Local owner aiming for Kentucky Derby

Tom McKenna has had a passion for horse racing since he was a young kid being raised by his grandparents Charles or C.M. as he was called by many and Myrtle Lanier.

Today, the 81-year-old is still going strong in the horse racing business. He has been running horses on the New Mexico circuit, which includes Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino, under the banner of Judge Lanier Racing, which is named after his grandfather. His grandfather, who was a cooporate judge who owned thoroughbreds and quarter horses.

"I love the sport, I have a great passion for the sport," McKenna said. "I grew up galloping horses and being an exercise rider. I just enjoying being around the sport."

On Sunday afternoon, McKenna's horse Conquest Mo Money will try and win the Grade III, 1 and 1/8th miles $800,000 Sunland Derby, a key prep race for the Kentucky Derby worth 50 qualifying points going to the winner. Only three-year-old thoroughbreds run in races such as the Sunland Derby and Kentucky Derby.

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Conquest Mo Money is a perfect three-for-three in his career, all of which have been on the Sunland Park racetrack. Conquest Mo Money will start in the 12 post position, will face 11 rivals and was given morning-line odds of 9-2.

"it's very exciting times and we're real hopeful for Conquest Mo Money.," said the 81-year-old McKenna, who is an Austin High School graduate. "Conquest Mo Money is a strong horse, he's talented and he's very mature, it's like he's eight-year-old. He doesn't like to train but when it comes to the big race, he's delivered each time. We're real happy with how he's done. To have this opportunity to win the Sunland Derby and to even have a chance to go to the Kentucky Derby is a special feeling. Conquest Mo Money has been a great horse for us and our team has been fortunate to have had many great horses."

McKenna also breeds horses on his 1,200 acre McKenna Thoroughbreds Ranch near Taliban in Eastern New Mexico. His wife of 35 years, Sandy McKenna, is also a key component of Judge Lanier Racing. She helps in the day-to-day running of the operations of the horse racing business and has become a great fan of the sport.

"It's truly a team operation and we're grateful for this opportunity," Sandy said. "It's a chance to take on some of the best horses in the nation and a chance to qualify for the Kentucky Derby. It's been a great experience watching Conquest Mo Money because he's such a good horse and he's improved each time he has run."

Judge Lanier Racing has dominated the scene the past few seasons at Sunland Park, where last year they topped the standings with 16 wins from 129 starters and amassing earnings of over $395,000.

Among their stakes winners last season was Rising Giant, winner of the Albert Dominguez Memorial Handicap with trainer Simon Buechler. Judge Lanier also scored a victory with Bold Ego Handicap winner African Rose with trainer Miguel Hernandez. African Rose won the Harry Henson Handicap three straight times in 2013-2015.

Hernandez, a former jockey, is the trainer of Conquest Mo Money and for many of the McKenna's horses.

"Tom gave me a chance to be his trainer and he stuck with me after my injury as a jockey," Hernandez said. "I want to do the very best for Tom. He's a great man To have a horse like Conquest Mo Money is a great experience. He's a wonderful horse who is getting better all the time."

Felix F. Chávez may be reached at 546-6167; fchavez@elpasotimes.com; @Fchavezeptimes on Twitter.

If You Go 

What: 14th running of the Sunland Derby

When: Sunday, March 26

Where: Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino

First Post: 1:30 p.m.

Sunland Derby Post: 5:28 p.m..

Of Note: There will be 10 races and seven of them will be stakes races