logo

THE NEW ERA IS HERE →HOW-TO VIDEOS

carousel image 1 of 8
carousel image 2 of 8
carousel image 3 of 8
carousel image 4 of 8
carousel image 5 of 8
carousel image 6 of 8
carousel image 7 of 8
carousel image 8 of 8
UPDATE: Turf Paradise Lockout Continues; AHPBA Awaits Arbitration Ruling
PHOENIX, AZ — October 16, 2026

According to a memo sent by Leroy Gessmann, executive director of the AHPBA, and President Bob Budoff, the association’s Board of Directors will await an arbitrator’s ruling before taking further action regarding the lockout at Turf Paradise, which has halted off-track betting operations and left preparations for the upcoming race meet uncertain.

The October 15 memo followed a board meeting that day at the offices of the association’s attorney, Mike Napier, to review developments involving track permittee Skyfall 7, identified in the memo with Hartunian, and property owner Jerry Simms.

CURRENT CIRCUMSTANCES
The memo outlined the following developments:

  • On Saturday, October 10, landlord and lessor Jerry Simms locked current permittee Skyfall 7 out of the entire Turf Paradise property, including the racetrack grounds, grandstand, backstretch, offices and racing surfaces. According to the memo, the lockout stemmed from alleged lease defaults involving unpaid obligations.
  • The lockout shut down the off-track betting system, which requires access to the track’s mutuel department to operate. As of the October 15 memo, all OTB locations remained closed, resulting in lost revenue for both horsemen and Skyfall.
  • AHPBA reported that it had not received its share of OTB revenue for October 1–10. Payments were current through September 30. The association stated that it believes Skyfall has access to the October funds but has not transferred the horsemen’s share.
  • Through its attorney, AHPBA sent a letter to Skyfall’s counsel asserting its claim to those revenues in an effort to protect the funds.
  • On Tuesday, October 13, Skyfall filed an Emergency Request for Arbitration under the lease terms, seeking to overturn the lockout and restore access so preparations for the meet could begin and OTB operations could resume. Skyfall disputes that it is in default. As of the memo, an arbitrator had not been appointed, although an appointment was expected within the following day or two. The association could not predict when a ruling would be issued.
  • If the lockout is lifted, Skyfall would be able to begin preparing the facility for the upcoming meet. If it remains in place, both the racetrack and OTB operations would remain closed.
  • Counsel advised the board that it could file a separate court action seeking to freeze Skyfall’s bank account to protect the association’s revenue from potential improper use. The memo cited concerns about prior use of funds. Another option would be to seek participation in Skyfall’s arbitration proceeding to support reopening the OTB system.

The board noted that both legal options would be costly. It also expressed concern that, even if access is restored, Hartunian may lack the financial resources or staffing needed to prepare Turf Paradise for the meet.

As of October 15, the memo stated, all gates remained locked and there was no access to the property.

BOARD ACTION

The board elected to wait for the arbitrator’s ruling before pursuing further action. Its next meeting is scheduled for Friday, October 23, at 10:30 a.m. at Napier’s office, when directors will evaluate their options based on developments at that time.

The memo also stated that if Hartunian’s legal efforts are unsuccessful, or if he relinquishes his permit, Simms could seek another party to lease the property and continue racing.

GUIDANCE TO HORSEMEN

AHPBA advised members to make decisions for themselves, their horses and their clients based on their individual circumstances and best interests.

The association said the situation remains outside its control, with the next steps dependent on Hartunian, Simms and the arbitration process.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

StallioneSearch.com is your source for the latest Quarter Horse racing news, stakes results, stallion information, and industry updates. CLICK HERE to sign up for the FREE StallioneSearch.com Newsletter and stay informed on the latest developments in Quarter Horse racing.

Read more >
GRAND PRAIRIE, TX — October 16, 2026

Chile Gato delivered a commanding performance Friday night at Lone Star Park, posting the fastest qualifying time for the $100,000-estimated Texas Hero Paint & Appaloosa Futurity (G1). Three 400-yard trials determined the ten finalists, with six of the ten qualifiers sired by Chilitos.

Ridden by Francisco Calderon, Chile Gato dominated the second trial, breaking sharply and leading throughout to score a 1 1/2-length victory in :19.527 seconds, earning a 97 speed index.

The Jed Vane trainee is a homebred for Omar Paredes. The colt is sired by Chilitos and out of the Dash Ta Fame mare Famous Phoebe, winner of the New Mexican Spring Futurity (G1). Coming off a third-place finish in the All American Futurity (G1), after winning his trial with the fastest qualifying time, Chile Gato now has a record of 4-2-0-1 and $264,565 in earnings.

Jvm Hot Victoria secured the second-fastest qualifying time of :19.793 seconds, finishing runner-up to Chile Gato under Rosendo Pina Garcia. The filly broke alertly and chased the winner throughout, holding second by a half-length.

A homebred for Juan Luis Leon, Jvm Hot Victoria was a $7,500 repurchase at the TQHA Yearling Sale. She is sired by Chilitos and out of the Gol mare Victoria Camila. With five wins from eight starts, she has earned $62,744 and captured the Colors of Houston Futurity (G2) and TPHBA Juvenile.

Muy Piscosita Eg completed the three fastest qualifiers, stopping the clock in :19.859 seconds under Ali Rivera. The filly broke inward from the rail but maintained third throughout the trial, finishing three-quarters of a length behind Jvm Hot Victoria.

Owned by Jesus Luna and trained by Oscar Nunez, Muy Piscosita Eg was bred by Eduardo Galindo. She is sired by Chilitos and out of the Dominyun mare Katnis. She has compiled a record of 6-2-2-2 with $29,120 in earnings, including a runner-up finish in the G.C.F.A. Paint & Appaloosa Juvenile.

Chilitos made a strong showing in Friday's trials, accounting for six of the ten qualifiers to the Grade 1 final, including the three fastest. The stallion currently ranks second among third-year AQHA leading sires, with more than $1.7 million in progeny earnings.

The $100,000-estimated Texas Hero Paint & Appaloosa Futurity (G1) final is scheduled for November 7 at Lone Star Park.

VIEW FULL LIST OF TEXAS HERO PAINT & APPALOOSA FUTURITY QUALIFIERS

Big Rotney Heads Texas Hero Paint & Appaloosa Juvenile Qualifiers

The second ten fastest horses from Friday's trials qualified for the $20,000-guaranteed Texas Hero Paint & Appaloosa Juvenile, led by multiple Grade 1 winner Big Rotney.

Ridden by Cody Smith, Big Rotney finished fourth in the opening trial after being brushed at the start. The gelding improved his position through the 400-yard race, finishing in :20.263 seconds to lead the Juvenile qualifiers.

Bred and trained by Matt Whitekiller for owner Apple R Racing, Big Rotney is sired by Painted Turnpike and out of the Crm Livewire mare Crm Country Girl.

The accomplished gelding has won five of seven career starts and earned $143,617. His victories include the Oklahoma Paint & Appaloosa Futurity (G1) and PSBA American Paint Classic Futurity (G1).

The $20,000-guaranteed Texas Hero Paint & Appaloosa Juvenile final is scheduled for November 11 at Lone Star Park.

VIEW FULL LIST OF TEXAS HERO PAINT & APPALOOSA JUVENILE QUALIFIERS

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

StallioneSearch.com is your source for the latest Quarter Horse racing news, stakes results, stallion information, and industry updates. CLICK HERE to sign up for the FREE StallioneSearch.com Newsletter and stay informed on the latest developments in Quarter Horse racing.

Read more >
ANTHONY, NM — October 16, 2026

Rancho El Dorado announces that two-time graded stakes winner Electrifying Cowboy is now enrolled in the Fuego Stallion Incentive Program’s Azul Flight. He will return for his second season at stud in Anthony, New Mexico, in 2027 at a fee of $4,000.

According to the farm’s announcement, his 2026 foals and foals resulting from 2027 breedings will be eligible for the Azul Flight.

Bred in Texas by Paragon Farms, Electrifying Cowboy is owned by Tungsten Racing LLC and Ron Sugamosto. He is the only multiple graded stakes-winner and highest money-earning son of Flying Cowboy 123 standing at stud.

A MULTIPLE GRADED STAKES WINNER

Electrifying Cowboy won six of his 10 career starts, beginning with a debut victory in the 2024 West Texas Futurity (G2) trials that secured his place in the final. He later won his Ruidoso Futurity (G1) trial to qualify for the $1 million final.

In the fall of 2024, he began a four-race winning streak that included setting the fastest qualifying time for the La Fiesta Futurity (G3) and returning to win the final. He followed with a victory in the Southwest Juvenile Invitational Stakes (G2) at Zia Park.

His final victory came in a Ruidoso Derby trial. Following one additional start in the Rainbow Derby trials, his connections retired him to begin his stallion career.

A RECORD-SETTING SIRE LINE

Flying Cowboy 123 has established a series of sire records since his first runners reached the track. In 2023, he set the all-time first-crop sire earnings record with more than $4.3 million, represented by 50 winners and 17 stakes victories, including nine graded wins.

He followed in 2024 with an all-time second-year sire earnings record of nearly $5.4 million. His runners accounted for 97 winners and 17 stakes victories, including five graded wins.

Flying Cowboy 123 led third-year sires in 2025 with more than $7.2 million in progeny earnings. In 2026, with his fourth crop racing, he surpassed Apollitical Jess to establish the all-time single-season sire earnings record with more than $10.8 million.

From four crops to race, Flying Cowboy 123 has sired 351 winners and 128 black type performers from 575 starters. His progeny have earned $28 million, averaging approximately $48,500 per starter.

His runners include two All American Futurity (G1) winners: Cowboys Flying SI 111, with earnings of $2,062,793, and two-time champion Cowboys Gun Z SI 101, with $1,678,945. He also sires Lethal Cowboy 123 SI 98, an earner of $1,550,372.

A FAMILY WITH GENERATIONS OF STAKES SUCCESS

Electrifying Cowboy is a full brother to stakes-placed Cowboy 123, an earner of $169,289, and Flyn Electric Cowboy, who earned $56,137. He is also a half brother to Grade 3 winner Famous Carmilita, an earner of $56,244.

His dam, Corona Carmelita, earned $49,318 and was a finalist in the Ruidoso Derby (G1). She is a full sister to All American Futurity (G1) finalist Love Samba, an earner of $184,182. Love Samba produced stakes winner Rockin Red Rhythm, who earned $56,233, and is the grandam of stakes winner Lovely Josie James, an earner of $167,187.

Corona Carmelita is also a full sister to Darling Corona, dam of stakes winner El Tartanero Jess, an earner of $121,768, and a half sister to stakes winner Gallant Mystic, who earned $90,965.

Electrifying Cowboy’s second dam is a half sister to two-time AQHA champion Dashin Is Easy, an earner of $775,123, and stakes winner Dashin Prince Henry, who earned $178,046. His third dam is a winning half sister to Grade 3 winner Jody O Toole and to the dam of AQHA champion Eyesa Special, an earner of $1,394,911.

2027 BREEDING INFORMATION

With six career victories, two graded stakes wins and a family rich in stakes performers, Electrifying Cowboy brings established racing credentials to Rancho El Dorado’s breeding program. His enrollment in Fuego’s Azul Flight adds another opportunity for breeders considering him for 2027.

For more information or to request a breeding contract, contact farm manager Yeritza Carrasco at (575) 502-0598 or (575) 386-2912, or email ranchoeldorado290@yahoo.com.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Would you like more industry news delivered directly to your inbox? Click here to sign up.

Read more >
carousel image 1 of 7
Hoosier Racing Community Invites Fans to 2026 ITOBA & QHRAI Sale Preview

Potential owners, breeders, and fans of horse racing are invited to gather at the Hoosier Horse Park in Edinburgh on Friday, October 16, for the 2026 ITOBA & QHRAI Yearling & Mixed Sale Preview Night.

From 5 to 8 pm EDT, guests can enjoy complimentary food provided by Latitude 39, meet members of Indiana's racing community, network with owners and breeders, and get an up-close look at horses being offered in the sale ahead of Saturday's auction. The auction will go live on Saturday, October 17, at 1 pm EDT in Dunn Arena at the Hoosier Horse Park (7105 South Kern Street, Edinburgh, Indiana).

For a sport with such a storied history, horse racing is built on the people—owners, breeders, trainers, jockeys, fans and newcomers who share a passion for the horse. And Hoosiers know a thing or two about hard work, horsepower and speed. Preview Night offers an opportunity to bring that spirit together while introducing attendees to the people and horses that make Indiana's racing industry special.

The Preview Night is sponsored by the Indiana Thoroughbred Alliance, Breakway Farm, Burger Racing Stables, LLC, Ledgerwood Farm, Wolfe Veterinary Services and Springcliff Farm. The Friday evening event is designed to welcome everyone, whether you're considering becoming a racehorse owner, looking to learn more about breeding and the sale process, a longtime racing fan or simply someone who loves horses and wants to experience the sport from a different perspective.

You don't have to be a current horse owner—or an expert in racing—to attend. Preview Night is open to anyone interested in learning more about Indiana horse racing, meeting the people behind the industry and getting a closer look at the horses that could soon be competing on the track.

For inquiries about the 2026 ITOBA/QHRAI Yearling & Mixed Sale, contact Nicks Auction Service, LLC (502-648-0538). Online bidding is available for the sale. Register online: https://bid.horseauctionsusa.com/ui/auctions/170639.

To review the 2026 ITOBA/QHRAI Yearling & Mixed Sale Catalog, you can view it online: https://www.itoba.com/yearling-sale.

Looking for a place to stay after the Preview Night? Hotels local to the Hoosier Horse Park include the Hampton Inn and Comfort Inn. Group rates are available at both hotels.

To learn more about the Indiana Horse Racing industry, visit the Indiana Horse Racing Commission: http://hrc.in.gov.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Never miss a story! CLICK HERE to sign up for StallioneSearch.com's free email newsletter.

Read more >

Sales Highlights


ITOBA/QHRAI YEARLING & MIXED SALE

DateOctober 17, 2026CodeINDMLocation
Shelbyville, INCatalog

FASTRACK OCTOBER MIXED SALE

DateOctober 25, 2026CodeFTOMSLocation
Gainesville, TXCatalog

HERITAGE PLACE FALL MIXED

DateNovember 5–7, 2026CodeHPFMLocation
Oklahoma City, OKCatalog

HERITAGE PLACE CHAMPIONS OF THE FUTURE ONLINE SALE

DateDecember 8–10, 2026CodeHPFIULocation
Oklahoma City, OK

FASTRACK DECEMBER MIXED SALE

DateDecember 13, 2026CodeFTDMSLocation
Gainesville, TX

FASTRACK NEW YEARS FOAL-IN-UTERO AND FROZEN EMBRYO SALE

DateDecember 31, 2026CodeFTFIUFESLocation
Gainesville, TX

HERITAGE PLACE WINTER MIXED SALE

DateJanuary 14–16, 2027CodeHPWMLocation
HPWM

HERITAGE PLACE SUMMER MIXED ONLINE SALE

DateJune 1–3, 2027CodeHPSMLocation
Oklahoma City, OK

Sales Search


ALBUQUERQUE, NM. — October 16, 2026

An exciting afternoon of Quarter Horse racing awaits fans at The Downs at Albuquerque on Sunday, October 18, with the Grade 3 $100,000 La Fiesta Futurity and $75,000 La Fiesta Derby headlining a nine-race program. The two stakes events will bring together talented juveniles and accomplished sophomores, each seeking another prestigious victory to add to their racing records.

The first post is scheduled for 1:30 p.m., with the two featured events closing out the afternoon’s program.

The Grade 3 $100,000 La Fiesta Futurity will headline the ninth and final race, with ten promising two-year-olds competing at 400 yards. The field returns from the September 25 trial heats, and the championship finale is scheduled for approximately 4:50 p.m.

Flying Cowboys Candy leads the field as the 5-2 morning-line favorite after an impressive 1 1/4-length, gate-to-wire victory in his qualifying trial.

The talented colt has shown consistency throughout his juvenile campaign, finishing off the board only once in nine career starts. He has finished second in the West Texas Juvenile Stakes, Four Corners Futurity, and Rainbow Juvenile Stakes. He also earned a coveted berth in the Grade 1 $3 million All American Futurity, where his chances were compromised after being crowded and checked late.

Flying Cowboys Candy races for CHR Racing, which purchased the colt for $39,000 at the Ruidoso Select Yearling Sale.

Bred in Oklahoma by PV Quarter Horse Farms, LLC, the son of Flying Cowboy 123 is out of the Cartels Candy Man mare Candy Cartels Candy. Trainer Tony E. Sedillo will saddle the colt at post six, with jockey Christian Ramos aboard.

My Golden Boy enters as the 7-2 second choice on the morning line, bringing an accomplished juvenile record into the Futurity. The gelding secured his place in the final with a determined, half-length, gate-to-wire victory in his qualifying trial.

Earlier this season, My Golden Boy qualified for the Grade 1 Ruidoso Quarter Horse Futurity and the $200,000 All American Juvenile Stakes, establishing himself as a competitive contender among some of the division’s talented runners.

With two victories, two runner-up finishes, and a third-place finish, My Golden Boy has earned $57,086 for owners Christopher J. and Melody Lykins, who bought him for $45,000 at the Ruidoso Select Yearling Sale.

The $75,000 La Fiesta Derby will be the afternoon’s co-feature in race eight, scheduled for approximately 4:25 p.m. A field of ten three-year-olds will return from the September 25 qualifying trials to compete at 400 yards.

Mr High Five headlines the Derby field as the 5-2 morning-line favorite after a strong qualifying performance. The three-year-old gelding rallied late to win his trial by half a length, securing the second-fastest qualifying time for the final.

The accomplished gelding has already enjoyed a successful sophomore campaign, highlighted by a win in the Rainbow Invitational Stakes. He also earned a berth in the Grade 1 All American Derby, where he finished fifth after racing evenly throughout the race.

With five career victories and $259,912 in earnings, Mr High Five has established himself as a proven stakes competitor. He races for Tungsten Racing Partnership, which acquired him for $155,000 at the Heritage Place Yearling Sale.

Bred in Oklahoma by Sam W. Green, Mr High Five is a son of Apollitical Jess, out of the FDD Dynasty mare Ms Southern Dynasty. Trainer Marco A. Flores will send the gelding from post two, with jockey Sergio Becerra, Jr., set to guide him.

With talented juveniles seeking a breakthrough stakes win and seasoned three-year-olds aiming to strengthen their credentials, the La Fiesta Futurity and Derby promise an exciting conclusion to Sunday’s racing program.

The two featured events will offer fans and bettors competitive fields, proven stakes performers, and rising stars eager to make their mark as the fall racing season continues at The Downs at Albuquerque.

The first post for Sunday’s nine-race program is scheduled for 1:30 p.m., with the $75,000 La Fiesta Derby set for 4:25 p.m. The Grade 3 $100,000 La Fiesta Futurity closes the afternoon at approximately 4:50 p.m.

The races at Albuquerque Downs can be watched on Q-Racing Video.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Would you like more industry news delivered directly to your inbox? Click here to sign up.

Read more >
Type
Name
Starts
1st
2nd
3rd
Earnings
Cowboys Flying
6
6
0
0
$2,062,793
Gf Shes Sinful
7
4
2
1
$708,275
Big Ted
8
6
1
1
$665,792
El Huracano V
5
3
1
1
$632,670
Ask Her To Fly
8
3
2
1
$610,175
By North American Race LeadersView Top 50 HORSES