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News and Stories
HEY THERE HORSEMEN…
The new AQRA Arizona Triple Crown horse trailer is here.
Just delivered to Yavapai Downs for the summer.
AQRA needs your help………..
We need to fill it up with advertising.
That’s the way we pay for it and can keep awarding it each year..
SO ????How about You ????
It’s the best “Bang” for your advertising “Buck”.
$500.00 gets you approx 24 x 24 inches
$250.00 gets you approx 12 x 12 inches
If you have services that the horseman need
You need to advertise here
Trainers, this is great place to hang your shingle
Every trailer we have given away still boasts all the advertising.So you get years of exposure
Your name and phone number
Readily available for anyone needing your services
Call me or email
your copy TODAY
so I can get your ad on
the trailer and you can
start reaping the
rewards…
602 625 0458
ibaqra@hotmail.com
On February 22, the Arizona County Fair and Racing Association along with the AQRA, ATBA, HBPA, RTCA, Rillito Park, Turf Paradise and Yavapai Downs, hosted a dinner at the Capitol. We invited all our legislators, and other state officials to come and listen to our ideas to save our industry and help to balance the states budget.The response was very good and was well attended.State senator Steve Pierce spoke about a bill he was supporting allowing racinos at the race tracks and asked for the support of his fellow legislators. A representative from each of the associations and tracks listed above gave a short talk detailing the importance of our industry, the jobs we create, the economic impact we have statewide, our history, and overall importance for our existence.The chaplaincy spoke to the programs we support, AA, Drug and Gambling problems.Patti Shirley and Mike Napier spoke of the horse rescue programs supported by this Industry .It was a coming together of all facets of this Industry to support a common goal.We created a united front.I only wish more of the people who will ultimately make the decision whether to vote yes for the race tracks to get the gaming we need to survive, had been there to listen.We can only pray that the ones that did hear it were convinced and that they will be able to carry the message that will get us the votes once the bill is ready to be introduced. I have no idea when that will be but am assured by Senator Pierce that he will not quit working on our behalf.Senator Pierce is also an owner and breeder of Racing Quarter Horses and ones Las Vegas Ranch.He has a big stake in this Industry’s futuretherefore the best person to champion our cause.
I would personally like to thank all the people who made this dinner a great success. We have planed a seed, we now have to wait and see if it grows.
Loretta Brasher
AQRA “Sale Graduate”“Downtown Richard” wins 2010 Desert Classic Futurity on April 30 at Turf Paradise. The breeder Painted Horse Enterprises, Inc consigned the gelding by Kelowna Kash to the 2010 AQRA Fall Mixed Sale.A freshman sire, a TB dam and Ky breeding was the probable cause for hip # 4 to sell for $500.00. From rags to riches in one race for connections Rigoberto and Benito Guillen, Jr. owners, Ramon Fontes Trainer, Mark Villa jockey and for breeder Joe Mroz.This was the first start for progeny of stallion Kelowna Kash. Needless to say “it does not matter what you pay” for your racing prospects.Sometimesthese lesser known bred babies just need a chance.The Guillen brothers also had the second fastest qualifying time with “Gallant Righter:” and ran second.The family wanted to take a picture with both the horses (below).Unfortunately the second place horse was taken down for interference. “Downtown Richard” was rewarded with $35,007 for the win. This is the first leg of the Arizona Triple Crown and the winner received 10 points against winning the horse trailer at the end of the year…
I got an award !!!!Turf Paradise gives a "Whenny Award" each year to a person for their contributions to the Industry.Bucky called and said I was this years recipient….I am so honored.This award is given by the Industry to a person in this Industry.I feel that is the best form of flattery to be singled out by the people you work with on a day to day basis. I am so grateful and honored..Just wanted to share with you….
It has been a busy last two months...traveling down the Arizona Highways to each of the fair race meets.Each one is unique and each has something to boast.The maiden stakes continue to be a great draw for quarter horses. Everyone starts talking about the Greenlee Maiden Stakes while we are running at Rillito.It was cold and windy this year for the Duncan races but the horseman and local people did not care.They love horse racing and really support….the drive is so the lovely from Safford to Duncan as the fields and hills along the highways are filled with the most beautiful poppies.You know the old song lyrics “the hills are alive” well they really are. Always a trip I love to make. Safford was a little quite this year with just one week end of racing but still the town was abuzz with visitors who always love this race meet. Then when I drive to Douglas or Sonoita I must travel down 191 and this year after all the rain, the wild flowers were so brilliant and abundant it looked like someone had taken a paintbrush to the roadways. Douglas only raced one week end but that was enough time to savor the Mexican flavor and even visit the “ghosts” residing in the Gadsden Hotel.Sonoita is always a place I love to stay.With the two weekends of racing, it gave me the chance to again sample the wonderful history of this county.I always stay at the Sonoita Inn Bed and Breakfast.It is a barn that was built for Secretariat by his owners.Everything is so rustic, you can come here and go back a bit in time for a short stay.You can find breakfast in the old cupboard and fresh fruit is always in the bowl on the large bunkhouse style dining table.Local wines are served around the fireplace each evening along with plenty of cheese and crackers. This barn turned Bed and Breakfast was even a mini shopping mall at one time and has always been like a museum of the Santa Cruz county flavor.From the ranches to the vineyards and all the famous people who have been associated with them, it is a never ending walk thru time for anyone who visits there.The movies that were made there and the movie stars who have lived there. The great champion horses who lived and raced there and are now buried there. Hall of Fame connections ALL…..Everyone you meet has a story and some of them are probably true Ha….The vineyards are a lovely treat as they were having their annual wine festival.I had a chance to take a trip thru neighboring Elgin and actually sample some. The races were over by 4 PM each day so it gave me time to indulge in the some of the things Sonoita has to offer.There is a steakhouse built by the owners of the “Inn” called the “Steak Out”..I actually got to eat there this year.It is usually so packed you could not get a seat.I can tell you I have neverhad a better meal or experience. A close knit communityso I knew most of the people working there.Horsemen by day servers my night.You might wonder why I sound like I am writing an article for the Arizona Highways.Well I wish I could because all thesepeople, business and things I have mentioned has in some way sponsored , volunteered andmade an impact on the local races as they come to each of these counties.ThanksLoretta Brasher, Editor
Sneaks” owned by Y/N Stables and trained by Omar Lorta wins the first “AQRA OlderHorse Stakes Series” at rillito January 31.AQRA presented a jacket and added $250.00 to the race.
The total winners share of the $4,000 purse was $2,240.00 Elias Guterrez was the jockey.
This team of winners, entered the second leg of this series at Duncan on March 13th and this time “Sneaks” won in record breaking time.
Also on March 13, Y/N stables owned “Shakeit Up Dash”, trained by Omar Lorta and ridden by jockey Elias Guterrez, won the “Greenlee Special Maiden Stakes”..this race was sponsored by the AQRA and Greenlee County Fair and Racing who each added $1,000 to the race, and both made presentations to the winning connections...With three wins Omar was theLeading Trainer for the Greenlee County race meet...Congratulations to Omar and his connections for this honor...
“Thank You Mr Jack” won the Rillito Park Quarter Horse Derby on February 20. Owned and trained by Dennis Marsteller, ridden by jockey Carlos Marquez.The Derby was sponsored by the AQRA and the Pima County Horseman’s Association with a purse of $9,800.
February 21st was the last day of racing at Rillito Park, and that meansits time for the “Hasta La Vista ”PCHA Shootout. This years purse of $20,500 ($2500 to enter)and the winner takes ALL, went to “Jesstifiable” owned by Victor Ramos and Francisco Rivera and trained by Roy Ronquillo. As you can see by the photo it was a nailbitter as “Steel Seperatist Br” was nose to nose for the 220 yards.
Congratulations to all the
connections……………..
Three trials were run March 25th at Turf Paradise, for the AQRA Presidents Open Spring Futurity. The fastest winner was Eyeameasy (15.82) owned by Norma Frisby , trained by Jose Botello and ridden by David Reyes Frisby. Featured Tip (16.023) also trained by Jose Botello for owner Emilio Garcia Quintana and ridden by Carlos Marquez, was second qualifier. Thirdwas the winner of the first trial Runnin For Betsy (16.09) owned by K Bar K Ranch and trained by Raul Hernandez ridden today by Vince Guerra, What I Want won the second trial and clocked in as the forth fastest with a 16.372 . Flash Point (16.372) owned by Larry Konecne, trained by Derek Couch, ridden bySteve Hancock qualified fifth , Sixth will be Getit Together (16.420) owned by Martha Wells and trained by Matt Fales, seventh went to Ceasar Lopez trained Wild Teller (16.436)owned by Jesus Nunez and ridden by Guillermo Suarez. Tell Brenda (16439)trained by John BasJohn Bassett and owned byJohn, Clayton and Dutch Jumonville, withjockey Saul Ramirez, Jr. aboard will be eighth.Okie Dokey Time(16.439) will take the ninth spot, owned by Link Newcomb and Micah Leslie, trained by Raul Hernandez and the jockey was Vince Guerra. Last place running for the $49,590.00 purse will be Gimme Corona (16.453) owned by Martha Wells and trained by Matt Fales, with jockey Ry Eikleberry aboard. On April 30th the above ten horses loaded in the gate at Turf Paradise to race for the winners share of the $49,590 purse.What I Want clocked the fastest time for the connections of Victor Ramos and Francisco Riveria , trainer Roy Ronquillo and Floyd Campbell jockey.Tell Brenda for trainer John Bassett and owners John Clayton and Dutch Jumonville with Saul Ramirez, Jr. aboard took second missing by a neck. Wild Teller, owned by Alexa Jasso, trained by Ceasar Lopez with Guillermo Suarez aboard took third a length off the winner. Featured Tip was disqualified to last place moving Eyeameasy to forth, fifth went to Getin Together, racing sixth Runnin For Betsy, seventh place went to Okie Dokey Time, eighth was Flash Point and ninth was Gimme Corona. There was a lot of bumping in this race clearly keeping some of the horses from running to their potential.AQRA made the presentations and wishes to congratulate the connections of all these fine horses. The second race of the day was the AQRA Presidents Open Spring Futurity Consolation with a purse of $7,600.The Little Mermaid, Owned by Naia and Jeremy Giambi, ridden by Vince Guerra and trained by RaulHernandez. Just missing the Futurity by .06, this grey filly by Fishers Dash took no chances and broke on top and finished first by 1 1/2 lengths. JM First Dude ran second, Flaming Attitude was third, forth was Kaylarunningformoney,fifth went to Bv Stolidice, sixth LVR Dashin Jessie, and Midnight Cartel ran seventh.
Thanks to all the connections, and Turf Paradise for hosting these races for the Arizona Quarter Racing Association and its members.
The Desert Classic Futurity trails were ran April 9th at Turf Paradise and AQRA Fall Mixed Sale graduate “Downtown Richard” clocked the fastest from the four heats. Under the expert hands of Mark Villa this chestnut gelding by Kelowna Kash, owned by Benito Jr. and Rigoberto Guillen and trained by Ramon Fontes, Jr., covered the 300 yards in 16.048. This colt was sold thru the AQRA Fall Mixed Sale for a price of $500.00.Breeder Joe Morz (Painted Horse Enterprises Inc) was on hand as this is the first starter from his stallion “Kelowna Kash”.Our congratulations to all the connections and look forward to following with you his future races. The celebrating spilled over to the second heat for trainer Ramon Fontes and owners Benito, Jr. and Rigoberto Guillen as their Arizona Bred “Gallant Righter” , a brown colt by Righter,(who stands in Arizona for breeder Jose Holquin)clocked the second fastest time (16.201) with David Reyes Frisby aboard.Just nosing out “Beer Man” an Arizona Bred colt by Count Corona out of Merri Roc (Rocky Jones) owned and bred by Ralph and Carolyn Fales and trained by Matt Fales, who ran the third fastest time of 16.203. “Papi Chulos”, a bay gelding by King Corona, ran second in the first trial to weigh in forth fastest overall for owner Feather Two Livestock and trainer Ubaldo Guerrero. Count Em All, an Arizona bredbrown gelding by Count Corona won the third heat in a time of 16.221 and grabbed the fifth qualifying spot. Owned and bred byDale Billings was trained y Raul Hernandez with Vince Guerra as the pilot. Running second in the third heat and taking sixth qualifier was Country Cat Man, a gelding by County Chicks Man, for owner trainer Jose Botello David Reyes Frisby in the irons. Quik Check winner of the final heat and taking the seventh qualifying spot, is an Arizona Bred gelding by Check Him Out out of Quik Bux and owned bred by Giambi Stables trained by Raul Hernandez and jockey Vince Guerra.Taking the eighth spot is Cobrita an Arizona bred brown filly by Agouti for owner trainer breeder Oscar Gortarez and the jockey Jorge Alderete in a time of 16.253. Ninth spot goes to Jesswatchme an Arizona bred bay colt by feature Mr Jess out of Watchin the rain for owner, breeder, trainer Matt Fales. And the tenth place qualifier was Royal Valedor, an Arizona bred bay colt by Royal Cartel out of Acd Duena for owner breeder Ramon Lujan and trainer Ramon Fontes. The time was 16.279.the finals will be run April 30th along with a consolation for the next ten fastest horses from these trials.The final purse will be $70,015 this year.The AQRA is proud that in this economy we still have so manygreat horses participating in this futurity,Our goal has always been a $100,000 purse for this race. Plan now to run in 2011 as plans are in the works now for us to accomplish that goal ….$100,000 for 2011...we can reach this with your help..Congratulations to all the connections of all the horses who ran this year...
The second leg of the Arizona Triple Crown is the Margie Bryan , ASOA Futurity (trials July 10) finals to be run July 25th at Yavapai Down in Prescott Valley. The third leg will be the 2010 AQRA Futurity to be run in October at Turf Paradise.Each horse that runs in any of these finals receives points. The horse with the most points at the end of the year will be presented with a three horse slant horse trailer.As I mentioned the second place horse (Gallant Righter) was disqualified and placed ninth as was the third place horse(Papi Chulos), who was placed seventh .The final placings were2nd Quick Check (9 points)owned by Giambi Stables, LLC, trained by Raul Hernandez and ridden by Vince Guerra, 3rd Royal Valedor (8 points) owned by Ramon Lujan and trained by Ramon Fontes and ridden by jockey Steve Hancock. 4th Count Em All (7 points) owned by Dale Billings, trained by Raul Hernandez ridden by Oscar Rincon. 5th Jesswatchme(6 points) owned and trained by Matt Fales and the rider today was Eddie Garcia. 6th Country Cat Man (5 points) owned and trained by Jose Botello ridden by David Reyes Frisby.Ran third DQ placed 7th Papi Chulos (4 points) owned by Feather Two Livestock trained by Ubaldo Guerrero the jockey was Jorge Aldrette.8th Cobrita (3 points) owned by Oscar Salcido Gortarez and trained byOscar Gortarez ridden by “Willie” Carlos Marquez.Ran second DQ placed 9th Gallant Righter (2 points) owned by Rigoberto and Benito Guillen,Jr. trained by Ramon Fontes ridden by Elias Gutierrez.10th Beer Man (1 point) owned by Ralph and Carolyn Fales trained by Matt Fales and ridden by Ry Eikelberry. Congratulations to all the connections of these fine horses………………………………………………………………….
The Desert Classic Consolation was also run today and comprised from the next 10 fastest horses who entered back to run for this $6,000 purse. The Snowbound bred colt, owned by Ron Ore-Giron lived up to his time as he was the eleventh fastest qualifier and won in fine fashion against this field today. Congratulations to Matt Fales trainer and Ry Eikleberry jockey completing the winning threesome……….
The El Moro De Cumpas Stakes was run April 24th at Sonoita.Jesstifiable. A Texas bred sorrel gelding by Mr Jess Perry won this race in track record time. This gelding is owned by Victor Ramos and Francisco Rivera , trained by Roy Ronquillo and ridden by Floyd Campbell. This threesome of owner, trainer and jockey, has won three out of three as Jesstifiable won the Hasta La Vista in Rillito , the Trial for the El Moro de Cumpas and now the $11,053 winners share of the El Moro de Cumpas finals.
Congratulations to all of you and good luck in the future. **********************************************************
Trials for the Brophy Maiden Stakes were run at Sonoita on April 24th.The 10 fastest qualifiers will compete in the finals on May 2 for a purse of $8,167.Fishers Flash, owned by Fernando Castro and trained by Armando Castellanos who was the 6th fastest qualifier and clocked a time of 17.180 with the help of a 45 mile an hour tailwind. Michael Ybarra was the jockey.Other runners were Invigorator, Radium Power, Tatas Little Scooter, Wartime Rocket, Sheza Memorie, Jess Give It Em, Amber La Jolla.***************************************
The Santa Cruz County Derby did not draw enough horses to run trials so the finals were run May 2 and the purse was $7,367.00.Deuces Wild,a gelding by Hawkinson owned by Y/N Horse Stables, trained by Omar Lorta and ridden by Elias Guiterrez won the winners share in a time of 17.24 also with a 45 mile an hour tailwind. Shake the Bully, owned by 3 R Stable, trained by Ramon Fontes ridden by Mark Villa dueled to loose by a head. Dantes Tiger Shark owned and trained by Gilbert Caudillo ridden by Steve Hancock also challenged to run third by a nose.Running 4th was Metro Special, 5th would be Eyem A Snow Bully, running 6th was Crown Corona, running 7th was Royal Shaken and Pb Mr Phil was scratched.*****************************AQRA ran the 4th leg of the Older Horse Stakes Series on May 1st. JRM Scootermegone , owned and trained by Ceasar Lopez won this leg. After the 4 legs here are the horses with points.
GCH Betty Jayne20
Chicks On the Verge20
This Ones For Elle4
Fly Me High9
Easy Paso5
Shez Social11
Sneaks20
Withers8
Okey Dokey Pie12
Fishing For Secrets7
Sign it First3
Catch the Fly6
Needle and Spoon19
Dueces Deferred9
Just Takin Your Cash6
Davante13
El Galan Del Cielo5
JRM Scootermegone10
Rlittle Devil3
Royal Snow Job4
The last race of the day and the 2010 Santa Cruz County race meet, was a QH Shoot out.Five horses paid $1,000 for the winner take all purse. Withers by First Down Express, owned by Tania Robles and trained by Dennis Marstellar won the $5,100 in a recordbreaking time of 17.010… even at the end of the day we still had that 45 mile an hour tail wind…...
County Fair racing for the spring begins with Greenlee County (Duncan).To say that they are challenged this year would be an understatement.The counties depend on the State for funding and as all of you know the state is broke and getting broker every day. Needless to say their funding has been cut tremendously.So a big thanks and congratulations go out to all the horsemen and patrons who came out and helped Duncan have one of the best years ever.Yes there funding was cut but with the help of the community, Duncan raced 7 races a day for 4 days.The weather was windy, cold, rainy , sunny...all of the above ...but the patrons came out and bet and cheered the horses on.This county loves their live horse racing and they support it. The Greenlee Maiden Stakes sponsored by the AQRA and Greenlee County, drew 5 trials the first week end and the final boasted a purse of $17,972. The winner was Shake it up baby owned by Y/N stables and trained by Omar Lorta. The second leg of the AQRA Older Horse Stakes Series was run with a purse of $4,022…”Sneaks” owned by Y/N Stables and trained by Omar Lorta was the winner.This makes “Sneaks the winner of the first two legs of this race. The leading trainer for this years’ Duncan meetwas Omar Lorta and the leading jockey was Steve Hancock.. They each received a jacket.
Thanks to Karla Ellis, Director of the Greenlee County Fair and Racing for all her hard work to make this years racing at their venue a great success for all of us….from left to right in the picture is Clay Ivey, steward, Loretta Brasher, AQRA, Cheryl Olsen, sponsor,Steve Hancock, Jockey of the meet , Kelsey Barlow, rodeo princess, Mandi Crum, rodeo queen and Karla Ellis and Ted Olsen, sponsor.Omar Lorta, leading trainer of the meet,was not available..
Next the horses moved down the road to Graham County (Safford).Theyonly raced one week end..March 20th and 21st, and ran 10 races per day.They ran a nice mixed race card for both Qh’s and Tb’s.The 3rd leg of the AQRA Older horse Stakes race will be offered on Sunday March 21st,The first two year old QH race was also ran….Casey Faunce, Director of the Graham County Fair and Racing and the AQRA sponsored some stick horse races for the kids.That is always a great fun event.
Cochise county (Douglas) was the next stop for the fair horses.They ran April 10 and 11 offering 10 races per day.Three trials for the El Moro de Cumpas older horse Stakes Race was run on the 10th.With $1,000.00 to enter. The finals will run on April 24th at Sonoita.There will be no trials for the Sonoita Derby as only eight horses paid the entry fee to run .The finals for the Sonoita Derby will run atSonoita on May 2.
Santa Cruz County Fair races (Sonoita)will be April 24th—25th and May 1-2…No live racing at Mohave County this year….
Yavapai opens May 8th for the horses to move in.The track will open for training May 15th. Racing begins May 29th thru Sept 7th.Complete stakes schedule on page 18..Condition books are available in the Azhbpa office at Turf Paradise. Hope to see you all at Yavapai Downs for the summer………….
The other county that received funding to race was Coconino County (Flagstaff) they are negotiating at this time with Yavapai downs to help with there races this year. I will get information out to you as soon as it is received about particulars for the above counties and also if funding for the fall fairs is approved. That would be St Johns and Globe.
THIS AND THAT BY LORETTA BRASHER
Jerry Doolittle retires after 50 + years running the mutual's on the Arizona County Fairs.And “Jerry” also worked at the Dog Tracks as a steward.In the summer months he traveled to other tracks such as Denver to run their mutual's.A soft spoken man with a huge responsibility and he did it with a passion for the racing Industry .He will be missed as we try to hang on toCounty Fair Racing in the future. Director Lonnie Powell, Assistant Director Nolan Thompson. Melanie Posey, Chief Steward, George Estrada, Jr. Steward,presented a plaque of their appreciation for his years of service from the State of Arizona.Loretta Brasher, AQRA and his friends and horsemen presented him with a plaque also with a big “Thank You” for being a loyal friend and fellow worker for so many years. Emily Ivey and the girls in the office served cake.Thanks to Tina and the volunteers for allowing us to use the Sonoita Facility for this reception.
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Sadly … Dyanne Hamiltonlost her 15 year battle with cancer on March 19th.. She shod horses and ponyed horses on the fair racing circuit, Rillito Downs, Prescott Downs, Turf paradise and ranches all over the state. She also drove the horse ambulance at Rillito. Her wish was to be cremated and her ashes scattered with late husband Kenny’s at their property in Pima.A memorial was held Sunday March 21st at Safford.She was honored by her church April 4th.Her strong faith was shown through her beautiful voice.Those of us who knew and loved her will have her gift of music for our memories forever. She was so much to so many on her road through this life.She will be missed…………. Plans for a monument honoring Dyanne, to be placed by the Yavapai Racetrack Chapel are ongoing……..
Colleta Robbins also passed away this month, complications from an accidental fall. She is remembered by most of us as our horseman’s bookkeeper at old Prescott Downs.She is survived by her husband Paul Robbins.Her service was a private one as well in Prescott.Horseman will have a memorial race in her memory opening week end at Yavapai Downs. Our thoughts and our prayers go out to Paul, their children and many friends.
Herman Mineer, retired Judge of Apache County and long time manager of the St Johns (Apache County) race meet was involved in a near fatal accident while driving near Albuquerque New Mexico.It was reported that he either had a stroke or heart attack and his vehicle left the road. He was alone at the time. He continues to be hospitalized at the time of this writing…
The ArizonaQuarter Horse Industry lost one of their own to a home invasion.Manny Orosco and his wife were gunned down in their home. Their small daughter continues to recover from her injuries.A memorial race in their honor is planned for this summer at Yavapai downs.“Our prayers go out to the friends and families of our lost and sick horseman” as I am sure there are more.
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