Ruidoso Derby: Llano Teller takes home biggest chunk of record $702,650 purse

Llano Teller edged Dominyun by a neck in a spirited running of the richest Ruidoso Quarter Horse Derby in history on Saturday, when the Grade 1 race offered a record purse of $702,650.

Last year, the Ruidoso Derby was worth $569,143.

Llano Teller ($12.20) and Dominyun slugged it out over the 400 yards, with the winner covering the distance in 19.55 seconds. J D Baccarat closed for third, edging fastest qualifier Giorgino in fourth, and favorite Prospect to the Top in fifth.

G.R. Carter Jr. rode Llano Teller for trainer Heath Reed. It was the second Grade 1 win for the horse, who as a 2-year-old took last year’s Remington Park Futurity. Llano Teller races for Reed Land and Cattle and Wootan Racing. He earned $351,449 for the win in the Ruidoso Derby.