(Edited press release)
The New Mexico Horse Breeders’ Association announced its 2008 state-bred champions at its annual awards banquet held at the Marriott Hotel in Albuquerque, N.M. Jan. 29.

Peppers Pride, who holds the modern day American record for consecutive wins, was named New Mexico’s champion older female.

Recently retired from racing to become a broodmare for breeder/owner Joe Allen, Peppers Pride won all 19 races in her native state, 14 of which came in stakes.

The 6-year-old daughter of Desert God reached victory No. 16 when she won the Russell and Helen Foutz Distaff Handicap at SunRay Park in April 2008. Her record-breaking 17th win came in an optional claiming race at Zia Park in October. She closed out her career with a triumph in the Dec. 14 New Mexico State Racing Commission Handicap at Sunland Park.

Other divisional honors went to:

Lefty Who, 2-year-old male
Owner/breeder: Sam E. Stevens

Blue Eyed Bella, 2-year-old female
Owner/breeder: Sam E. and Sammy L. Stevens

El Dramo, 3-year-old male
Owner: Terry Taylor
Breeder: Patsy Pierce Looney’s Rangelander Running Horses

Askmetodance, 3-year-old female
Owner: C.W. “Buddy” Ritter’s Double Eagle Racing Stables
Breeder: Geraldine Shipler

Cattleman Prospect, older male
Owners: Ramon Gonzalez Jr. and Cody Kelley
Breeder: James Brunacini

Dam Stand, broodmare
Ghostly Moves, stallion
Quinton’s Gold, freshman sire
Thomas W. Pierce Jr., breeder