HOBBS, N.M. (AP) -It was an easy win for Peppers Pride. About three lengths, in fact.
With the victory Saturday in a six-furlong allowance race at Zia Park, the New Mexico thoroughbred put herself into the record books. She has now won 17 times in as many starts, setting a modern North American record.
Peppers Pride crossed the line in 1:10.20.
``We just tried to get away well and then stalked the two speed horses,'' said jockey Carlos Madiera, who let the 5-year-old mare run past the two pacesetters on the turn and she cruised from there.
Madiera has been on Peppers Pride for every stride of her record-setting journey spanning four racing seasons.
``This is a thrill I can't explain,'' he said in the winner's circle. ``I'm still numb.''
Before Saturday, Peppers Pride shared the mark of 16 straight victories with Triple Crown winner Citation, two-time Horse of the Year Cigar, Mister Frisky and Hallowed Dreams.
Peppers Pride has won more than $867,000 in her career. Owner Joe Allen, a steak and barbecue restaurateur in Abilene, Texas, estimated she's added about $50,000 under New Mexico breeders incentives.
Peppers Pride may go after her 18th straight win in the $170,000 New Mexico Cup Filly and Mare Championship on Nov. 9 at Zia Park. That stakes is part of the New Mexico Cup racing program with $2 million in purses celebrating New Mexico-bred racing.
``The New Mexico Cup should be our next stop,'' said trainer Joel Marr.
Peppers Pride has raced exclusively in New Mexico against state-bred females.
Peppers Pride had a tumultuous summer at Ruidoso Downs after winning the Foutz Dash at SunRay Park on April 26 to equal the record.
She was entered in the Lincoln Handicap on April 26, but that program was washed away when the remnants of Hurricane Dolly closed Ruidoso Downs for three racing programs.
The Lincoln Handicap was rescheduled for Aug. 31 and Peppers Pride was entered, but Marr scratched her because of a sloppy racing surface. She has never raced on an off track.
