom Goncharoff
Joann Shepard started her state career with the New Mexico Racing Commission in May of 1964 and has been
a pillar of the Commission
ever since. Having served 57 years, retiring once only to return, she has seen it all.
Governors have come and gone. Commissioners, Executive Directors, Stewards, and staff
have passed through the doors, but Joann has
by Fabian Lopez
remained committed to the racing industry and its thousands of participants over the decades. When asked what she enjoyed most about racing, “the people I work with, friends I’ve made and the excitement of watching the horses run”, she said.
Having spent time from Sunray Park in Farmington to Zia Park in Hobbs and every track in between, Joann has worked all racetracks in New Mexico. Even the foregone tracks of La Mesa in Raton and Downs of Santa Fe have been graced with Joann’s commitment and love of the industry. Sunland Park is where she spends her winter and much of her time as she resides in the area. On February 5th the Racing Commission and the Racetrack both honored her dedication
to the industry. Sunland Park named a race in her honor and presented her with a gift in appreciation to her service. The Racing Commission also recognized her with a dinner and award.
Asked what keeps her motivated, she replied “Each day is different with new challenges”. With that her advice to others making their way through their career, “Learn everything about your position and share with all that are willing to listen.” Joann has been an irreplaceable asset
to the State Racing Commission
and the racing industry. We look
forward to continuing learning
from her and allowing
her shining example to
inspire us.
57 Years of Service
to New Mexico’s
Racing Industry
6 New Mexico Horse Breeder
Reprinted by permission from the New Mexico Racing Commission