Dowling, Upham honored by Texas Thoroughbred Association

Sue Dowling and Craig Upham of Stoneview Farm were named the Texas Thoroughbred Association’s members of the year during a banquet in June. Mary Ruyle, the organization’s executive director, said they were recognized for the attention they have brought to the Texas breeding program.

Upham is the breeder of half-siblings Texas Chrome, honored as the 2017 Texas-bred of the Year, and Patrona Margarita, the 2017 champion Texas-bred 2-year-old filly for her win in last year’s Grade 2 Pocahontas at Churchill.

Mark Martinez, longtime sponsor of the La Senorita at Retama and a past board member of the TTA, received its lifetime achievement award. Mary Cage, 22, was given the new Rising Star Award, which is “for a relative newcomer who has shown outstanding interest in promotion of the Texas sport,” said Ruyle. Texas resident Cage is an intern with WinStar Farm, said Ruyle.

Also during the banquet, Phil Leckinger was re-elected to a one-year term as president of the TTA.