Ruidoso’s All American Could Have 75 Percent Purse Increase

Ruidoso’s All American Could Have 75 Percent Purse Increase:
RUIDOSO DOWNS, New Mexico (February 13, 2012) — Topped by the Grade 1 All American Derby, which is poised to reach a record $2,300,000 purse, this summer’s futurities and derbies at Ruidoso Downs are showing impressive increases through the February 1 sustaining payments and supplemental nominations.
The All American Derby could have a 75-percent purse increase this summer.
It has 190 eligible horses, including a pair of supplemental nominees. A year ago, there were 148 eligible horses on its way to a $1,317,015 purse.
The 2012 All American Derby will be the all-time richest race for three-year-old quarter horses, and three-year-old and older quarter horses.
This year’s Grade 1 Rainbow Derby could have an 11-percent purse increase over last year.
It is projected to reach the $1,000,000 level with 138 eligible sophomores (one supplement), compared to last year when there were 119 eligible horses and the purse nearly reached $900,000.
The June running of the Grade 1 Ruidoso Derby should have a 14-percent purse increase over 2011.
It could hit the $800,000 mark after having a $702,896 purse last year. There are 103 eligible horses (one supplement) compared to 89 horses last year.
Futurities and derbies for New Mexico-breds are also showing increases.
The Zia Derby for quarter horses could be up 24 percent over last year. It is on pace to reach $150,000 with 69 horses (10 supplements) eligible to this year’s running. This compares to 53 eligible horses (four supplements) last year when the purse was $121,219.
The Mountain Top Futurity for thoroughbreds could show a 10-percent increase. It has 55 eligible horses (one supplement) and could reach a $150,000 purse.
The Senor Futurity could be up 34 percent. It may reach the $200,000 mark, compared to last year when the purse was $149,250.
The summer racing season at Ruidoso Downs begins on May 25 and runs through Labor Day with the Grade 1, $2,400,000 All American Futurity, the world’s richest quarter horse race, on closing day.
The basic weekly racing schedule is Friday through Monday with exceptions for the Four of July and All American Futurity trials.
For information, go to www.raceruidoso.com.