Apollitcal Chad captures Ruidoso Futurity

Apolltical Chad won the Grade 1, $1 million Ruidoso Futurity for Quarter Horses in a photo on Sunday, when he edged A Revenant by a head. It was another neck back in third to Tough to Bee.

The race was the first leg of the annual All American Triple Crown series at Ruidoso Downs in New Mexico. Apolltical Chad is now the lone horse eligible for a $4 million bonus awarded to the connections of the horse who can sweep the track’s three major stakes for 2-year-olds: the Ruidoso Futurity, the $1 million Rainbow Futurity on July 24, and the $3 million All American Futurity on Sept. 5.

Apolltical Chad ($6.80) on Sunday broke out at the start and then was in a drive to the wire. He covered 350 yards on a track rated fast in 17.69 seconds.

Adrian Ramos was aboard the winner for trainer Wes Giles.

Apolltical Chad earned $420,000 for his owners, Nueve Racing. He has now won 2 of 3 starts, with his other win a romping, 2 1/4- length victory in his May 27 trial for the Ruidoso Futurity.

Apolltical Chad is gelding by Apollitical Jess, and the February foal was bred in Oklahoma by Weetona Stanley and William Smith.