March 16, 2012
A recording-setting All American Derby (G1), with a projected $2.3 million purse, and the $2.4 million All American Futurity (G1) head a record stakes lineup this summer at Ruidoso Downs.
The 440-yard All American Derby on September 2 – the day before Labor Day – will have the largest purse ever for 3-year-old and older Quarter Horses. The 440-yard All American Futurity, on Labor Day, is the world’s richest Quarter Horse race and has the largest purse for any breed of 2-year-old racehorses in North America.
All American Futurity trials are set for Thursday, August 16, and the All American Derby trials are on tap Friday, August 17.
The Rainbow Derby (G1) could become Quarter Horse racing’s newest $1 million race on July 21, up from a $863,543 purse last summer. A year ago there were 119 eligible horses through February 1 and this year there are 138 eligible horses. The $700,000 Rainbow Futurity (G1) will also be held on July 21.
The parade of Grade 1 races starts June 9 with the finals of the $800,000-est. Ruidoso Derby (G1) and the $600,000 Ruidoso Futurity (G1). Those will be purse records for each race. Last year’s Ruidoso Derby had a $702,896 purse and the Ruidoso Futurity has had a $500,000 purse since 2003.
The trials for the Ruidoso Futurity comprise the opening day program on Friday, May 25, and the Ruidoso Derby trials are set for the next day.
Rainbow Futurity trials at 400 yards are on Tuesday, July 3, and the 440-yard Rainbow Derby trials will be contested on Wednesday, July 4.
New Mexico-bred racing is celebrated during the Zia Festival on Sunday, July 29, with the entire program filled with stakes for state-bred Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds. Purses should exceed $1 million for the day’s stakes-filled racing. The basic racing schedule is Friday through Monday weekly, with exceptions around the Fourth of July and the All American Futurity trial and All American Derby racing week. A full racing calendar and stakes schedule is available.Additional news and information is available at www.raceruidoso.com.
See more AQHA Partner benefits