The American Quarter Horse Racing Journal, November 13, 2008 – AQHA Racing announced the latest recipients of the American Quarter Horse Association’s three annual racing achievement awards this weekend. Ann McGovern received the 2008 Mildred N. Vessels Special Achievement award, John Andreini was presented the 2008 Gordon Crone Special Achievement award, and Jerry Windham is this year’s beneficiary of the AQHA Racing Council Special Recognition award.
Ann McGovern’s name is instantly recognizable to anyone who works in the American Quarter Horse racing industry.
McGovern’s career in horse racing began as the assistant director of public relations and marketing at Louisiana Downs in 1983. In 1988 she accepted a position at Remington Park, where she served as assistant director – and later, director – of operations until 1994, when she became vice president of operations for Sam Houston Race Park. Last year McGovern accepted a position as President and General Manager of Ruidoso Downs Incorporated, where she serves today.
Ann’s experience in track management, racing operations and marketing have made her an ideal choice to help guide the industry. She serves on the AQHA Racing and Public Policy Committees and sat on the Board of Directors for the Houston Equine Research Organization. She’s a director for the Racetrack Chaplaincy of Texas and a regional director for the racetrack Chaplaincy of America. McGovern also has served as secretary and treasurer of the American Quarter Horse Racetrack Association.
The Mildred N. Vessels Special Achievement award is given yearly to an outstanding woman involved in American Quarter Horse racing. The award is voted on by the AQHA Racing Committee.
John Andreini’s name is synonymous with quality racing American Quarter Horses. His peers know him as both a successful businessman and a committed promoter of the breed.
John is a current AQHA Director and racing committee member and a former member of the AQHA Foundation Committee. He has served on the board of directors of the Pacific Coast Quarter Horse Racing Association, National Cutting Horse Association and the Pacific Coast Quarter Horse Association. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger appointed John to the California Horse Racing Board.
From his ranch in central California, John Andreini has produced winners of more than $2.4 million. His homebred accomplishments include Los Alamitos Championship winner Volcom, Firecracker Futurity winner Make A Secret and Southern California Derby winner Deefirst. His horses have been named Racing Champion 2-year-old Filly and Superior Race Horse.
Andreini showcases the versatility of the American Quarter Horse with accomplishments at the arena as well as the track; he’s an accomplished breeder of show and cutting horses. AQHA has presented John with two High-Point Halter Mare awards, a pair of High- Point Junior Halter Mare awards, and a 20-year Cumulative Breeder award.
The Gordon Crone Special Achievement award is given annually to an outstanding man involved in American Quarter Horse racing to recognize his achievement throughout the year. The award is voted on by the AQHA Racing Committee.
Jerry Windham has had tremendous success as both a breeder and an eagle-eyed buyer. He is a five-time winner of the Nutrena Champion Breeder award, producing Vital Sign, Supreme Racehorse Azoom, Texas High-Point 3-year-old Colt Cash Coffer and AQHA Champion Broodmare Illusive Princess. Since 1992 he has bred the winners of $11.3 million.
At the auction house, Jerry had the foresight to purchase Indigo Illusion and Runaway Winner as yearlings. Indigo Illusion was AQHA Champion 2-year-old Filly in 1983 and set three track records, including what was then the fastest ever 440-yard time by a 2-year-old. Runaway Winner took the Grade 1 Kindergarten Futurity, among others, and has sired the winners of $13.5 million.
Windham’s tireless efforts were instrumental in the creation of the Bank of America Racing Challenge program back in 1993. His efforts in his home state helped establish pari-mutuel wagering in Texas in 1986.
Jerry received the Gordon Crone Special Achievement award in 2005.
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