Frank Vessels III

The racing world was saddened by news of the death of Frank “Scoop” Vessels III this week.

Vessels, 58, a former president of the American Quarter Horse Association and owner of Vessels Stalion Farm in Bonsall, CA, was killed when his small plane crashed near Burns, OR, on Wednesday, August 11. Also killed was Sam Cannell, 73, a friend and partner with Vessels in the race champion Little Bit Of Baja and the plane’s only passenger.

Vessels’ grandfather, Frank Sr., founded Los Alamitos Race Course in Southern California. His late parents, Frank Jr. and Milly Vessels, established a legendary breeding program at Vessels Stallion Farm with the imported Thoroughbred stallion *Beduino (MEX) and Quarter running champion and leading sire First Down Dash.

Vessels is survived by wife, Bonnie, and sons Bryan, Colt, and Kash; a memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, August 16 at Vessels Stallion Farm.

Waggoner dispersal by court order
Western Bloodstock announced this week the complete dispersal of Waggoner Ranches, by court order, on Saturday, October 30 at DLR Stallion Station in Weatherford, TX.

The dispersal of 220 horses, with the exception of the stallions High Brow Cat and Smart Aristocrat, comes as a result of the divorce proceedings of Jack and Susan Waggoner. All horses, including 60 horses ages three and up, as well as 33 two-year-olds, sell absolute with no reserves.

Waggoner Ranches is the home of High Brow Cat, cutting’s all-time leading sire with offspring earnings of more than $40.9 million. Waggoner Ranches is also the #1 all-time leading breeder of earners of $9 million, and #4 all-time leading owner of earners of $3.8 million.

The sale on October 30 will be preceded on Friday, October 29, by the demonstration of horses at DLR Ranch.

Check back here for details as they become available and visit www.westernbloodstock.com.

Buffalo Ranch Dispersal Sale
Buffalo Ranch is holding a dispersal of breeding and training stock at their Fort Worth facility on Thursday, October 14. The offering includes 1994 Horse of the Year Hicapoo, dam of two $100,000-plus NCHA performers, as well as  Justaswinging Peanut, dam of 2001 NCHA Horse of the Year Justa Smart Peanut, the earner of over $350,000.

Buffalo Ranch, which is changing its focus to stallion management and promotion rather than breeding,  is also home to 2004 NCHA Horse of the Year Laredo Blue.

“This is a calculated and big decision for me,” said Buffalo Ranch owner, Shane Plummer. “But … I am going to be able to focus all of my time and energy on my customer’s foals rather then my own. I will … not be worried about promoting my broodmare band. It is a bright new day for Buffalo Ranch Stallion Station.”