News
Miss Roxie Little, Sterlie Bertram Honored With Stakes
by Jada Buchanan
Hoosier Park Racing and Casino is honoring two Quarter Horse legends today in Races 12 and 13 with the first running of the Miss Roxie Little and Sterlie Bertram Memorial Stakes.
Miss Roxie Little, bred by Harry Blake of Arcadia, Ind., won numerous stakes races all across the Midwest. The biggest stakes to her credit was the $10,000 Illinois Breeders’ Futurity at Quad City Downs in 1973. She went on to 27 wins in 48 career starts.
Bertram was a prominent figure in Quarter Horse racing for more than 20 years until his untimely death in 1986 as a result of cancer at the age of 55. Bertram was a horseman that was recognized for his tireless efforts to promote Quarter Horse racing.
Not only did he train several successful horses, Bertram also helped to expand the sport of Quarter Horse Racing throughout the Midwest. It wasn’t enough to simply breed his own winners, but Bertram also enjoyed helping others breed successful Quarter Horses.
“Sterlie’s history in the Quarter Horse racing industry parallels the sport’s activity throughout the Midwest,” said Dean Dillon, publisher of The Sprinter Magazine. “He was a key figure all over this region and a horseman that everyone enjoyed.”
A native of Modoc, Ind., Bertram was a multiple term president of the Indiana Quarter Horse Racing Association. He dedicated his time to make Quarter Horse racing more prominent in the area and was especially proud when races were held in front of large crowds, like those at the Indiana State Fair.
Bertram loved to watch his horses when they were feeling good out in the pasture and would often remark with a broad smile, “Those horses are higher than Georgia pines.” His farm produced some notable horses and studs throughout his time in the sport. He stood Rocket Little, who was one of the first prominent Quarter Horse sires to stand in Indiana. Rock Little sired Miss Roxie Little, who is also being honored today.
Whether it was as a leader promoting the sport he loved or as a breeder of some of the notable horses of his time, Bertram certainly left his mark upon the Quarter Horse racing industry. His sons, Mike and Randy Bertram, his grandchildren and other family members will be in the winner’s circle today to present the trophy to the winner of the first Sterlie Bertram Memorial Stakes.
