Ruidoso Downs 2016 Live Racing Season Begins on May 27
The annual live racing season at Ruidoso Downs gets underway on Friday, May 27. Located in Ruidoso, New Mexico, the racetrack hosts a mixed Thoroughbred- Quarter Horse meet each summer. It culminates on Labor Day Monday with the running of the $3 million All American Futurity (G1) for 2-year-old Quarter Horses.
A very busy opening weekend schedule is set beginning with trials for the Ruidoso Futurity on Friday and Saturday followed by trials for the Ruidoso Derby on Sunday, May 29.
While the All American Futurity is the dream of every Quarter Horse breeder, owner, trainer and jockey, Ruidoso Downs has done an admirable job of creating lucrative purses for the 3-year-olds competing in derbies throughout the summer. They will present three Grade 1 Derbies: the Ruidoso, Rainbow and All American with a combined $4.7 million in purses.
A very busy opening weekend schedule is set beginning with trials for the Ruidoso Futurity on Friday and Saturday followed by trials for the Ruidoso Derby on Sunday, May 29.
While the All American Futurity is the dream of every Quarter Horse breeder, owner, trainer and jockey, Ruidoso Downs has done an admirable job of creating lucrative purses for the 3-year-olds competing in derbies throughout the summer. They will present three Grade 1 Derbies: the Ruidoso, Rainbow and All American with a combined $4.7 million in purses.
Apollitical Blood, winner of the 2015 All American Derby at Ruidoso Downs.
Last year, it was Rancho El Cabresto, Inc.'s Apollitical Blood winning the Grade 1, $2,378,383 All American Derby under rider Eduardo Nicasio. Based on capturing the richest 3-year-old race in 2015, he was named AQHA Champion Three-Year-Old Colt.
Trainers to watch this year at Ruidoso Downs include Paul Jones, Blane Wood, Mike Joiner, Eddie Willis, Toby Keeton and Judd Kearl. Top Quarter Horse rider G. R. Carter retired at the end of 2015, but the jockey colony will be deep throughout the season. Ricky Ramirez, Cody Jensen, Salvador Martinez, Ivan Carnero and Ramon Sanchez will make mulitple visits to the winner's circle.
The complete stakes schedule is available at www.raceruidoso.com. For Twitter followers, be sure to follow the Ruidoso Press Box (@RuiPressBox) for updated trial times and other key updates.
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