2016 Hall of Fame Inductees
Dr. Nat Kieffer
Dr. Nat Kieffer
Dr. Kieffer is a Louisiana native where he attended the University of Southwestern Louisiana, graduating with a Bachelors of Science in General Agriculture in 1952. Dr. Kieffer served 2 years in the Marine Corps as an officer during the Korean war. After returning home Dr. Kieffer entered graduate school receiving a Masters in Animal Breeding. Dr. Kieffer finished off his education with a Doctorate in Animal Breeding at Oklahoma State University. Dr. Kieffer spent the following two decades as a professor at Texas A&M University. Dr. Kieffer has served as Chairman of the Texas Equine Research Advisory Committee and as a Director for the TTA. Dr. Kieffer is an accomplished breeder being credited with such famous horses as Passover who is a former Hall of Fame inductee, Texas Champion Claimer Deviously Fast, and TTA sales Futurity winner Precaution. Dr. Kieffer currently owns and operates Touchstone Farm in College Station, Texas.
First Down Dash
First Down Dash
Owned by the Vessels family and standing stud at the Vessels Stallion Farm in Bonsall, California. First Down Dash sired the earners of over $85 million and 35 champions since his first progeny began racing in 1991. First Down Dash has made an irrefutable impact on the racing industry producing 249 stakes winners and 1,366 1st place racing wins. Six All American Futurity winners have been sired by First Down Dash. On the track First Down Dash won 13 of 15 starts as a two year old under the training of Mike Robbins. Horse Racing’s most prominent sire died on Thanksgiving Day, November 25th 2010 at the Vessels Stallion Farm at the age of 26. First Down Dash was honored and inducted into the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame in 2011.
Hugh Fitzsimons, Jr.
Hugh Fitzsimons, Jr.
Mr. Fitzsimons graduated from Texas Military Institute in 1946 and attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. After graduating from college in 1953 Mr. Fitzsimons began breeding thoroughbreds for racing and polo in 1956 at the San Pedro Ranch in Carrizo Springs, Texas. Mr. Fitzsimons is a former director and life member of the Texas Thoroughbred Breeders Association as well as a member of The Jockey Club, Thoroughbred Club of America, Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, Water Hay Oats Alliance, and the Grayson Jockey Club Foundation-Rokeby Circle. Mr. Fitzsimons served as the President of the Texas Thoroughbred Association from 1997 to 1998 and is also a founding member of the Texas Horse Racing Hall of Fame. Mr. Fitzsimons served as the Chairman for the Texas Racing Commission, Horse Racing Section from 1988 to 1993. Mr. Fitzsimons vast accomplishments and his contributions to Texas horse racing have made him a valued member of the racing community in Texas.
John T. L. Jones
John T. L. Jones
Mr. Jones was a manager and trainer for Walter Merrick of Sayer, Oklahoma, from 1966-1970 during which time a horse he trained won the 1967 Kansas Futurity at Ruidoso Downs. In 1977 Mr. Jones became the owner and manager of Walmac Stud International in Lexington, Kentucky. Mr. Jones is a founder of the Breeder’s Cup and co-owner of Quarter Horse racings all-time leading money earner Ochoa. Mr. Jones served as the vice-chairman for the Kentucky Racing Commission, director of the Association of State Racing Commissioners, Director for the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association, and is a former member of the executive committee of the Texas Horse Racing Association. Currently, Mr. Jones serves as a director emeritus for Walmac Stud.
Jay Pumphrey
Jay Pumphrey
Following his graduation from Texas A&M and his service in World War II Mr. Pumphrey returned home to the family ranch. After managing the family ranch for many years Mr. Pumphrey was offered the opportunity to be the general manager for the S. B. Burnett Estates and the Tom L. Burnett Cattle Company. During his tenure with the Burnett Ranches Mr. Pumphrey became an AQHA Director and was elected the 20th president of the AQHA in 1970 making him the youngest president of the AQHA at the time. Mr. Pumphrey firmly believed that Quarter Horses could be introduced abroad and would garner great interest through educational programs outside of the United States. In 1994 Mr. Pumphrey was inducted into the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame. Before his passing in 2004 Mr. Pumphrey served in many agricultural and veterinary positions due to his professionalism and knowledge of the industry.