Mine That Bird to enter Ruidoso Hall of Fame

Mine That Bird, the New Mexico-based runner who won the Kentucky Derby in 2009, will enter the Ruidoso Downs Hall of Fame, the track announced. The date of the ceremony is to be determined.

Ruidoso will open a few weeks earlier this year than in previous years, on May 10. The meet will close as usual on Labor Day, Sept. 2, with the running of the $3 million All American Futurity for Quarter Horses.

Mine That Bird will enter the Hall alongside Harriett Peckham, an owner and breeder; Leo Wood, trainer; and Johnny Cox, jockey. Mine That Bird has helped raise money for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, Wounded Warriors and other charities during his retirement, according to Ruidoso.

The All American is the richest race of the meet and part of a series for 2-year-olds that starts with the $1 million Ruidoso Futurity on June 9 and includes the $1 million Rainbow on July 21. The owner of the horse who can sweep the three races will earn a $2 million bonus from Ruidoso Downs.