Ruidoso preps for All American weekend

Ruidoso Downs in New Mexico is gearing up for its closing weekend, which features the $1.5 million All American Derby on Sunday and the $3 million All American Futurity on Monday. The Quarter Horse classics will be supported by a number of stakes, including some for Thoroughbreds.

“The town goes from about 7,500 in the winter to about 40,000 this weekend,” said Jeff True, president of Ruidoso. “The first Monday in September is our first Saturday in May. The whole town comes together to make this happen.”

The festivities start Friday with a 10-race card and the first of three sessions of the annual Ruidoso select yearling sale of Quarter Horses.

“We’ll sell about 400 head,” True said. “The horses will sell Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night after the races at our sales pavilion.”

The card Saturday comprises 11 races, including a trifecta pool in the fifth to which Ruidoso will add $1,000. “It’s like reducing the takeout, but in a different way,” said True.

The Sunday card features five stakes, led by the All American Derby, which drew champions Flash and Roll and Flying Cowboy 123. Other highlights include the $200,000 All American Gold Cup, which drew Quarter Horse champion Hold Air Hostage.

The Monday card closes out the meet with four stakes led by the All American Futurity. The field of 10, from the rail: Mister Riptide, Passionate Paris, Determined One, Avyator, Lil Miss Sashay, Gonna B Famous, Mr Jess Jenkins, DF Mischevious Jess, My Fast Prize, and Elm Creek Khrome.