On this episode, Host David Flores and Subject Matter Expert Homero Vera dive into the history of Duval County to celebrate the legendary Anastacio B. Saenz—or "Tacho"—and his equine empire at Rancho Mesquite Bonito. Tacho was a true pioneer of the American Quarter Horse, with four of his horses (Ace of Hearts II, Leonell, Little Pancho, and Saenz) listed in the A.Q.H.A. Foundation Sire Registry.1Discover how Mesquite Bonito became a center for high-stakes carreras de caballos (horse races) and international business, attracting Mexican Generals who crossed the border to buy his prized stock. Learn about the sale of the horse Leonell to General Miguel Acosta for a dineral ($1,000) in 1928, and Tacho’s influential sale of Ace of Hearts II to Bill Warren, who would become the first president of the American Quarter Horse Association.

The episode also tracks the family legacía (legacy) back to Tacho’s uncle, Agapito Saenz, who set the stage for racing in the region. Hear the incredible story of Agapito’s 1911 journey to secure a $600 racehorse from Seguin, Texas, which was delivered over 150 miles on foot through the brush country. It’s a nostalgic and proud look at the dedication of the pioneers whose efforts continue to shape the world of racing today.