Peppers Pride established an all-time Thoroughbred record of 17 consecutive wins on Saturday, October 4, when she won a 6-furlong allowance race at at Zia Park, Hobbs, NM, as the 1 to 5 favorite. She had tied the previous record of 16 (shared by Triple Crown winner Citation, two-time Horse of the Year Cigar, and stakes winners Mr Frisky and Hallowed Dreams) in a handicap at SunRay Park on April 26.

“We just tried to get away well and then stalked the two speed horses,” said rider Carlos Madiera, who let Peppers Pride run past the two pacesetters on the turn. She cruised under the wire with a one-and-three-quarter length victory in 1:10 1/5.

Racing exclusively in New Mexico against state-bred females, the 5-year-old daughter of Desert Gold has earned nearly $900,000. “We’re especially happy for the state of New Mexico and New Mexico racing,” said owner Joe Allen, Abilene, TX,  “Joel (Marr, trainer) and his crew, and Carlos have done a great, great job.”

After winning the Foutz Dash at SunRay Park on April 26, Peppers Pride cooled her heels at Ruidoso Downs, where remnants of Hurricane Dolly forced cancellation of her next scheduled race, the Lincoln Handicap. Although the Lincoln was rescheduled for August 31 and Peppers Pride was entered, Marr decided to scratch her because of the sloppy racing surface, and the five-month layout gave him some concern coming into the allowance at Hobbs.

“I know she is a naturally fit individual and always gives her best,” he said. “It was the mental issue I was worried about.”

“We’ll take it one race at a time, but the New Mexico Cup should be our next stop,” Marr added, referring to the New Mexico Cup Filly and Mare Championship on November 9 at Zia Park.

Madiera has been on Peppers Pride for every stride of her record-setting journey, which spans four racing seasons. “This is a thrill I can’t explain,” he said in the winner’s circle. “I’m still numb.”