Dark Nme to get break before Ruidoso series

Dark Nme, who defeated male rivals in the Grade 1, $1.1 million Texas Classic Futurity last Saturday night at Lone Star Park, has been put away for the season and will target the rich derby series next summer at Ruidoso Downs, according to owner Willie Garcia.

Garcia said Dark Nme emerged from the Texas Classic Futurity in excellent condition and on Tuesday was to arrive at his farm in Hebbronville, Texas. It’s located about two hours south of San Antonio.

“She’s coming home and we’ll let her rest two, three months,” Garcia said Tuesday morning. “We built her a beautiful little house. It’s a well-deserved rest. She had a long year and she ran hard this year. It’s just been amazing. We’re just blessed.”

Dark Nme went 8 for 9 in 2023 to emerge as Quarter Horse racing’s probable 2-year-old filly champion. Her wins included the Rainbow Futurity in track-record time in July at Ruidoso Downs. In her lone loss, she was third in the track’s All American Futurity.

Dark Nme is a popular presence on social media – for both her accomplishments and her skunk tail – and Garcia said he gave out 3,000 ball caps during the races Saturday at Lone Star. He brought 82 people for the Texas Classic Futurity – including folks from as far away as Brazil and Seattle, Wash.

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