PLEASANTON, Calif. - World champion mule Black Ruby suffered one of the worst losses in her career when she ran third behind Sarah Nelson and Smoking Joe in the $10,250 Pleasanton Mule Championship Stakes at the Alameda County Fair on Sunday. Sarah Nelson ($4.40) was the second choice in the wagering behind even-money favorite Black Ruby in the 400-yard race. She broke on top and led all the way, beating Smoking Joe by one-half length. Smoking Joe, a 4-year-old like the winner, was 1 1/2 lengths in front of the 11-year-old Black Ruby, who was one-half length in front of archrival Taz. It was the first time Black Ruby has run third since 1998 and only the second time she has been worse than second since 1997.