Longtime New Mexico owner-breeder Luther Eugene Sanderson, who had been involved in the Thoroughbred industry for more than 50 years, died on April 14. He was 80.

Sanderson owned and managed Sanderson Thoroughbred Racing Farm, which stood such stallions at What Counts, Daytime Dancer, Sleepless Morn, and Pure D’ Dash over the years. He also was the owner of Rainbow Gardens Roller Drome in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Sanderson trained many of his horses. His first winner was Dock O., a 12-year-old maiden winner in 1948. Homebred horses raced include multiple stakes-placed winner Mystic Melissa, Watch Fran, and Dot’s Question. He was named leading owner at the Downs at Albuquerque and Sunray Park in Farmington, New Mexico.

Services for Sanderson were held on April 17. He was buried at Sunset Memorial Park in Albuquerque.