Sunland Park horses earn honors

A pair of horses who I have followed closely over the years recently earned top honors by the American Quarter Horse Association.

First Moonflash was named champion aged stallion, while Gone To The Mountain was named champion distance horse.

First Moonflash was very good in his career, he's now retired. He won 7 of 8 in his championship season, including the Jess Burner Memorial and the Championship at Sunland Park. First Moonflash simply got better and better with each showing.

Gone To the Mountain was oh so consistent in 2009 and earned more than $175,000. Gone To The Mountain won five of six starts and is always a dependable horse.

Just had to add that trainer Paul Jones won his eighth straight training honor. Not bad considering there are so many good trainers out there. Jones is consistently strong each year and his horses are a force at several tracks around the nation.

- Felix