The Texas Horse Racing Hall of Fame has announced its 2025 class of inductees, recognizing individuals and horses that have significantly impacted the Texas horse racing industry. This year’s honorees include Larry Craft, Bill Melson, Joe Peacock Sr. and Joe Peacock Jr., Mike Rutherford, and two outstanding racehorses—American Quarter Horse Havanah Goodtime and Thoroughbred Too Much Bling.
The Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Lone Star Park.
“This year’s inductees represent some of the finest Texas horses, breeders, and horsemen,” said Tommy J. Azopardi, Chairman of the Board. “The Texas horse racing industry owes much to these individuals and horses, and we are honored to welcome them into the Hall of Fame.”
2025 Texas Horse Racing Hall of Fame Inductees
Larry Craft
Larry Craft began his career as a licensed trainer before transitioning into a racing official role in 1969. He served as Director of Racing and Racing Secretary at Philadelphia Park, Ak-Sar-Ben, Canterbury Downs, and Oaklawn Park before bringing his expertise to Texas. From 1984 to 2009, he held the same positions at Retama Park and Lone Star Park, making a lasting impact on Texas racing.
Bill Melson
A lifelong horse and cattleman, Bill Melson has been a key figure in the Texas horse racing industry. He served as the President and a Board Member of the Texas Quarter Horse Association while also managing Cox Ranch and Sweetwater Land and Cattle Company. His contributions have helped shape the industry in Texas.
Joe Peacock Sr. and Joe Peacock Jr.
The Peacock family of San Antonio has been involved in breeding and racing horses since 1968. Initially focused on Quarter Horses in the 1960s, they transitioned to Thoroughbred racing in the 1980s. Their greatest achievement came in February 2024, when they won the $20-million G1 Saudi Cup with Senor Buscador, the last horse bred by Joe Peacock Sr. before his passing.
Mike Rutherford
A lifelong horseman, Mike G. Rutherford grew up working cattle and riding horses on his family’s ranch near Austin, Texas. He has been involved in showing, judging, and racing Quarter Horses before moving into Thoroughbred breeding and racing. In addition to his work in the oil and gas industry, Rutherford served as the Vice Chair of the Texas Racing Commission and was a member of the Breeders’ Cup Board of Directors.
2025 Hall of Fame Inductees – Horses
Too Much Bling – Thoroughbred
Trained by Bob Baffert, Too Much Bling was a standout for Robert and Janice McNair’s Stonerside Stable. He retired with a 5-1-2 record from 11 starts and entered stud in 2007 in Florida before relocating to Lane’s End Texas near Hempstead in 2008. In 2016, he was acquired by Valor Farm’s Douglas Scharbauer, where he became one of Texas’ leading sires. Since 2013, Too Much Bling has consistently ranked among the top Texas sires, producing 14 crops.
Havanah Goodtime – Quarter Horse
Foaled in Texas in 2010, Havanah Goodtime was bred and owned by Bobby D. Cox of Fort Worth, Texas. Though she raced only once as a two-year-old, she went on to become a prolific broodmare, producing 13 foals, six of whom were winners. Among her offspring, three were Grade I winners, and one was named Champion 3-Year-Old. A daughter of champion sire Ivory James, Havanah Goodtime was out of Jess Celebrating by Mr. Jess Perry.
