Ruidoso Downs: Feature Mr Bojangles pulls surprise in Rainbow Futurity

Feature Mr Bojangles sprung an upset in the Grade 1, $700,000 Rainbow Futurity for Quarter Horses on Sunday, when he powered to a half-length win over The Long Knife in the second leg of the All American Triple Crown at Ruidoso Downs. It was another half-length back in third to Jess Cuervo.

Feature Mr Bojangles paid $20.

Mighty B Valiant, who was the fastest Rainbow qualifier after 22 trials for the race, finished fifth after a less than ideal start Sunday, beaten 1 1/2 lengths as the 4-5 favorite. The All American Futurity, to be run on Labor Day, will close out the Triple Crown series at Ruidoso. Silver For Me won the first leg, the Ruidoso Futurity, but did not qualify for the Rainbow.

Feature Mr Bojangles broke out at the start in the Rainbow, but was quickly corrected by jockey Jacky Martin and picked up steam with each stride. He covered 400 yards on a fast track in 19.60 seconds. Roberto Sanchez trains Feature Mr Bojangles for the partnership of SM Cattle Export Co., of Vinton, La., and Jaime Dominguez of Peyton, Colo.

Feature Mr Bojangles, who was a $16,000 yearling purchase at a select sale at Ruidoso, earned $350,000 for his win Sunday.