From the President of the NMHA, Terry Walker

Here we are at the end of another year. As we look into the New Year, there are a number of significant opportunities and challenges at hand. First and foremost, the construction of new racetrack and casino facilities that have been slated for Raton, and Moriarty, New Mexico require input from the Horsemen to ensure that the facilities constructed are friendly to Horsemen’s needs for safety and access, as well as meeting NMRC regulation. We must ensure that there is sufficient toilet and bathing facilities for our grooms and personnel that work on the backside as well as ensure that the racetrack surfaces are the safest possible for both horse and rider. With respect to the grandstand and simulcast facilities, Horsemen must have input as to what type of facility is constructed. We must ensure that the facility is constructed in a way that promotes horse racing and does not detract from it. Each fan that attends the new tracks at Raton and Moriarty (as well as existing tracks) must walk away from the facilities planning on returning, because the experience was outstanding. The opportunity to have constructive and meaningful input into new racetrack facilities is something that will not happen again for the next 30 plus years. We must ensure that these facilities are constructed correctly to ensure that Horsemen will continue to have a future in this grand and wonderful sport. We are all blessed to be part of this wonderful industry that isracing inMexico. the coming year, we must examine all aspects of our industry ,including the feasibility of having account wagering legislation enacted in New Mexico. Toour goals and improve the public image of our industry, we must further educate the public about the positive impact racing has in New Mexico

Happy holidays and the best of wishes for 2009,

Terry Walker, President, NMHA

NMHA Vice President Susan Vescovo attended the ARCI RCI Model Rules Committee and RCI Board of Directors Meeting in Tucson, Arizona on Monday, December 8th. She reported the meeting as rewarding and interesting. The ARCI is hoping to implement nation wide levels for therapeutic and other substances used in horses. Presenters also discussed pre race veterinary inspections. The research on pre race inspections has found that a veterinary inspection prior to a race can decrease catastrophic injury up to 50%. Do you think full card pre race inspections would be beneficial to New Mexico Racing? Please let us know.

Over the past eighteen months, our industry has seen unprecedented change. During these few months, rules have been enacted to limit the height of toe grabs on the front shoes of racing Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds and the use of safety reins have been mandated. A nationwide effort is on to curtail the use of anabolic steroids in race horses. In New Mexico, such a limitation is expected to become a rule by early January, 2009. All of these changes have been mandated for the safety of the horse and rider and to dispel a negative public image of our sport. Now is the time for our industry to step up in other ways. We need to get the word out that our sport is still full of excitement and promise, and showcases the greatest of all athletes: the horse. I ask each of you to become an ambassador for the sport of horse racing and to reach out to the public and let them know what a grand sport horse racing truly is. Without action on our part, the perception of our sport and all that participate in it will surely decline.

Happy Holidays,

Patrick Bingham, Executive Director NMHA

As you are probably aware, there is increasing news coverage on the need to provide different occupations for the nation’s racehorses once they retire from the racetrack. Sending the horse to slaughter is becoming an nonviable option. Recently, Magna Holdings added a requirement in the stall application for Santa Anita Park (Arcadia, CA) that prohibit trainers and owners from sending their retired racehorses to slaughterhouses. A violation of this prohibition would disqualify the trainer from receiving stalls at Santa Anita Park in the future. A similar provision is in effect at Suffolk Downs in Massachusetts.

At the present time none of the owners of the 5 racetrack operating in New Mexico have broached the issue of a similar prohibition in their respective stall applications.

Most participants in our industry would probably agree that there has to be a solution that would find new occupations for racehorses once they retire from racing. In that spirit, the following is being investigated by the management at Sunland Park: A financial check off by the NMHA owners from the earnings of each horse that starts a race in New Mexico in the amount of $5.00. (Presently at each track running in New Mexico an amount of between ½ and 1 percent of the total purse is paid out to all horses that finishes 7^{th or worse in a race. In other words, all horses that start in a race in New Mexico earn some money.)The $5.00 donation amount from each start that a horse makes would add up to $150,000 donated per year (30,000 starts x $5.00 per start) and would go a long way toward finding different occupations for our racehorses once they leave the track.}

We need our members to voice their opinions on this proposal. The NMHA feels that it is better to confront and solve the issue ourselves rather than leave the issue federal or state government to address.

Fax, e-mail, mail or call in your opinions on this subject.

The NMHA Fax Number is 505.266.7056. Our e-mail address is Kirsten.nmha@yahoo.com, our mailing address is 217 Palomas, NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108 and our phone number is 505.266.7056 for the office or 505.205.6650 for the cell phone.

Anna Fay Davis reported an increase over last year of the number of NM Bred races being run at ZIA Park. ZIA Park is now running over 5 NM Bred races per day as compared with 4 last year. She reported that more Horsemen are entering their NM Bred horses in open company with increasing success. Breed horse that run with open company will receive a bonus from the Breeders in addition to regular purse amounts for placing 1st, 2nd or 3rd in any open race. Track breeder’s awards and end of year Breeders’ awards will also apply. Anna Fay reported that incentive checks totaling over $4.5 million were recently sent to owners, breeders and stallion owners of New Mexico Bred horses.

Horsemen and the racetracks alike are having increasing difficulty in attracting workers who have experience with race horses and who are eligible for NMRC license (social security card, proper ID, evidence of employability under federal INS rules etc. )Would you support a local or national outreach program to identify those folks who have the skills to work either on the backside, farms or at the racetracks? Would you support an effort on the part of the NMHA to assist trainers and owners with the process of importing immigrant help through proper INS channels? The assistance would include help with filling out the maze of immigration related forms that are necessary to import worker legally.

Please contact us at kirsten.nmha@yahoo.com, 505.266.7056 (phone) 505.205.6650 (cell phone) 505.266.0643 with your response to these questions or on any other topic regarding racing in New Mexico that may be of interest to you.

Toe grabs: The NMRC rule regarding the height of toe grabs on the front shoes of Thoroughbreds that race and work at New Mexico racetracks was formally amended. The amended rule will reduce the front toe grab height on Thoroughbreds only from 4mm to 2mm. This rule amendment becomes effective on January 1, 2009. Any TB that has a front toe grab in excess of 2mm racing at a New Mexico will be scratched from the race. The stewards may take further disciplinary action in addition to scratching the horse from the race. Toe grab size on the quarter horse will remain at the present 4mm for front shoes. There is no height limit for the toe grabs on the hind shoes for either breed. Consult your farrier and make sure that you are in compliance by January 1, 2009.

The NMRC enacted a policy of preserving the run or zero date (whichever is applicable) for a horse that runs in any futurity trial at Sunland Park. The horse that runs in the futurity trial shall maintain the run or zero date that it had at the time that the futurity or derby trial was entered. The run date of the futurity trial will not be used for eligibility purposes. This policy shall be effective only for the 2008-2009 race meet at Sunland Park.

A policy was enacted to standardize the taking of soil samples at New Mexico racetracks. Effective immediately the Horsemen and Track Management will jointly take soil samples every 30 calendar days at each race track that is racing. This will eliminate questions that arise over whether the sample has been properly taken in the first place and will ensure that the track’s soil composition is monitored and amended if necessary on a schedule.

Discussion of Jockeys riding obligations/vet scratches etc. : The Commission entertained discussion of situations where the jockey of a horse initiates the scratch of horses after horse and rider make it up on the racing strip. The Commission also discussed what to do when a jockey fails to meet his/her obligations after accepting the ride on a horse. The NMRC Rules Committee will re view the matter in more depth at its January meeting.

The NMRC discussed the topic of what to do regarding horses that are allowed to race with a run date earned at another track that is better than horses that have run at the track where the race is being offered. After some discussion the Commissioners encouraged more careful oversight by the racing office and the stewards of the horse’s run dates at entry time.

Effective December 12, 2008 the cost of processing fingerprints for a first time licensee (or the renewal of a license that has been expired for a long time) in New Mexico will rise from the current $24 to $30. This increase will occur because the State of New Mexico Department of Public Safety which processes the fingerprints that are taken during the licensing process has increased its fees and has passed through the increase to the Racing Commission. If you have any questions you may call Mr. Julian Luna, Agency Director for the NMRC at 505.222.0702. The main number at the NMRC is 505.222.0700.

2008/2009 New Mexico Race Dates


2008-2009 Sunland Park (Sunland Park)
77 Days-Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday

December 12,13,14,16,19,20,21,23,26,27,28,30
January 2,3,4,6,9,10,11,13,16,17,18,20,23,24,25,27,30,31
February 1,3,6,7,8,10,13,14,15,16,18,20,21,22,24,27,28
March 1,3,6,7,8,10,13,14,15,17,20,21,22,24,27,28,29,31
April 3,4,5,7,10,11,12,14,17,18,19,21

2009 SunRay Park (Farmington)
44 days - Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday

April 17,18,19,23,24,25,26,30
May 1,2,3,7,8,9,10,14,15,16,17,21,22,23,24,25,28,29,30,31
June 4,5,6,7,11,12,13,14,18,19,20,21,25,26,27,28

2009 Ruidoso Downs (Ruidoso)
63 Days - Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday

May 22,23,24,25,29,30,31
June 4,5,6,7,11,12,13,14,18,19,20,21,25,26,27,28
July 2,3,4,5,9,10,11,12,16,17,18,19,23,24,25,26,30,31
August 1,2,6,7,8,9,13,14,15,16,20,21,22,23,27,28,29,30
September 4,5,6,7

2009 Downs at Albuquerque (Albuquerque)
49 Days - Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Wednesday

August 14,15,16,19,21,22,23,26,28,29,30
September 2,4,5,6,7...NMSF....30
October 2,3,4,7,9,10,11,12,14,16,17,18,21,23,24,25,28,30,31
November 1,4,6,7,8,11,13,14,15,18,20,21,22

2009 New Mexico State Fair (Albuquerque)
17 days

September 11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27

2009 Zia Park (Hobbs)
57 days - Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday

September 12,13,14,15,19,20,21,22,26,27,28,29
October 3,4,5,6,10,11,12,13,17,18,19,20,24,25,26,27,31
November 1,2,3,4,7,8,9,10,11,14,15,16,17,18,21,22,23,24,25,27,28,29,30
December 1,5,6,7,8

Congratulations to the new ZIA Park Track

Committee!

Terry Walker: 1 925 474 3580

Wes Giles: 1 801 557 4287

Sherry Armstrong: 1 915 526 0522

Emmitt Burlesmith: 1 806 297 3263;

1 575 639 0466

Weldon Jenkins 1 432 209 1911;

1 432 758 9061

Byron Richie: 575 393 2654

Nelda Whatley: 1 915 373 5006

Larry Strain: 1-432-661-6345

The new DAA track committee members have been elected.

Ken Grisham: 505 873 5807

Jack Dale: 505 471 1305

Tom Pierce: 505 362 7451

Jose A. Gonzales505 328 7224

Owner members,

Vance Mikkelson,: 505 864 9895

Dr. Matt Rounseville: 505 344 9332

Jay Slone: 505 294 8974

Kenneth Corrazza: 505 342 1572

.

Jose Gonzales and Dr. Rounseville were also selected to serve on the state board.

The DAA recently concluded their fifty nine race day live race meet. Opening day was a painful reminder of the dangers of horse racing as jockey Juan Compos was fatally injured during race two.

The national economic recession was felt by the DAA, as live racing handle saw a 20% decrease along with a 15% drop in race attendance. On a positive note, out of state wagering was up 5%.

On November 11, 2008, Paul Blanchard, President of the Downs at Albuquerque, alongside DAA general manager Don Cook, met with Moriarty residents and city leaders in order to discuss the possible relocation of the DAA to Moriarty. The DAA is proposing building a state of the art racing/gaming facility in Moriarty.

At a special Racing Commission meeting in August of 2008, the New Mexico State Racing Commission unanimously granted the "Downs" the right to relocate to Moriarty. The DAA is currently located at the New Mexico Expo fair grounds in Albuquerque.

In May of 2008, the Senate and House of Representatives overrode a veto by President Bush to legalize the 2007 Farm Bill. Within this bill is the Equine Equity Act, a law which has some beneficial tax changes for Horsemen. So what does this bill means for you?

Depreciation is a way to recover the cost of owning a horse for a business by deducting the cost of the horse’s cost over a number of years. The recovery period is estimated to run the duration of the horse’s useful/economic life.

Before the bill was passed, horses were depreciated depending on when they were placed into service, or began training, usually following the end of the yearling year. If a race horse were to begin training when it was older than two, the horse would depreciate over three years. If the horse begins training before the age of two, the horse would depreciate over seven years. Starting January first of 2009, yearlings, as well as horses 24months, older or younger, will depreciate on a three year schedule.

During a crisis such as a natural disaster, horse owners, breeders, and trainers come under immense economic pressures. As Horsemen saw this year at Ruidoso Downs, flooding, winds, hurricanes, and drought can easily upset the balance of the equine industry. Up until now, the majority of the equine industry has not qualified for federal emergency funds.

The Agricultural Act of 1949 stated that horses were only considered livestock when they were used for food or in the production of food, but due to the Equine Equity Act, horses (not just horses used in food production) will be allowed the same eligibility for federal emergency relief: emergency loan eligibility and fund access .If equine ranchers and farmers suffer losses in areas that are declared disaster zones by the US Department of Agriculture, they may also be able to receive relief funds under a new disaster assistance program.

Sunland Park’s upcoming 50th anniversary season promises to be a banner meet punctuated by a dazzling array of powerhouse stables. The 77-day stand starting on Friday, Dec. 12 offers an enviable purse distribution of $19 million. Daily average purses for the meet should exceed $250,000. There will be 30 stakes races worth $100,000 or more.

Owners and trainers from around the country should be attracted to the $800,000 Sunland Derby with a $1 million potential. The Sunland Derby (formerly named the $600,000 WinStar Derby) comes in with an enriched purse and a $200,000 bonus going to the winner with a previous Grade 1 win. A $100,000 bonus will be awarded to the winner with any previous graded earnings. The Sunland Derby will be the richest thoroughbred race in New Mexico racing history. The 1 and 1/8 mile classic will be run on Sunday, March 29, 2009.

Trainer Joel Marr has made national racing history with the impeccable New Mexico-bred mare Peppers Pride. The queen of New Mexico racing will be seeking her 19th consecutive win in the $125,000 New Mexico State Racing Commission Handicap on Sunday, Dec. 14. In addition to Peppers Pride, Marr has developed a battalion of aces in his diverse stable. Multiple stakes winners Lefty Who and Blue Eyed Bella are the leaders in the two-year-old New Mexico-bred Thoroughbred colt or gelding and filly divisions, respectively. Fullofenergy, Dream Kin, Runnin Red and More Accord are also top flight runners.

2007-08 Sunland Park training champion Chris Hartman directs a stellar group of 30 runners. His powerful team is led by the $650,000 stakes winning champ Wind Water who won the Bill Thomas Memorial Handicap last season. The New Mexico-bred stakes winning queen Etoile de Dome and 19-race winner Fearless Anthony are also part of the lineup. The latter is the Sunland track record holder for 5 and 5 and one-half furlongs. Hartman was deadly last season winning 44 races from 125 starters, good for an outstanding 35 percent winning clip.

Henry Dominguez, the leading trainer in New Mexico will pack a terrific punch at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino. His barn is brimming with proven stakes winners and well bred youngsters. The highly balanced stable is highlighted by 2007 WinStar Derby winner Song of Navarone, $185,000 stakes winning mare Goodbye Norma Jean and the rapidly improving stakes horse Cape town Royal. Notime to Badinage broke his maiden by winning a stakes race at Zia Park. 2007 Riley Allison Futurity Rapper SS will also return along with the speedy Chaco Latte.

The nation’s leading trainer Steven Asmussen has his sights set on Sunland’s lucrative stakes schedule. His Sunland string features Ablaze with Spirit (third in 2008 WinStar Derby) and the stakes placed two-year-old Retap who ships in from Mountaineer Park and Prairie Meadows.

Bart Hone, currently the leading trainer at Zia Park, should have a major impact on the Sunland season. His stakes stars include last season’s Sunland Park Handicap champion in One Lucky Buck and the six figure stakes winning sprinter Going Wild. 2007 KLAQ Handicap winner Ducky Drake will also spring into action. Liz’s Pirate, Gulchrunssweet, Heavens Gold and Hang Glide are frequent visitors to the winner’s circle.

Chip Woolley, Todd Fincher, Paul Jones, Jon Arnett, Ray Ashford, Jr., Jimmie Claridge, Greg Tracy, Blane Wood, Wes Giles, Carl Draper and perennial Sunland force Fred Danley each have highly productive stables.

This January 2009 will mark the first year anniversary of the affiliation of the New Mexico Horsemen’s Association with the National HBPA. As many of you are aware, the NHBPA has about 37,000 affiliate members that race in about 37 states across the United States and Canada. The HBPA is nationally recognized as a representative for Horsemen who race in most jurisdictions across the US. In addition to work on the backside, the HBPA has enjoyed a strong and influential relationship with various other important entities that are engaged in US horseracing. The entities with which the HPBA has important business relationship include: the American Horse Council, the Racing and Medical Testing Consortium (RMTC) , The Jockey Club, the American Quarter Horse Association, Racing Commissioners International, NTRA, AAEP, and other valuable and necessary contacts both nationally and internationally.

We have access to all things current in horseracing in the US. From information regarding the latest trends regarding drug testing to the efforts to reach a fairer distribution of proceeds from simulcast and advance deposit wagering, the HBPA has been there to assist Horsemen with information and support.

Through the HBPA , NMHA members have access to reasonable liability insurance ($90 per year per horse) to cover injuries and damages that may occur when a covered horse injures a rider, groom or bystander. This insurance is beneficial in states such as New Mexico that do not mandate workers compensation for those employed in the industry.

In early 2009 the HBPA will be setting up meetings for all members in all affiliates states including New Mexico to announce access to dental and Accidental Death and Dismemberment insurance that will be available through Aflac, a national insurance company. The insurance will be available at a substantial group discount.

The HBPA employs preeminent attorneys who works in the arcane field of law that governs the export of live simulcast signals from one track to another through the US. Mr. Doug McSwain is available for consult to the NMHA on a reduced fee basis should an issue arrive over the export of the live signal from either of the 5 racetracks in New Mexico.

The HBPA, through its returning advisor, Dr. Thomas Tobin, has summarized drug levels and withdrawal times for therapeutic medications that are used on racehorses throughout horse racing states in the US. This information is readily available to the membership of the NMHA with the disclaimer that a Horsemen’s Vet and the NMRC rules must have the final say on medication thresholds and withdrawal times. For additional information, visit hbpa.org

The New Mexico Horsemen’s Association State Board monthly meetings starting in January, 2009 and going through June, 2009 will take place the day before the New Mexico Racing Commission meetings. The NMHA meetings start at 10:00.

NMHA State Board Meetings will take place on: January 21, February 18, March 16, April 14, May 19 and June 16, 2009.

On February 18, 2008 the NMHA State Board will meet at Sunland Park for its regular monthly meeting. All other NMHA meetings will be held at the NMHA Main office at 217 Palomas, NW, Albuquerque, NM 87108. Our telephone number is 505.266.7056. Cell phone is 505.205.6650, Fax is 505.266.0643. e-mail is nmhastate1@aol.com. Website: www.newmexicohorsemen.com. Go to our blog site at http//:blog.newmexicohorsemen.com for up to date information on meetings and other items that may be of interest to you. Better yet send us a e-mail at nmhastate1@aol.com and we’ll add you to our e-mail list so that you can receive Horsemen’s news instantaneously over the internet.

Please plan to attend the NMRC meetings as well as the NMHA State Board meetings. Among the topics that will be discussed in the upcoming months are the planned NEW Racetracks in Raton, NM and Moriarty. Horsemen input on these topics is very important.

The expansion of the new restaurant and simulcast area is complete and running smoothly. The stall applications have been mailed out and are due by February 2, 2009. The nominations for the New Mexico Breeders and Four Corners Futurity should be in the mail by the time you read this. NM Breeders are due by January first, and Four Corners by February first. We’ve also added new races: The Four Corners Senora Stakes 75,000 guaranteed for NMB mares and fillies three years old and up. The race is 400 yards. We have also added two 100,000 guaranteed races: Jack Cole Handicap three year old and up for registered NMB. The race is one mile. The other 100,000 guaranteed race is the San Juan County Commissioners' Handicap three year old and upward. The race is one mile and one eighth.

SunRay sends Holiday Wishes To You and Your Family!

It may be chilly up in Ruidoso, but the action is still hot at Ruidoso Downs and Billy the Kid Casino. The summer race meet starts Memorial Day Weekend with trials in the Grade 1 Ruidoso Futurity and the grade 1 Ruidoso Derby. Those are the first of the summer grade 1 series for quarter horse, and will be followed by the Rainbow Futurity, Rainbow Derby, All American Futurity and All American Derby. Should a horse sweep all three futurities, a prize, the 4 million All American Triple Crown Bonues, will be awarded to the horse’s connections.

Deadlines are approaching: the 2010 All American triple Crown Series are due January 15. On February 15th, there is a sustaining payment due for the 2009 Zia Futurity and the 2009 Zia Derby. There is also a supplemental deadline for this race.

Ginny Mac and her five piece band will provide entertainment on New Years Eve at Billy’s sports Book in Billy the Kid Casino.. Ginny Mac was described as a versatile artist who draws big crowds at the Lincoln County Cowboy Symposium by Rachel Weber, Ruidoso Downs new marketing director.

Visit RaceRuidoso.com for more information.

Dick Cappelluci 505 350 4688

6161 Doniphan Dr #87

El Paso, TX, 79932

Susan Vescovo 505 644 5566

877 Gomez Rd

El Paso, Texas, 79932

Dr. Matt Rounseville Work: 505 345 2386

900 Westgate LN. NW Cell: 505 269 1622

Albuquerque, NM, 87101 Home: 505 344 9332

Jose A Gonzales 505 328 7224

PO Box 2692

Edgewood, NM, 87015

Ernie Edgar Cell 505 249 0997

2616 Norment PI SW

Albuquerque, NM, 87105

Joe Shepard 505 947 6571

803 S. Auburn

Farmington, NM, 87401

Orlando Montes 575 378 5406

PO Box 56 575 937 5165

Glencoe, NM 88324

Bobby Dan Crenshaw ` 505 648 4243

Secretary/ Treasurer 505 640 5737

PO Box 882

Carrizozo, NM, 88301

Weldon Jenkins Home: 432 758 9061

304 SW 19th Cell: 432 209 1911

Seminole, TX, 79360

Terry Walker Cell: 915 474 3580

8719 Sage

Anthony, NM, 88021

The National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association Model Rules Working Group is endorsing a "national uniform and science based approach to how the racing industry mandates-through the national and local rule making process-the use of equine related safety equipment" They are proposing the identification of a nationally recognized independent testing facility that, once approved, would provide scientifically based minimum safety standards for the racing industry, and collect input from all interested parties in order to assure recommendations are industry driven .

In light of the changing face of horseracing, it is important to establish means to determine whether proposed solutions to equipment issues are investigated thoroughly to ensure each ride is as safe as possible. Such an approach could mirror what Underwriter’s Laboratories has done to advance safety in the electric power industry.

Please let us know what you think about this topic.

E mail us at; Kirsten.nmha@yahoo.com

Call us at: 505 266 7056

Leave comments on our blog: blog.newmexicohorsemen.com

From All Of US At The New Mexico Horsemen’s, Happy Holidays and Best Wishes For The New Year!