Bobbie Don “BD” Harmon, a respected New Mexico horseman known for his grit on the track and vibrant spirit off it, passed away on February 8, 2026, in Ruidoso, New Mexico, at the age of 69.

RUIDOSO, NM–FEBRUARY 11, 2026– Bobbie Don “BD” Harmon, a respected New Mexico horseman known for his grit on the track and vibrant spirit off it, passed away on February 8, 2026, in Ruidoso, New Mexico, at the age of 69.

Born in Raton, New Mexico with an inherited passion for racing, BD's career included jockeying from 1976 - 2009 and acting as jockey agent 2009 through 2025 throughout New Mexico and the Southwest.

Among those who felt his impact most was jockey Ricky Ramirez, who began working with Harmon in the spring of 2009.

“Bobbie started working for me as my agent in the spring of 2009. We didn’t know each other very well before then, but he and Sheri quickly became family to us,” Ramirez said. “Bobbie was my ‘racetrack dad’ and ‘racetrack grandpa’ to Santiago during those years. I could count on him for more than entries. If I needed advice, a hand on a project, or a tool, he had it and was willing to share it. His loss is a heavy one for my heart. We loved him very much and will miss him dearly. I know there will be many times I’ll want to pick up the phone and call him for a piece of advice.”

In true BD fashion of never sitting still, he also started BD Harmon Construction in 2020, building custom homes within Gavilan Gates community in Ruidoso.

Family, friends, fellow horsemen, and home customers knew him for his competitive determination and love for life. BD was known for his humor, loyalty, and devotion to family. He treasured time spent with loved ones, especially at the beach. Fly fishing and hunting were also beloved escapes for BD. Whether at the barn, at the track, or at home, he carried a warmth and vitality that drew people to him.

BD is survived by his father, Bobbie Harmon; loving wife, Shree Cross; daughters Nicole Harmon-Hart (Jason) and Tami Harmon-Cates; stepdaughters Dana Berner (Jamie), Dallie Hix, Dani Haggard-Keesee (Jason), and Doni Haggard; grandchildren Trista Martinez, Coyd Cates, Donn Alex Renning, Dylin Moody, George Berner, Kyanne Bellmon, Matti Bozard, Kylinni Hix, Garrett Sweeney, Kindred Sweeney, Kamron Sweeney, and Raelee Wilkerson; great-grandchild Kah’Lani Bellmon; cousin Ernie Harmon; and his faithful dog, Chely.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Peggy Harmon, and his beloved dogs, Nixon and Tigger.

A celebration of Bobbie Don’s life will be held Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Sunland Park Race Track following the last race, where friends, family, and members of the racing community are invited to gather and honor his life and legacy.

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