The Annual Meeting was held January 31, 2008 at the Sunland Park Signature Showroom at Sunland Park. I would like to thank Harold Payne and the staff at Sunland for their hospitality. Mark your calendar for Thursday, January 29, 2009 in Albuquerque for the next Annual Meeting and Banquet.

J.M. Lillywhite, assistant professor of the Department of Ag. Economics & Ag. Business, gave an overview of the survey responses for the racehorse industry with estimates of the economic impact of the industry on the state’s economy. This report should be finalized within three weeks and indicates New Mexico has a vibrant and growing racehorse industry.

I appreciate the panel members taking time from their busy schedules to discuss:

1. Creating more racing opportunities without decreasing the number (average) of New Mexico Bred overnight races run at each racetrack.

2. Creating a middle where there is a lack of some categories to run. Filling more races that are often difficult to fill and utilizing the horses on the grounds.

3. Proposing to run allowance races similar to numerous other states that exclude NM Bred allowance win in eligibility when running in open allowance races. To offer a “claiming allowance” or duel claiming price in some races to offer NM Breds more opportunities to race and be competitive at certain levels of claiming races.

Buena Suerte Equine had a special presentation to By By JJ and Rocky Gulch as million dollar earners. The original trophy is on display at Sunland Park for all to see and will be moved to other meets throughout the year.

The officers for 2008 are President Q. Mike Cadotte, 1st Vice President Norma Alvarez and 2nd Vice President Kay M. Thurman. I would like to welcome our new Thoroughbred trustee Freda McSwane of Ruidoso. Denton Crozier, Rita J. Danley and Lonnie Vaughn were re-elected as QH trustees and Q. Mike Cadotte and Kay M. Thurman were re-elected as TB trustees.

Thanks to everyone who came to the Annual Meeting and congratulations to all the award winners.

Sincerely,

Anna Fay Davis
Executive Director
NMHBA