Page 8 - New Mexico Summer 2021

FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dear Breeders,
Finally, we’re racing!
SunRay purses were raised four times as of
this writing, and Ruidoso just kicked off their traditional Memorial Day weekend opening. Gaming reports from Sunland, Albuquerque, and Zia indicate that purses should be strong at those venues when they open. Great news, for sure.
There was some concern that entries for the NM Bred Sale at Ruidoso might be down due to matters related to the pandemic. However, over 270 yearlings are entered. Following the sales results in other states, I anticipate strong demand for these offerings. In addition, several NM bred Quarter Horses have won stakes outside of New Mexico, further demonstrating
it pays to own and breed a NM bred. NM bred Quarter Horses are also winning at a good clip on the barrel racing circuit, creating a valuable secondary market. Credit goes to all of you for staying the course.
Some more good news to report; there will be a Quarter Horse futurity for New Mexico breds with an estimated purse of a million dollars to
be run at Albuquerque in 2023. We owe our executive director Mary Barber, board member Mike Logan, The Downs At Albuquerque owner Paul Blanchard, and The Downs At Albuquerque GM Don Cook a great deal of thanks for seeing this through. This effort is a shining example of two groups with aligned interests coming together for the good of New Mexico racing and breeding. Well done, folks!
Mike Logan and Mary Barber also worked with management at SunRay and Ruidoso
to add funds to the New Mexico bred Thoroughbred stakes races to maintain the black type status for those races. So again, cooperation between the industry groups paid off to the benefit of breeders and owners.
Mike Logan and Mary Barber are also working with the management at Sunland Park in developing a valuable Derby and Oaks for NM bred Thoroughbreds. There are a few details yet to be worked out, but we’re getting close. So, stay tuned – this could be an exciting development for our Thoroughbred breeders and owners.
The NMHBA arranged for a promotional video clip to be aired on The Cowboy Channel.
This spot will highlight the benefits of racing
and breeding NM bred racehorses and promotes the upcoming sales. The Cowboy Channel has a viewership of about 46 million people interested in all equine disciplines, so we’re excited to see what the response will be. Board member Mark Brown brought this idea to the board, and fellow board member Norma Alvarez and friend of racing Tom Dawson worked hard to get it done. Thanks to all!
Board member Annette McCloy is working with management at Ruidoso to invite some legislators to enjoy a day at the races this summer. The purpose is to expose these folks
to the sport of racing and introduce them to people involved in the breeding and racing industry. This is not a lobbying effort per se, but more of an educational experience for those attending. Once details of the event are worked out, we’ll make an announcement, and we would encourage all of those in attendance to stop by and say hello. Our legislators need to see that you all are passionate and hard-working families driving a critical source of tax revenues to the state and care deeply about the welfare of the horses with which we’re involved.
The board and membership spent countless hours during the last legislative session to support bills that favored our industry and to oppose those that did not. However, we cannot be complacent and hope that things go our way. It takes a lot of effort, and I’m grateful to all of you who helped in these efforts.
As you can probably tell, the board is working diligently to do all that we can to move our industry forward. As president, I’m truly fortunate to have an executive director, staff, and a board that’s engaged, thoughtful, creative, and invested in doing all that we can to support you, the breeders, and the New Mexico racing industry.
Thanks for reading, and best of luck.
Tom Goncharoff
Races & dates our video will be shown on the Cowboy Channel.
5/29 Heritage Place Futurity & Derby
6/13 Ruidoso Futurity & Derby Recap 7/25 Rainbow Futurity & Derby Recap
9/6 All American Futurity & Derby Recap 10/23 AQHA Challenge
11/21 Texas Classic Futurity & Derby
Remington Park Ruidoso Downs Ruidoso Downs Ruidoso Downs Albuquerque Lone Star Park
Or, you can view the clip at www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOsfcb_vtu4
Remember, you can start the NMHBA registration process the day your foal is born! You DO NOT need
to wait until you receive the QH or TB certificates. But remember the horse is not an official New Mexico Bred until the certificates have been finalized.
6 New Mexico Horse Breeder