Ruidoso Downs has released its stakes schedule for its 2011 summer meet, which runs May 27-September 5.

As always, the highlight of the 60-day season will be the Grade 1, 440-yard All American Futurity on closing day. American Quarter Horse racing's richest and most prestigious race, the All American will this year be worth a stakes-record $2.4 million, with a winner's share an all-time industry record $1.2 million.

Ruidoso's opening-day program will be dedicated to Ruidoso Futurity (G1) trials. The 10 fastest qualifiers will meet in the 350-yard, $500,000 final on June 12.

Other major Quarter Horse stakes include the 400-yard, $600,000-est. Ruidoso Derby (G1) on June 11; the 350-yard, $250,000-est. Mountain Top Futurity (RG2) for New Mexico-breds on June 19; the 440-yard, $850,000-est. Rainbow Derby (G1) on July 23; the 400-yard, $700,000 Rainbow Futurity (G1) on July 24; and the 440-yard, $40,000 All American Gold Cup (G2), and 440-yard, $1.2-million All American Derby (G1) on September 4.

If a horse sweeps the Ruidoso, Rainbow, and All American futurities, its connections would win the $4-million All American Triple Crown Bonus, the richest bonus in Quarter Horse racing.

Also, New Mexico-breds will take the spotlight during the Zia Festival on July 31. In addition to showcasing the state's best products – including food, wine, and art – the Zia Festival will offer an estimated $1 million in purses to New Mexico-bred Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses.

Ruidoso Downs will race on a Friday-Monday schedule, to accommodate TVG Network full-card telecasts of the track's product on Mondays. The only exception to this schedule is a special Thursday, August 18 program featuring the All American Futurity trials. There will be no live racing on Monday, August 22.

For more information, visit Ruidoso Downs' website at www.ruidownsracing.com.