Quarter Horse Executive Jim Smith Dies at Age 51

Jim Smith, the executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Horseman’s Quarter Horse Racing Assn., died Wednesday after a lengthy illness. He was 51.

Smith, of Laguna Beach, held several positions with HQHRA, which conducts quarter horse racing at Los Alamitos. He also was active in Sacramento, dealing with legislation that affected the sport.

Last summer, Smith lobbied for a bill that allowed thoroughbreds to race alongside quarter horses. He also served as president of the California Federation of Race Tracks.