The summer months of 2024 have delivered more to the Riveras than they could have hoped for: win photos, horse sales, new purchases and so much progress on facilities at the ranch. You might be thinking that Andy Rivera is lucky, but he would tell you otherwise: "Blessed, not lucky."
While you're at the track, you're guaranteed to hear the word "luck" thrown around a time or two. Because there are so many variables at play for that quick, sub-20 second sprint, it's hard to believe winning could be anything but luck. However, Andy's perspective of race day performances remains constant; it's all in God's timing.
God's plan was for a Triple R Racing win Saturday, August 4th at Albuquerque. Texas Sky Cartel (Corona Cartel - Little Surfer by First Down Dash), posted the winning time of 17.658 with Francisco Calderon piloting the three year old gelding to his first win. The after-win celebration always includes a nod up: "Blessed, not lucky."
Purchasing a new horse might feel like luck: the right horse, the right price and the right time, but Andy gives his thanks to God for all things. During the month of August, Andy added two 2025 hopefuls to the barn.
First, an Apollitical Blood filly, Gracefulchik. A $50,000 purchase made in partnership with Fermin Gaona, Gracefulchik was bred by Rancho Leon Tres, LLC and consigned by Bielau Oaks. Gracefulchik's dam is the graded stakes mare, Graceful Eagle SI 118. Andy believes this royally bred, bay filly has all the potential to light up the board in 2025.
Second, a partnership purchase of yearling gelding, Luxurie for $300,000 with Rancho El 48, LLC, Ted Rushing & Wallace Lynn Landrum. Sired by Big Daddy Cartel and out of the Champion three-year-old filly, Astica, this MJ Farms bred gelding brings all the genetics and winning looks to be a great blessing on the racetrack.
Improvements at Rivera Farms continue to elevate the aesthetic and quality of the facility. The most recent upgrade is the completion of the stone face on the main barn, highly visible as you enter through the ranch gates. This new barn will provide five star accommodations for the broodmares Andy has carefully selected to build a strong foundation for their breeding program. Andy's continued trust of the process and commitment to the greater vision of Rivera Farms has led to this milestone achievement.
The finale of summer 2024 was the New Mexico Bred Sale, featuring Rivera Farms first consignments of homebred yearlings to a public sale. With support and encouragement from many mentors and veterans in the industry, the hard work and commitment toward sale prep paid off. Day one, Mi Bella Reina (Eye Am King - Mi Bella Beso, Kiss My Hocks) delivered big as the second highest seller, hitting $85,000 when the gavel landed. On day two Averys Big Kiss, a colt by Big Daddy Cartel also out of Mi Bella Beso, hit six digits, selling for $105,000. What a blessing to hit the top during their first visit to the sales ring with Rivera Farms bred horses.
The fall season has a lot to live up to, but Andy and his family are ready for the excitement. They are most looking forward to the New Mexico State Fair derby trials where graded stakes winner, Daddysqueenofalice, will compete for her spot in the finals.
The Riveras have so many things to be grateful for and will remain steady in their moto: Blessed, not lucky.
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