borderland tours

Borderland Tours  was founded in 1980 to provide well-organized tours to premier birding and natural history destinations. Dates are selected when each location is at its seasonal best. Mornings usually begin early to catch peak bird and wildlife activity. Our days are designed to allow ample time for identification, interpretation, education, and especially for your enjoyment. Small group sizes—typically 14 or fewer—enhance our opportunity to both see and appreciate the birds and wildlife, as well as to visit cultural sites. To keep guide-to-participant ratios low, two leaders accompany most groups.

Borderland Tours  chooses accommodations for comfort, cleanliness, and charm. Our hotels, lodges, and restaurants are usually the best in any given location. In foreign countries the food is safe to eat and purified drinking water is always available.

Borderland Tours  naturalist-leaders are experienced guides and teachers with a unique gift for interpreting the living landscape. They know their areas well, not just birds and local culture, but the nuts and bolts of moving our groups from place to place. They enjoy people and they enjoy sharing their knowledge with others. Uppermost in their minds at all times is your welfare and your greater happiness.

The office staff at  Borderland Tours  is small and efficient.  We owe our reputation for perhaps the smoothest logistics and hassle-free tours in the industry to their attention to the smallest details and their concern for each and every participant.

Borderland Tours  seems to attract some of the finest people in the world. Our groups are drawn from all professions, come in all age groups, and reflect every level of birding expertise. We take pride in our ability to accommodate all birders from the newest beginner to the most advanced. We are immeasurably proud that we have long had the highest percentage of repeat tour participants of any tour company in the United States.

If these sound like the sort of trips you enjoy, we invite you to join us in the field!   

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• About Borderland Tours

Small Group Guided Tours

“ There’s so much history to learn about Arizona & Mexico and I love that Borderlandia is working to highlight our shared culture across the borderlands. ” - Alexa

New York Times’ 52 Places to Go in 2023

Walking tour of downtown tucson.

Looking for a private tour? Write us at [email protected]

COVID-19 POLICY: We’ll follow the current government guidelines and requirements in effect at the time of travel.

Mexico Tours

Río Sonora + Ures

Join our intimate group as we travel along the Río Sonora from Banámichi to the old capital of Ures. Along the way, we’ll dive into nature, visit ancient missions, and explore charming riverside towns like Baviácora, Huépac, and Aconchi.

Look into the experience in this video

Dates: September 13 - 16, 2024 (3 nights / 4 days)

Volcanoes and Sea: Rocky Point & El Pinacate Tour

This three-night trip will take you on a journey of discovery and adventure through one of Mexico's most stunning contrasts of natural landscapes.

Look into the experience in this video .

Dates: October 1 - 4, 2024 (3 nights / 4 days)

Álamos Tour - Day of the Dead

You are invited to join us on an unforgettable week-long trip to the Sonoran Dry Tropics in the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains. Centering on the natural and cultural heritage of the colonial community of Alamos, this excursion will explore this unique historical and natural landscape where the Sonoran Desert meets the sub-humid tropical south of Mexico.

Dates: October 30 - November 4, 2024 (5 nights / 6 days)

Look into the experience in this video!

Mexico City Tour - Spring 2025

Mexico City is a symphony for the senses, a world-class travel destination, and now is the time to go. On this week-long intercultural trip, you’ll drink the frothy prehispanic hot chocolate, scale the ancient pyramids of Teotihuacán, and follow in the footsteps of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera in Coyoacán. Setting this trip apart, we will travel around la Ciudad de México with locals, offering guests a one-of-a-kind perspective on contemporary life in this big city.

Dates: April 23 - 28, 2025 (5 nights / 6 days)

Save your place now with a $500 deposit!

Arizona Tours

Tucson Origins Tour

Learn about the origins of one of the most important cities of the American Southwest, on this walking tour of downtown Tucson. Visiting downtown Tucson’s El Presidio and the Barrio Viejo districts, we will explore the history and architecture of the community through the themes of the Native American, Spanish colonial, Mexican and American Territorial eras, and also explain Tucson’s UNESCO designation as City of Gastronomy. This is an opportunity to discover what makes Tucson such a unique and special place that forms part of the tapestry that is America.

Tubac’s Heritage Tour

This is a walking tour of Tubac by a local which is located in Arizona’s Santa Cruz County. Tubac originally emerged as a village of the Tohono O’Odham and is the site of the oldest European settlement in what is now the state of Arizona, founded in 1752. The itinerary is divided into 4 themes, including a background & interpretation of Tubac’s geography, historical and natural resources as well contemporary life.

Tumacácori Mission Tour

This is a private tour of Tumacácori National Historical Park by a former NPS ranger who worked at the mission in historic preservation and heritage interpretation. The park protects one of the most special places in Arizona for understanding the state's vibrant natural and cultural landscapes.

Nogales Tour: Past & Present

Demystifying Nogales and deconstructing the myths of the border are the purposes of this trek. Discover the geographic importance and biculturalism of the border community during this visit to the Arizona (US) half of Ambos Nogales. The itinerary explores the heritage behind the commercial and migration crossroads and offers interpretation of the contemporary challenges at diverse reference points within the cityscape.

Let’s have fun and build understanding together.

Get to know your guides., have a question about borderlandia’s tours & trips write to us at: [email protected], ¿tiene preguntas sobre nuestros recorridos y viajes escríbanos a: [email protected].

Tours with Tastes & Tales

The Borderlands are one of the most rural, distinctive, and historically cultural regions in the UK. The history is vast and full of intrigue, the beautiful rolling countryside & coast ruggedly picturesque and the stories & legends of the past interwoven into the present day.

Borderland Tours will take guests on a journey of discovery through North Northumberland on the English side & the Eastern Scottish Borders on the Scottish side and feature a wonderfully unique opportunity to taste, learn and explore the best of the Borderlands.

Fabulous local produce will be sampled throughout the tours with accompanying history, sightseeing, local information and facts told by the people who know it best, local Borderland folk.

A selection of informal, small group (maximum of 15) guided day tours will be offered April-November 2024.

Website will be live & bookings taken from February 2024. To get in touch email [email protected] .

Cross Border Tours

Nonprofit BCA offers cross-border intercultural experiences from Arizona into Sonora, Mexico and beyond for anyone interested in learning first-hand about the diverse heritage and realities of contemporary life in the shared border region.

Why take a Cross Border Tour?

Border Community Alliance is dedicated to championing public literacy in current borderlands issues, anthropology, economics, history and geography - taking those subjects and learning in the field - rather than dusty libraries and classrooms.  This is in fulfillment of the nonprofit's mission of education and in affirmation that context is vital to understanding.

Since 2010 many people have learned first-hand about the dynamics of the borderlands by taking a BCA Cross Border Tour. After going on one of our tours, Dan Shearer, editor of the Green Valley News wrote, “…it changed my whole perspective on the border and our relationship with Mexico!” BCA’s cross border tour program has been also privileged to have been featured in the New York Times .

Consider joining us for one of our other cultural exchange excursions listed below. Check the schedule and register online through our secure website.  In recognizing BCA’s commitment to fostering international community, please know that part of the proceeds from your registration go directly to grassroots civil society projects in the BCA/FESAC network. Learn more.  

Please remember to bring your passport.

A Day in Mexico

Day tours typically begin with an orientation where you will have a chance to meet your fellow travelers and gain some context on Mexico. To provide an intimate and safe experience, groups are limited in size, traveling together in transportation with a professional driver and your guides. Your tour registration fee includes transportation, lunch, expert guidance, and tax. Returning to the US, participants often recognize and reflect on the significant intercultural learning experience. Schedules vary but most tours start at 9:00 in Tubac and Nogales, AZ, returning to those communities between 5:00 and 5:30 pm.

What to wear and bring

Please remember to bring your valid passport!

An eco-friendly reusable bottle of cold water, sunscreen, and/or hat.

While there is not a lot of walking, we suggest comfortable shoes.

Long pants or slacks are ideal for both men and women, especially if missions or churches are to be visited.

For additional information, please see: Frequently Asked Questions

Membership and support of nonprofit BCA also entitle members to special rates for tours and programming.

Borderland State Park

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

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Borderland State Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Sun - Sat 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
• (3.95 mi) Hampton Inn & Suites Foxborough -Mansfield
• (6.09 mi) Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Boston Walpole
• (5.70 mi) Hilton Garden Inn Foxborough Patriot Place
• (6.33 mi) Normandy Farms Family Camping Resort
• (6.02 mi) Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Mansfield
• (9.20 mi) Vico Ristorante Italiano
• (4.51 mi) Crescent Ridge
• (3.23 mi) The Farmer's Daughter
• (3.45 mi) Maguire's Bar & Grill
• (7.92 mi) Fancy That

May 2, 2024: Borderlands Forum with Atascosa Borderlands

May 3, 2024: humanitarian aid in the borderlands. tour full-waitlist available, may 8, 2024: blfc "mountain time" with renate golden, may 14, 2024: the renaissance of nogales, az, may 16, 2024: ceremonial & sacred plants of border cultures with gary paul nabhan, may 23, 2024: hummingbirds of the borderlands with jeff babson.

Assisting in preserving and interpreting the natural and cultural resources of Borderland State Park

Friends of  

BORDE RLAND

Click the green boxes for more information.

"Courage to act for one's belief is part of your heritage.  Courage comes from faith-in-truth"

-Blanche Ames Ames

Coming Events

Bay circuit trail, park passport, self guided hikes, special events.

Friends of Borderland and the Mass. Department of Conservation and Recreation host a number of special events at Borderland throughout the year. For event information, please visit the   Mass. DCR website   and the Friends’ Facebook page.  The Mass. Department of Conservation and Recreation has a number of self-guided hike brochures for adults and families available both in the Visitor Center and online.  Click here to explore available brochures. DCR’s Park Passport Initiative encourages families to discover the plants and animals, trails, beaches, fields, picnic areas, campgrounds, and fresh air in the more than 450,000 acres of Mass. state parks.   Click here to download your own passport today!  The Bay Circuit Trail, a permanent recreation trail and greenway corridor that stretches 150 miles through 34 towns in Eastern Massachusetts, passes through a significant portion of Borderland State Park. Traversing parts of the trail is a popular activity in all seasons. To learn more, visit the Bay Circuit Trail’s website .

© 2015 by Friends of Borderland, Inc. • 257 Massapoag Avenue • North Easton, MA 02356 • 508-238-6566​

• Volunteer Opportunities
• William O. Hocking, Jr. Memorial Environmental Award
• 3- Floor Ames Mansion Tours
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Stunning Tour

From 169 usd.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Local guide and easy riders

All meals and drinking water

Accommodation in traditional homestays

Quality motorcycles, full-gear protection 

Bungee cords & plastic cover for your bags

Free dorm bed, when arriving and leaving on a night bus

8:30 am - Our team (guide or easy rider) will pick you up at your accommodation

9:00 am - We start the loop. During the journey, we will visit Heaven's Gate. At 1,500 meters above sea level, Quan Ba's Heaven Gate is the first window onto the rock paradise of Dong Van, which can already be glimpsed on the horizon. From this height, you can see the majestic mountains that surround the valley where the Tam Son village is located, covered by clouds and mist. Be it winter or summer, you will most likely have to put on a jacket. It feels so cool! Afterward, we will take an alternative and hidden road to reach the traditional village of Nam Dam , from the Dao ethnic

12:30 pm - We will have lunch in Trang Kim , famous for its handmade rice noodles (with pink color), which are highly appreciated among locals in Ha Giang

1:15 pm - We will continue our journey through Yen Minh's spectacular Cloud Mountains and its beautiful pine forest, on the top of the peaks. You will smell it from miles away! The perfume of the resin of these pines spreads down the road. The forest, which crowns the mountain that precedes the town of Yen Minh , has a magical color that changes according to the season. In spring it’s carpeted by beautiful pinky and purple flowers from buckwheat. Afterward, we will pass Yen Minh town and enjoy the breathtaking Tham Ma Pass, a must-stop in the Loop

3:00 pm - We will spend time visiting the ancient town of Pho Cao , the first step into the Dong Van Karst Plateau . Built-in the last century, and one of the most important villages by then, Pho Cao still retains the wild and rustic features of an ancient village. The old houses, with yellow walls and stone fences, and almost no windows, keep the house warm during winter and cool in summer. The village, with around 5000 inhabitants, is almost all of the Hmong ethnic. The surroundings were widely used during the French occupation as opium fields . This is the reason why houses have better structure and characteristic elements related to that period (like opium flower-shaped sculptures).

4:00 pm - We will admire the beauty of Pho Bang town, once the capital of Dong Van district. Still inhabited by Chinese (Han) descendants, as it's very close to the border with China. Its clay-made houses are over 100 years old, with wooden doors and old parallel sentences in Chinese scripts, brown moss walls, or yin-yang roof tile. Its people are engaged in agricultural products and small trading, thanks to being five minutes from the border with China. Lately, villagers have also been encouraged to raise roses, and when they blossom, it all gets covered by a colorful flowered carpet.

5:00 pm - Quick visit to see the brand new Trump-style fence built last year, which separates now China from Vietnam. Before that, ethnics used to cross informally without any papers.

6:00 pm - We will enjoy the sunset in the road that leads to the cultural village of Lao Sa , which is practically hanging from a cliff. A part of the stunning views, reaching this hilly terrain will allow you to see a Hmong community village that, apart from agriculture, lives off silver casting. Very famous in the whole district, its families have been producing rings, necklaces, and bracelets for more than a hundred years. Shaped like flowers and butterflies, they even add bells, making tinkles with every step women take.

7:00 pm - We will share a dinner with Vang Hong's family, in Nhà Co Lao Sa, whose family has lived there for many generations. After that, we will have time to relax, read, be around the fire, and have some locally made drinks, such as corn and rice wine.

8:30 am - Breakfast time in Lao Sa

9:00 am - We start again to admire an unspoiled palace from the Hmong ethnic. Few people know about it and is only visited by guests of Borderland Tours. Local people say this family was even richer than the Vuong family, the one who built the now famous Hmong King Palace in Sa Phin. Still, nowadays, not much of its history is known, but by its decoration, one can guess that they earn everything from growing opium plants.

12:30 pm - Lunch in Dong Van's Old Quarter . It’s one of the most iconic areas in Dong Van town, surrounded by evergreen valleys and rocky mountains. Most of its 40 houses were built during the French colonization , and some even before (1810.-1820). Their style was inspired by Chinese architecture, with Ying yang roofs, thick walls, and wooden structures made from ironwood. Currently, these houses are being used as small restaurants and shops to cater to travelers. The most famous one is Pho Co Coffee, which belonged to the Luong family, from the Tay ethnicity, and that still retains an impressive ancient beauty.

From 1:30 pm to 5 pm - Visit Ma Pi Leng Pass , translated as Bridge of a Horse’s Nose’ due to its shape. This is, by far, the most impressive mountain pass in Vietnam. 1500 meters high with views of endless limestone mountain ranges and clear skies. Plus, a balcony to Su Tan Canyon, with the Nho Que River on the down part. Then we will cross Meo Vac village and pass incredible sites like the 'M' road, and the French fortress, on the road to Du Gia

5 pm - Arrive in the village of Du Gia , and take a rest to see the rice fields under the light of the sunset

7 pm - Have a traditional dinner together with in the Hoi family homestay.

8:30 am - Breakfast time in Du Gia

9:30 am - Drive through the relaxing villages of Duong Thuong , located in a precious valley, and surrounded by high mountains. Going along its flat road, we will go through corn fields, small villages in the heart of the mountain. Immediately after, we will follow the Mien river Canyon .

2 pm - Lunchtime at PIZZA HERE , including a large pizza and drink for you. You will be craving for it. Here's the menu !

3 pm - Resting time at Field Homestay until the bus time, with accommodation in the dorm

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Ames mansion.

Public Domain

The Borderland Historic District was the 1,200-acre estate of Blanche Ames Ames, a multi-talented inventor who was involved in art, farming, engineering and politics. Blanche Ames' husband, Oakes Ames, came from a wealthy Massachusetts family that owned the Ames Shovel Company. Marrying in 1900, Blanche and Oakes constructed their stone mansion in 1910 and created a system of ponds and dams on their property. Blanche and Oakes, who wanted a fireproof house, became displeased with the work of their architect because of the challenges he faced with their design and engineering requirements. Dismissing the architect, Blanche took over the design and construction management of the mansion and hired the Concrete Engineering Company to draw plans according to her specifications. She also calculated the engineering measurements for the causeways and dams built on the ponds surrounding the mansion.

Once the mansion was completed, Blanche set up a full-size studio on the third floor of the house and maintained a workshop in which she and her brother, Adelbert Ames, developed a scientific color system for mixing paints. She became the sole illustrator of her husband's botanical books, including a seven-volume treatise on orchids. (Oakes was a renowned authority on orchids and taught botany at Harvard from 1900 until his retirement in 1941.) Also interested in farming, Blanche worked with the staff of the Borderland estate and devised plans for developing a larger, more disease-resistant turkey.

Involved in politics, Blanche was the co-founder of the Birth Control League of Massachusetts and the Treasurer of the League of Women Voters from 1915 to 1918. She also gained notoriety for her political cartoons depicting the struggle for women's suffrage. In addition to these many accomplishments, Blanche was an inventor who, in 1939, designed a hexagonal lumber cutter. During World War II she designed, tested and patented a method for ensnaring enemy airplanes in wires hung from balloons. Remaining active her entire life, Blanche received a patent for a water anti-pollution device in 1969, a year before her death.

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Last updated: March 19, 2019

Borderlands Tour 

The Scottish Borders is famous for its castles and its cashmere, for the lovely Tweed valley, medieval abbeys, Sir Walter Scott’s baronial home and the romantic Border Reivers (rustlers). Combine this with a visit to Hadrian’s Wall and Alnwick Castle, (Harry Potter films) … and we have a sensational five day tour!

Included are Flodden battlefield , site of Scotland’s worst defeat, Teviothead where the flamboyant reiver Johnnie Armstrong was hung by his king, luxurious Floors Castle , seat of the Dukes of Roxburgh, and a look at grim Hermitage Castle . You’ll also witness unique and colourful spectacles such as the Hawick Common Riding (dates from 1703).

Each tour is for a maximum of seven people, travelling in a nine-seater minibus. Dates are flexible. The tour can be arranged at any time of year, and can also be adapted if you wish to drive yourself. The following outline assumes an early June trip to coincide with the Hawick Common Riding, but alterbatives can be arranged.

The Eildon Hills from Scott's View

The general outline of the tour is as follows…

After a comfortable night at a chic Edinburgh B&B, your tour guide collects you and you head straight for Peebles, a charming market town on the Tweed, full of small independent shops and, just outside it, Neidpath Castle on its cliff.

Following down the Tweed we stop at Traquair , the oldest inhabited house in Scotland; always a Jacobite house, its ‘Bear Gates’ will remain closed until a Stuart is again on the throne. A little down the river is Abbotsford , the exuberant and fascinating home of Sir Walter Scott. Then to Selkirk and Lochcarron weavers . Next we visit 13th century Melrose Abbey , where the heart of Robert ‘The Bruce’ is buried. 

We reach our St Boswells hotel in good time to settle in, then hear from a local about the ancient and spectacular Common Riding that you’ll see tomorrow.

Hermitage Castle

On Day Two 

We head up to the Common Riding, cameras at the ready. Lunch stop, then on to visit Smailhom , a classic Border tower-house, where Sir Walter Scott played as a boy the fount of his fascination for the tales of the Borders. Fnally, a stop to enjoy ‘Scott’s View’ across the Tweed to the Eildon Hills before returning to our St Boswells hotel.

Hawick Common Riding

Day Three 

First stop of the day is Jedburgh Abbey , the best preserved of all the abbeys despite being so close to the English Border. Then into Liddesdale, pre-eminent in stories of the Border Reivers. Our road takes us by Teviothead where Johnnie Armstrong was hanged, past Hermitage Castle where Mary Queen of Scots scandalously rode to visit the wounded Earl of Bothwell, we cross into England at Kershopefoot, scene of many a bloody ambush of reiving bands and on to Lanercost Priory .

Rewind 1500 years now, and Hadrian’s Wall is in sight. The Roman Army Museum gives a great overview of what the Romans were doing here, then to extraordinary Roman vicus at Vindolanda home to the oldest surviving handwritten documents in Britain.

That night you’re at a 16th century coaching inn by the English River Tyne.

Day Four 

Takes us back up close to the Scottish Border and a look at the site of the Battle of Otterburn, a Scottish victory largely fought out by Douglases and Percys. Then across to Alnwick and the rambling home of both Dumbledore and the Duke of Northumberland. Plenty time here for lunch and exploring this vast castle.

Mid afternoon we head north to Flodden Battlefield and across the Tweed to Coldstream, following the trail of Lord Home, one of the Scottish commanders at Flodden. That night’s hotel is in the market town of Kelso.

Day Five 

Kelso Abbey and Floors Castle  are right on the doorstep so we take a look at those, then up by Greenknowe, an impressive ruined tower-house of the Pringle family. Our last major stop is magnificent Thirlestane Castle , seat of the Dukes of Lauderdale, still occupied by the Maitland family. Then it’s over the watershed to Edinburgh, pausing to see medieval Soutra Aisle on Roman Dere Street on the Lammermuir hills. Stay the night back in our comfortable Edinburgh B&B.

Price, Transport, Guide, Accommodation and Shopping

As an indication, the cost of the tour in 2022 was  GBP £2750 , assuming a minimum of four people. For updated prices, please contact us.

• The tour is priced for people travelling on their own.
• If you are happy to share a room, there is a reduction of GBP £200  per person.
• The tour will be for a maximum of seven people travelling in a nine seater minibus.
• Breakfast is included throughout; lunch is not included.
• Dinner is included on the last night.; at the other stops there is a range of bar meals and more formal options.

What's Included?

• Bed and Breakfast for six nights
• Dinner on the one night
• Tour guide and minibus for five days
• All entry fees
• Talk on the Border Common Ridings
• Visits to Lochcarron Weavers and Johnstons Cashmere.

Not included:

• Lunches, drinks and snacks
• Dinners, except the last night
• Trip insurance.

We ask for a non refundable deposit of GBP £400 per person. The balance is payable thirteen weeks prior to the start of the tour.

Cancellation

We strongly recommend that you take out trip insurance in case of unforeseen circumstances.  Special arrangements for Covid related cancellations on request. Clans and Castles is registered under the official  'Good to Go' scheme . For more details on our terms and conditions please  click here .   

Exchange Rates

We use www.xe.com for our calculations. Please check exchange rates carefully as they fluctuate considerably over time.

If you would like to know more about the trip and discuss dates then please send an email to me, Diana Gray .

Once you are ready to go ahead and book a place, you can pay your non-refundable deposit of GBP £400 below...

Note - please use Ref: 'BORD' when prompted and send us an email with names of all in the group and your selected tour, stating if you would like to share a room.

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Friday 13 September 2024 – Sunday 15 September 2024

Borderland 2024

East Aurora, NY, US

Line-up: The Dip , Cory Wong , and Eggy

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The Dip instills in me an irresistible desire to shake my hips and move my body. From the soulful croon of the lead singer (which is just as good live as in the studio), to the groovy foundation laid down by the bass, …

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Absolute amazing! I couldn't stop smiling one second knowing I was at one of the best gigs I've ever been at with amazing musicians really hope he will come back soon!

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History of Kentucky Derby connects with El Paso: Trish Long

The 150th Run for the Roses is fast approaching, and the 150th Kentucky Derby will be on Saturday, May 4. A search of the archives revealed some El Paso connections to the big race, from a cousin of the derby's originator to legendary jockey Willie Shoemaker.

Cousin Clark father of the Kentucky Derby

Meriweather Lewis Clark Jr. established the Kentucky Derby in 1875 after spending time in Europe studying races and courses there. He named the course Churchill Downs after the family of his mother, Abigail Churchill, who gave him the land on which the course was built.

Clark was the cousin of Gen. William J. Glasgow, the husband of Josephine Magoffin. When he died in 1967, he was the oldest living graduate of West Point at 101. He lived with his wife, Josephine, at her ancestral residence, the Magoffin Home , now a state historic site.

Former El Paso club owner race innovator

According to a May 23, 1974, article : Col. Edward Riley Bradley, born in 1856 at Johnstown, Pa., came to New Mexico with his brother, John, in 1880 to mine at Kingston and Hillsboro. Although they were strong and finely built men, they were too small for the mines, so they turned to gambling under the tutelage of Lottie Dino and her husband, Frank Thurmond, later to become beloved pioneers of Deming.

Bradley came to El Paso in about 1888 with Michael McLean, a former deputy of Bat Masterson's and dealer Del Butterworth. He bought the Cactus Club and renamed it the Bacchus Club. He left El Paso in 1890.

Some of Bradley’s greatest successes came in the Kentucky Derby, a race he dominated in the 1920s and 1930s, winning four times.

Bradley was responsible for many innovations. For one, he had an oculist design a special pair of glasses for one of his racehorses who couldn't see very well. He also designed and installed the first starting gate in 1928 at FairGrounds, a track he then owned in New Orleans. He also invented fiber skull caps for jockeys.

Unlikely winner, Mine That Bird

An article by Felix Chavez in the May 3, 2019, edition of the Times looked back on Mine That Birds’ unlikely derby win:

On the first Saturday in May, the 135th running of the Kentucky Derby turned out to be one of the biggest upsets in the race's history. 

Mine That Bird, who ran twice at Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino — in the Sunland Derby and what was then the Borderland Derby — sprung one of the biggest upsets in Churchill Downs in Louisville's history, winning 50-1 and returning $103.20 on a $2 bet to win. 

Mine That Bird, who won the 1 and 1/4 miles race in 2:02.66, almost didn't run in the Kentucky Derby. He appeared headed to the Lone Star Derby before his owners sent him to Churchill Downs. He traveled to Louisville in a van attached to trainer Chip Woolley’s pickup with a stayover at Lone Star Park. 

The race didn't start well for Mine That Bird, who trailed early — almost 30 lengths at one point on the wet, muddy track. But Mine That Bird made progress under jockey Calvin Borel, and in the final three furlongs, he was so good he passed 18 horses in 21 seconds en route to a near seven-length win. 

From 1929 to 2009, just two geldings won the Kentucky Derby, Mine That Bird and Funny Cide in 2003. In 1913, Donerail won the Derby and returned $184.90 on a $2 bet. Mine That Bird's $103.20 was the most returned since that race. 

Mine That Bird ran second in the Preakness Stakes, behind the great filly Rachel Alexandra, and then third in the Belmont Stakes, the final two legs of the Triple Crown.

2022 stakes, allowance/optional races

El Paso owned Jackie's Warrior, the top male thoroughbred sprinter in 2021, ran in the Grade 1 seven-furlong, $750,000 Churchill Downs Stakes.

Bye Bye Bobby, trained by Sunland Park and Ruidoso Downs-based trainer Todd Fincher, ran in an allowance/optional claiming race at 1 1/16th mile at Churchill Downs.

Legendary jockey Willie Shoemaker born in Fabens

Jockey Willie Shoemaker retired from horse racing on Feb. 3, 1990. Shoemaker was born Aug. 19, 1931, in Fabens and died of natural causes Oct. 12, 2003, in San Marino, California.

Shoemaker rode the Kentucky Derby 24 times and won four: 1955, 1959, 1965, and 1986. His last victory, at age 54, made him the oldest jockey to win the Run for the Roses.

When he retired in 1990, Shoemaker won 8,833 races, including 11 in the Triple Crown series.

The following is from a Dec. 8, 1989 , El Paso Times  interview with Shoemaker by Bill Knight:

Bill Shoemaker, monikered Willie for all those many years, was born in nearby Fabens Aug. 19, 1931, two months premature, weighing only 2 1/2 pounds. The doctor left him on the bed, told his parents he wouldn't survive and walked away.

"But then my grandmother took charge," says the 58-year-old Shoemaker, who will be at Sunland Park Racetrack today and Saturday on his farewell tour.

"She picked me off the bed, wrapped me up warm, turned the oven on low and put me on the stove door to keep me warm. That's a true story."

Shoemaker never grew much. He topped off at 4-foot-11, 98 pounds. He was so small that one trainer didn't believe he could make it as a jockey. He thought Shoemaker was even too small for this profession that caters to the smallest.

He went into the Racing Hall of Fame in 1958.

Trish Long may be reached at [email protected] or 915-546-6179.

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BEIJING (AP) — Chinese media say a tornado has struck southern China’s Guangzhou city during a severe rain and hail storm. There are no immediate reports on the extent of damage or any injuries. The China Meteorological Administration said the tornado hit about 3 p.m. Saturday in Baiyun district in Guangzhou. Videos posted online showed a darkened sky in the mid-afternoon and debris swirling up into the air. Tornado warnings were issued for other parts of the city. Guangzhou is a sprawling metropolis and manufacturing center near Hong Kong. U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen visited the city during an official visit to China earlier in April.

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