Racing News News - New Mexico Horse Breeders' Association

Roll Out The Band Scores in Totah Stakes

Roll Out The Band led at every call en route to a convincing 5 1/4-length victory in Tuesday's $65,000 Totah Stakes (R) for New Mexico-bred 2-year-old colts and geldings at SunRay Park.

Heza Wild Dragon Wins Mountain Top QH Futurity

Second-fastest qualifier Heza Wild Dragon, a sorrel gelding by Genuine Strawfly owned and trained by Kristopher Cordova, got up at the wire to win Saturday's $357,030 Mountain Top Quarter Horse Futurity (R) for New Mexico-bred 2-year-olds at Ruidoso Downs.

Totah Stakes Draws Field of Seven

A field of seven New Mexico-bred 2-year-olds, headed by stakes winner and morning-line favorite Dandy Don Who, has been entered in Tuesday's 4 1/2-furlong, $65,000 Totah Stakes (R) at SunRay Park.

Fastest Qualifier Mitey Moon Draws Post 4 for Mountain Top QH Futurity Final

Mitey Moon, a homebred filly by champion First Moonflash racing for Debra Jean Laney, drew post 4 for Saturday's 350-yard, $356,980 Mountain Top Quarter Horse Futurity (R) for New Mexico-bred 2-year-olds at Ruidoso Downs.

Lady Genius Extends Win Streak in Kendrick Memorial

Sent to post as the 2-5 favorite in the full field of 10, Lady Genius responded with a wire-to-wire, 1 ¼ length victory in Saturday's C.O. “Ken” Kendrick Memorial Stakes (R) for New Mexico-bred 2-year-old fillies at SunRay Park.

Stakes-Placed Vernissage Makes Mountain Top Thoroughbred Futurity Final

Vernissage, a homebred gelding by the Golden Missile stallion Going Wild campaigned by Gary L. Thompson, made the June 22, $167,000 Mountain Top Thoroughbred Futurity (R) for New Mexico-bred 2-year-olds at Ruidoso Downs.

Lady Genius Returns in Kendrick Memorial

Lady Genius, an undefeated stakes-winning daughter of Quinton's Gold, will make her first start in seven weeks in Saturday's 4 1/2-furlong, $65,000 C.O. “Ken” Kendrick Memorial Stakes (R) for 2-year-old fillies at SunRay Park.

Mountain Top Thoroughbred Futurity Trials Draw 25 Entries

A total of 25 New Mexico-bred 2-year-olds, including 14 first-time starters, have been entered in Friday's 5-furlong Mountain Top Thoroughbred Futurity (R) trials at Ruidoso Downs.

Bet on Ballou Extends Win Streak in Jimmy Drake Stakes

Bet On Ballou rallied under jockey Jaime Parga Leos to win Sunday's 400-yard, $65,000 Jimmy Drake Stakes (R) for New Mexico-bred Quarter Horses at SunRay Park.

Full Field Entered in Jimmy Drake Stakes

A full field of 10 New Mexico-bred Quarter Horses has been entered in Sunday's 400-yard, $65,000 Jimmy Drake Stakes (RG3) at SunRay Park.

First Moonflash Filly Is Top Mountain Top Futurity Qualifier

Mitey Moon, a homebred filly by AQHA champion First Moonflash racing for Debra Jean Laney, is the fastest qualifier for the June 15, $356,980 Mountain Top Futurity (R) for New Mexico-bred 2-year-olds at Ruidoso Downs.

Longshot King Of Pop Scores in New Mexico Breeders' Futurity

King Of Pop, a homebred son of Chickie Cherry Cola racing for Verona Vaughn of Edgewood, New Mexico, outran his 13-1 odds to win Sunday's $133,000 New Mexico Breeders' Futurity (RG3) for state-bred 2-year-olds at SunRay Park.

Attila's Hurricane Wins Dine Stakes

Gary L. Thompson's Attila's Hurricane led at every call en route to a 2 3/4-length victory in the 6 1/2-furlong, $65,000 Dine Stakes (R) for New Mexico-bred 3-year-old colts and geldings at SunRay Park on Sunday.

Tyger Teras is Prompt Favorite in Aztec Oaks

Alfredo Juarez Jr. rode favorite Tyger Teras to four-length victory in Saturday's $65,000 Aztec Oaks (R) for New Mexico-bred 3-year-old fillies at SunRay Park.

NM-Bred Stakes Doubleheader Set for Sunday at SunRay Park

SunRay Park in Farmington, New Mexico, will present a New Mexico-bred stakes doubleheader as part of its nine-race program on Sunday. Post time for the first race is set for 1 p.m. (MDT).

Ruidoso Futurity Trials Open 60-Day Meet

A total of 245 2-year-olds have been entered in Friday's Ruidoso Futurity (G1) trials at Ruidoso Downs, as the southern New Mexico track opens its 60-day meet.

Tyger Teras is Morning-Line Favorite in Aztec Oaks

Stakes winner Tyger Teras is the 5-2 morning-line favorite for Saturday's 6 1/2-furlong, $65,000 Aztec Oaks (R) for New Mexico-bred 3-year-old fillies.

Report from May 2013 NM Racing Commission Meeting

The New Mexico Racing Commission held its monthly meeting at its headquarters in Albuquerque on Thursday, May 16.

Jess Rueben James Breaks Maiden in NM Breeders' Stakes

Larry Gamez rode Jess Rueben James to a neck victory in the $65,000 New Mexico Breeders' Stakes (RG3) for state-bred 3-year-old Quarter Horses at SunRay Park on Sunday.

Sandys Jesse Returns in New Mexico Breeders' Stakes

Sandys Jesse, a multiple stakes winning daughter of Jesse James Jr racing for Chin S. Lee, is one of 10 state-bred 3-year-olds entered in Sunday's 400-yard, $65,000 New Mexico Breeders' Stakes (RG3) at SunRay Park.

Filly by Hard Hitting Is Fastest New Mexico Breeders' Futurity Qualifier

AJ Hardwood, a homebred filly by the TR Dasher stallion Hard Hitting racing for John and Anna Romero, is the fastest qualifier for the May 26, $150,000-est. New Mexico Breeders' Futurity (RG3) at SunRay Park.

New Mexico Breeders' Futurity Trials Draw 35 Entries

A total of 35 state-bred 2-year-olds has been entered in Friday's 350-yard New Mexico Breeders' Futurity (RG3) trials at SunRay Park.

Zia Park Stakes Schedule Includes New $300,000 Race for Thoroughbred Fillies

The New Mexico Racing Commission has approved the stakes schedule for Zia Park in Hobbs, which opens its 56-day meet on September 7. Nearly $4 million in stakes purse money will be up for grabs for both Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses at Zia Park. The most noteworthy addition to the stakes schedule is the 1 1/16-mile, $300,000 Zia Park Oaks for 3-year-old fillies, which will be run on November 23 and become the richest-ever Thoroughbred race for fillies or mares in New Mexico.

Report from April 2013 NM Racing Commission Meeting

The New Mexico Racing Commission held its monthly meeting at its headquarters in Albuquerque on Thursday, April 25.

Incoho Tes Scores Upset Victory in Four Corners Senora

Sent to post at odds of nearly 13-1, Incoho Tes sprinted to her first career stakes win in Sunday's 400-yard, $65,000 Four Corners Senora Stakes (RG3) for New Mexico-bred distaffers at SunRay Park.

Former Claimer Groushy Apadana Wins Jack Cole Handicap

A one-time $5,000 claimer, Groushy Apadana scored his second career stakes victory in the 1-mile, $65,000 Jack Cole Handicap (R) for New Mexico-breds at SunRay Park on Saturday.

Sandys Jesse is Morning-Line Choice in Four Corners Senora

Sandys Jesse, a 3-year-old filly by Jesse James Jr racing for Chin S. Lee of xxx, xxxx, is the 3-1 morning-line favorite for Sunday's 400-yard, $65,000 Four Corners Senora Futurity (RG3) for New Mexico-bred distaffers at SunRay Park.

Full Field of 10 Set for Jack Cole Handicap

On Down The Road, a multiple stakes winning 5-year-old gelding racing for Lisa M. Rehburg of Mountain Center, California, heads a full field of 10 in Saturday's 1-mile, $65,000 Jack Cole Handicap (R) for New Mexico-breds at SunRay Park.

Devon's Spirit Rallies to Win Foutz Distaff

A well-timed ride by Duane “Lefty” Sterling helped Devon's Spirit win Saturday's 6 1/2-furlong, $65,000 Russell and Helen Foutz Distaff Handicap (R) for New Mexico-bred fillies and mares at SunRay Park.

Iplaytricks Heads Russell and Helen Foutz Distaff

Iplaytricks, a 5-year-old daughter of Desert God owned by Michael C. Stinson of Fort Worth, Texas, is the morning-line favorite for Saturday's 6 1/2-furlong, $65,000 Russell and Helen Foutz Distaff Handicap (R) for New Mexico-bred fillies and mares at SunRay Park.

Govenor Charlie is Horse of Meet at Sunland Park

Govenor Charlie, a colt by Midnight Lute who is expected to make his next start in the May 4, $2-million Kentucky Derby (G1) at Churchill Downs, was named horse of the meet at Sunland Park Racetrack, which ended its 76-day season on Tuesday.

SunRay Park Opens 39-Day Meet on Friday

SunRay Park will open its 39-day season with a nine-race program on Friday. Post time for the first race is scheduled for 3 p.m. (MDT). Located in Farmington, New Mexico, in the state's Four Corners region, SunRay Park will present live racing four days a week on a Friday-through-Sunday and Tuesday schedule. First post time will be 3 p.m. (MDT) on Fridays and Tuesdays, and 12:55 p.m. on weekends.

Sandys Jesse is Prompt Favorite in Sunburst Stakes

A sharp break from post 8 helped favorite Sandys Jesse score her second stakes victory in Saturday's $85,000 Sunburst Stakes (R) for New Mexico-bred 3-year-old fillies at Sunland Park.

Lady Genius Scores Wire-to-Wire Victory in Fillies Division of Copper Top Futurity

Carlos Madeira rode Lady Genius to a wire-to-wire, 8 3/4-length win in the $88,389 Copper Top Futurity (R) (fillies division) at Sunland Park on Saturday.

Dandy Don Who Wins Colts and Geldings Division of Copper Top Futurity

Sent to post as the 5-2 second choice, Dandy Don Who responded with a three-quarter length win in the 4 1/2-furlong, $95,126 Copper Top Futurity (R) (colts and geldings division) at Sunland Park on Saturday.

Slew By You Returns in Sunburst Stakes

Graded stakes winner Slew By You will make her return in Saturday's 350-yard, $85,000 Sunburst Stakes (R) for New Mexico-bred 3-year-old fillies at Sunland Park.

Entries Set for Copper Top Futurity

The fields have been set for both divisions of the 4 1/2-furlong, $60,000-added Copper Top Futurity (R) for New Mexico-bred 2-year-olds, both of which will be run on Saturday at Sunland Park.

Moonifisant Breaks Stakes Record in New Mexican Spring Futurity

Fastest qualifier Moonifisant overcame a less-than-perfect start to win the 300-yard, $231,348 New Mexican Spring Futurity (RG2) for state-bred 2-year-olds at Sunland Park on Sunday.

Kia Won Breaks Maiden in New Mexico Spring Fling

L. Salvador Martinez rode Kia Won to the colt's first victory in Saturday's $50,000 New Mexico Spring Fling Stakes (R) for state-bred 2-year-olds at Sunland Park.

Moonifisant Draws Post 6 for New Mexican Spring Futurity

Fastest qualifier and morning-line favorite Moonifisant will break from post 6 in Sunday's 300-yard, $231,438 New Mexican Spring Futurity (RG2) for state-breds at Sunland Park.

Rimein N Singin Tops Field in New Mexican Spring Fling

A full field of 10 state-bred 2-year-olds, plus two also-eligible entries, has been entered back in Saturday's 300-yard, $50,000-added New Mexican Spring Fling Stakes (R) at Sunland Park.

Champion PJ Chick In Black Wins West Texas Derby

PJ Chick In Black, a registered New Mexico-bred filly by Desirio and last year's AQHA champion 2-year-old filly, sprinted to her third graded stakes victory in Saturday's $203,148 West Texas Derby (G3) at Sunland Park.

Govenor Charlie Breaks Track Record in Sunland Derby

Govenor Charlie, a homebred colt by Midnight Lute racing for Mike Pegram, earned his first stakes victory in the 1 1/8-mile, $800,000 Sunland Derby (G3), one of seven stakes run at Sunland Park Racetrack on Sunday.

New Mexico Breds Share Spotlight on Sunland Derby Day

Sunday's 12-race program at Sunland Park will feature nine Triple Crown hopefuls matching strides in the Grade 3, $800,000 Sunland Derby, but New Mexico-bred Thoroughbreds will also share in some of the spotlight.

Shakin It Up is Morning-Line Favorite for Grade 3 Sunland Derby

Shakin It Up, a Midnight Lute colt racing for Mike Pegram and Dennis Cardoza and trained by Bob Baffert, has been made the 5-2 morning-line favorite for Sunday's 1 1/8-mile, $800,000 Sunland Derby (G3) at Sunland Park.

Field Set for Colts and Geldings Division of Copper Top Futurity

Weeping Aly, a homebred gelding by the Horse Chestnut (SAf) stallion Weeping Willow owned and trained by Hermenegildo “Papis” Aldavaz, led at every call to win the second of two Copper Top Futurity (colts and geldings division) trials at Sunland Park on Tuesday.

First-Time Starters Lady Genius, Prides Cousin Make Fillies Division of Copper Top Futurity

A pair of fillies making their first starts, Lady Genius and Prides Cousin, won Copper Top Futurity (fillies division) trials at Sunland Park on Tuesday.

Attitude E Racer Scores in NMSU Handicap

Attitude E Racer collected his fourth career stakes victory in Sunday's $85,000 New Mexico State University Handicap (R) for state-bred Thoroughbreds at Sunland Park.

On Down The Road is Top Weight for NMSU Handicap

On Down The Road will put his three-race win streak on the line in Sunday's $85,000 New Mexico State University Handicap (R) for state-breds at Sunland Park.

Sixes Royal Colt is Fastest NM Spring Futurity Qualifier

Moonifisant, a colt by Sixes Royal and half brother to 2009 AQHA champion aged stallion First Moonflash, is the fastest qualifier for the April 7, $231,306 New Mexican Spring Futurity (RG2) at Sunland Park.

New Mexican Spring Futurity Trials Set for Friday

A total of 91 state-bred 2-year-olds have been entered in Friday's 300-yard New Mexican Spring Futurity (RG2) trials at Sunland Park...

Bet On Ballou Extends Streak in Mesilla Valley Speed Handicap

Bet On Ballou extended his win streak to three in Sunday's 350-yard, $85,000 Mesilla Valley Speed Handicap for New Mexico-breds at Sunland Park.

Lester's Echo Wins Mt. Cristo Rey Handicap

Breaking sharply from post 3, Lester's Echo led at every call en route to a three-quarter victory in Saturday's $85,000 Mt. Cristo Rey Handicap (R) for New Mexico-bred Thoroughbreds at Sunland Park.

NM-Bred PJ Chick In Black is Fastest West Texas Derby Qualifier

PJ Chick In Black, a registered New Mexico-bred filly by Desirio and last year's AQHA champion 2-year-old filly, is the fastest qualifier to this year's 400-yard, $65,000-added West Texas Derby (G3) at Sunland Park.

Fred Hutton Named Director of Racing at Zia Park

Veteran racing official and horseman Fred Hutton has been named director of racing operations at Zia Park, effective March 24.

New Mexico Breds Make Red Cell Sunland Distance Challenge Final

A pair of registered New Mexico breds, KC Royal Flush and I Know Bedarina, will race in the 870-yard, $50,000-added Red Cell Sunland Park Distance Challenge (G3) at Sunland Park on March 31.

Here Kittykittykitty is Morning-Line Choice in Mesilla Valley Speed Handicap

Here Kittykittykitty, a 6-year-old gelding by Genuine Strawfly, will be making his first start in more than seven months in Sunday's 350-yard, $85,000 Mesilla Valley Speed Handicap (RG2) for New Mexico-breds at Sunland Park.

Midnightlowdown Risks Win Streak in Mt. Cristo Rey Handicap

A full field of 10 New Mexico-breds has been entered in Saturday's $85,000 Mt. Cristo Rey Handicap (R) at Sunland Park.

Sunland Park Earns Re-Accrediation from NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance

Sunland Park Racetrack has earned re-accreditation from the National Thoroughbred Racing Association Safety and Integrity Alliance.

Report from February 2013 NM Racing Commission Meeting

The New Mexico Racing Commission held its monthly meeting at its headquarters in Albuquerque on Thursday, February 21.

Longshot Sandys Jesse Scores Upset Victory in NMHBA Stakes

A sharp break from post 9 helped longshot Sandys Jesse earn her first stakes win in the $85,000 New Mexico Horse Breeders' Association Stakes (RG2) for state-bred 3-year-olds at Sunland Park on Sunday.

Hennesey Smash Wins Peppers Pride Handicap

Making her first start at the 1-mile distance, Barbara M. Coleman's Hennesey Smash scored a wire-to-wire, 1 1/4-length victory in Saturday's $85,000 Peppers Pride Handicap (R) for New Mexico-bred fillies and mares at Sunland Park.

Slew By You Puts Win Streak On Line in NMHBA Stakes

Slew By You, a Dash Ta Fame filly racing for Valle Guadiana Corporation, will put her three-race win streak on the line in Sunday's 400-yard, $85,000 New Mexico Horse Breeders' Association Stakes (RG2) at Sunland Park.

Rose's Desert is Morning-Line Choice in Peppers Pride Handicap

Rose's Desert, a homebred 5-year-old daughter of Desert God racing for Joe W. Peacock, is the 2-1 morning-line favorite in Saturday's 1-mile, $85,000 Peppers Pride Handicap (R) for New Mexico-bred distaffers at Sunland Park.

NM-Breds First Corona Call, Rabbit Revival Make West Texas Maturity Final

A pair of registered New Mexico-bred geldings – First Corona Call and Rabbit Revival – made this year's 400-yard, $95,400 West Texas Maturity (G2) final at Sunland Park.

NMHBA Honors Its 2012 State-Bred Champions

The New Mexico Horse Breeders' Association honored its 2012 Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse champions during its Zia Awards Banquet at the Marriott Uptown Hotel in Albuquerque on January 24.

Devons Ca Ching Extends Win Streak in Pepsi Cola Stakes

Ken Tohill rode Devons Ca Ching to a half-length victory in the 6-furlong, $85,000 Pepsi Cola Stakes (R) for New Mexico-bred 3-year-olds at Sunland Park on Saturday.

NMHBA Annual Meeting, Zia Awards Banquet Set for January 24

The New Mexico Horse Breeders' Association's annual meeting and Zia Awards banquet will be held on Thursday, January 24, at the Albuquerque Marriott Hotel at 2101 Louisiana Blvd. NE.

Report from January 2013 NM Racing Commission Meeting

The New Mexico Racing Commission held its first monthly meeting of the new year at its headquarters in Albuquerque on Wednesday, January 16.

Full Field Set for Pepsi Cola Stakes

A full field of 12 New Mexico-bred 3-year-olds, including morning-line favorite Attila's Hurricane, has been entered in Saturday's $85,000 Pepsi Cola Stakes (R) at Sunland Park.

Tyger Teras Scores Upset Victory in La Senora Stakes

Making her first start against stakes company, Jim Nation's Tyger Teras rallied to win Saturday's $85,000 La Senora Stakes (R) for New Mexico-bred 3-year-old fillies at Sunland Park.

Back Seat Roll Makes Sophomore Debut in La Senora Stakes

Back Seat Roll, a homebred daughter of Roll Hennessy Roll racing for J. Kirk and Judy Robison of El Paso, Texas, will make her 3-year-old season debut in Saturday's 6-furlong, $85,000 La Senora Stakes (R) at Sunland Park.

Slew By You Extends Win Streak in Shue Fly Stakes

Ridden by Ramon Sanchez for the first time in a race, Slew By You extended her win streak to three in Saturday's $252,796 Shue Fly Stakes (RG2) for New Mexico-bred 3-year-old Quarter Horses at Sunland Park.

An Absolut Diamond Draws Post 4 for Shue Fly Stakes

Fastest qualifier An Absolut Diamond has drawn post 4 for Saturday's 400-yard, $252,796 Shue Fly Stakes (RG2) for New Mexico-bred 3-year-olds at Sunland Park.

On Down The Road is Prompt Favorite in Dominguez Memorial

Sent to post as the 2-1 favorite, On Down The Road responded with a three-quarter length victory in Sunday's $85,000 Albert Dominguez Memorial Handicap (R) for New Mexico-breds at Sunland Park.

Storms Surprise Scores Upset Victory in Red Hedeman Mile Stakes

Making his first start in two months, Storms Surprise rallied to win the $85,000 Red Hedeman Mile Stakes (R) for 2-year-old New Mexico-breds at Sunland Park on Saturday.

New Mexico-Bred Stakes Winners Entered in Sunland Championship

Two New Mexico-bred multiple stakes winners, First Blazin Love and Miracle Snow, are among the 10 Quarter Horses entered in Sunday's 400-yard, $350,000 Championship at Sunland Park (G1).

Our Choice is Morning-Line Favorite in Dominguez Memorial

Our Choice, a 7-year-old Desert God campaigned by Stable HMA and one of the best claims in the history of New Mexico racing, is the 7-2 morning-line favorite in the 1 1/16-mile, $85,000 Albert Dominguez Memorial Handicap (R) for state-breds at Sunland Park on Sunday.

Overflow Field Entered in Red Hedeman Mile

A field of 12, including two on the also-eligible list, has been entered in Saturday's $85,000-guaranteed Red Hedeman Mile Stakes (R) for New Mexico-bred 2-year-olds at Sunland Park.

New Mexico-Bred Hennesey Smash Scores in Bold Ego Handicap

Hennesey Smash, the lone New Mexico-bred in the eight-horse field, scored a three-quarter length victory in Saturday's $50,000 Bold Ego Handicap for fillies and mares at Sunland Park.

Back Seat Roll Extends Win Streak in Enchantress Stakes

Sent to post as the 1-2 choice, Back Seat Roll responded with a 3 1/2-length victory in Sunday's $85,000 Enchantress Stakes (R) for New Mexico-bred 2-year-old fillies at Sunland Park.

Little Bit Southern Wins Lou Wooten and Sydney Valentini Handicap

Edilberto Estrada's Little Bit Southern scored her third career stakes victory in Sunday's 400-yard, $85,000 Lou Wooten & Sydney Valentini Handicap (RG2) for New Mexico-bred distaffers at Sunland Park.

Rollickin Red Wins Challenger Six Handicap

Rollickin Red led at every call en route to a 3 1/4-length victory in the $85,000 Challenger Six Handicap (R) for New Mexico-bred Quarter Horses at Sunland Park on Saturday.

Ketel Won Gelding is Fastest Shue Fly Qualifier

An Absolut Diamond, a homebred gelding by Ketel Won racing for Sandy Farris, Marc Jungers, and Lisa McMinn, won the last of five Shue Fly Stakes (RG2) trials at Sunland Park on Friday and posted the fastest qualifying time for the January 5 final.

Two New Mexico-bred Stakes Top Sunland Park's Sunday Program

New Mexico-bred Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses will be in the spotlight at Sunland Park Racetrack on Sunday, as the track presents the 400-yard, $85,000 Lou Wooten and Sydney Valentini Handicap (RG2) for Quarter Horses and the 1-mile, $85,000 Enchantress Stakes (R) for 2-year-old Thoroughbred fillies.

Rollickin Red is Morning-Line Favorite for Challenger Six Handicap

Rollickin Red, a multiple stakes winning 4-year-old son of Roll Hennessy Roll (TB), is the 8-5 morning-line choice for Saturday's 870-yard, $85,000 Challenger Six Handicap (R) for New Mexico-breds at Sunland Park.

Shue Fly Trials Draw 47 Entries

Graded stakes winners Rex Hill, Saturday Nite Romeo, and Gonna Cha Cha are among the 47 New Mexico-bred 2-year-olds entered in Friday's 400-yard Shue Fly Stakes (RG2) trials at Sunland Park.

Rose's Desert is Prompt Favorite in NM Racing Commission Handicap

Sent to post as the 3-10 choice, Rose's Desert rallied to win Sunday's 6-furlong, $85,000 New Mexico State Racing Commission Handicap (R) for state-bred distaffers at Sunland Park.

Nuggets Please Springs Upset Victory in Johnie L. Jamison Handicap

Derek Bell rode longshot Nuggets Please to a come-from-behind win in the 6 1/2-furlong, $85,000 Johnie L. Jamison Handicap (R) for New Mexico-breds at Sunland Park.

Rose's Desert Tops Field in NM State Racing Commission Handicap

Joe Peacock's Rose's Desert, a homebred 4-year-old daughter of Desert God, heads the field in Sunday's 6-furlong, $85,000 New Mexico State Racing Commission Handicap (R) for state-bred fillies and mares, one of two New Mexico-bred stakes at Sunland Park on Sunday.

First Blazin Love Wins Jess Burner Memorial Handicap

Breaking sharply from post 4, First Blazin Love sprinted to a wire-to-wire, three-quarter length win in Saturday's $85,000 Jess Burner Memorial Handicap (RG1) for New Mexico-breds at Sunland Park.

Total Handle, Attendance Up at Zia Park

Zia Park in Hobbs ended its 2012 Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse season on December 4, as the track recorded increases in total attendance and wagering handle on its live races.

Miracle Snow is Morning-Line Favorite in Jess Burner Memorial

Miracle Snow will put his two-race winning streak on the line in Saturday's 400-yard, $85,000 Jess Burner Memorial Handicap (RG1), the first stakes race of the 2012-13 Sunland Park season.

Sunland Park Meet Opens Friday

Sunland Park Racetrack opens its 76-day Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse meet with an 11-race program on Friday. Post time for the first race will be 12:25 p.m. (MST).

Longshot Jenson's Miracle Scores in Eddy County Stakes

Jenson's Miracle, a homebred gelding racing for Lucky Six Inc., outran his odds to win Sunday's $125,480 New Mexico Eddy County Stakes (R) for state-bred 2-year-olds at Zia Park.

NMHA, Downs at Albuquerque Reach Agreement on Off-Season Training

An agreement has been reached between the New Mexico Horsemen's Association and The Downs at Albuquerque to allow horsemen to continue to use the racetrack for off-season training.

Thermal Tops Field in Eddy County Stakes

R.D. Hubbard's Thermal, a homebred gelding by Attila's Storm, is the 7-2 morning-line favorite for Sunday's 1-mile, $120,000 New Mexico Eddy County Stakes (R) for state-bred 2-year-olds at Zia Park.

Call Me A Blazn Chic Wins NM Fillies and Mares Championship

Sent to post as the 13-10 favorite, Call Me A Blazn Chic responded with a wire-to-wire, neck victory in Saturday's $149,960 New Mexico Fillies & Mares Championship (RG1) at Zia Park.

NM-Bred Dashin Ace Draws Rail Post for Southwest Juvenile Championship

Dashin Ace, a New Mexico-bred gelding by Dash Ta Fame racing for Derrol Hubbard and Ted Rushing, will break from post 1 in Sunday's 440-yard, $200,000-added Southwest Juvenile Championship (G1) at Zia Park.

Call Me A Blazn Chic is Morning-Line Favorite in NM Fillies and Mares Championship

Three-time graded stakes winner Call Me A Blazn Chic is the 9-5 morning-line choice in Saturday's $140,000-added New Mexico Fillies & Mares Championship (RG1) at Zia Park.

Jockey Ry Eikleberry Earns 1,000th Win

When Michael S. Goldman's One Fine Jewel won the 11th race at Zia Park on Monday, the Desert God gelding gave Ry Eikleberry the jockey's 1,000th career victory.

Report from November 2012 NM Racing Commission Meeting

The New Mexico Racing Commission held its monthly meeting at its headquarters in Albuquerque on Thursday, November 15.

NM-Bred KC Royal Flush Returns in King Rick Rack Stakes

Four New Mexico-breds, including three-time stakes winner KC Royal Flush, have been entered in Sunday's 870-yard, $55,000 King Rick Rack Stakes at Zia Park.

Jockey Alejandro Medellin Wins Seven Races in One Day at Zia Park

Jockey Alejandro Medellin rode a track-record seven winners at Zia Park on Monday. In nine mounts Medellin won the first seven races he rode followed by second- and third-place finishes. His victories came in five Thoroughbred and two Quarter Horse races.

Stel Gone Corona Wins NM Quarter Horse Breeders' Championship

Making his first start at the 440-yard distance, Veronica Ramirez's Stel Gone Corona scored his second career stakes victory in Sunday's $50,000 New Mexico Quarter Horse Breeders' Championship (RG3), the closing-day feature race at The Downs at Albuquerque.

New Mexico QH Breeders' Championship Heads Closing-Day Card at Albuquerque

A total of eight state-bred Quarter Horses, including Eric Strawn's Injun Toole and Lorenzo Cano's Iseeyoustaring, have been entered in Sunday's $50,000 New Mexico Quarter Horse Breeders' Championship (RG3), the feature race on The Downs at Albuquerque's closing-day program.

Trainer Joel Marr Has Big Day at New Mexico Cup

Trainer Joel Marr won three races during Sunday's $1.9-million New Mexico Cup program for state-bred Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses at Zia Park.

New Mexico Cup Races Draw 118 Entries

Rose's Desert, a homebred 4-year-old filly by Desert God racing for Joe Peacock, is one of 118 New Mexico-bred Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses entered on Sunday's $2-million New Mexico Cup program at Zia Park.

Sunland Park Releases $5.25-Million Stakes Schedule

Sunland Park will offer a Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse stakes schedule more than $5.25 million in purses during its 2012-13 meet, which opens December 7.

Indication NM Beats Open Company in Governor's Cup Stakes

Indication NM, a New Mexico-bred gelding by Attila's Storm, scored his first stakes victory in Sunday's $55,090 Governor's Cup Stakes for 2-year-olds at Zia Park.

Cute N Famous, Fysta Post Fastest Trial Times for New Mexico Cup Derby

Cute N Famous and Fysta finished in a dead heat for the win in the last of three 440-yard New Mexico Cup Derby (RG3) trials at Zia Park on Sunday.

ES Dove is Fastest New Mexico Cup Futurity Qualifier

ES Dove, a homebred gelding by Jesse James Jr racing for Shirley Burelsmith, on Saturday won the last of seven New Mexico Cup Futurity (RG2) trials and posted the fastest qualifying time for the $140,000-added final at Zia Park on October 28.

Gonna Cha Cha Tops New Mexico Cup Futurity Trials

A total of 63 state-bred 2-year-olds, including two-time stakes winner Gonna Cha Cha, have been entered in Saturday's 400-yard New Mexico Cup Futurity (RG2) trials at Zia Park.

New Mexico Cup Derby Trials Draw 28 Entries

Call Me A Blazn Chic, a three-time graded stakes winning filly by Chicks A Blazin racing for Javier Marquez's J & M Racing and Farm, drew post 5 in the first of three New Mexico Cup Derby (RG2) trials at Zia Park on Sunday.

Longshot Sapello Cantador Scores First Stakes Win in UNM Handicap

Given a perfectly timed ride by jockey John Rochabrun, longshot Sapello Cantador rallied to win Sunday's 1-mile, $50,000 University of New Mexico Handicap (R) for state-bred Thoroughbreds at The Downs at Albuquerque.

Spinning Touch is Highweight in UNM Handicap

Michael Fuhs' Spinning Touch has been assigned to carry 122 pounds in Sunday's 1-mile, $50,000 University of New Mexico Handicap (R) for state-breds at The Downs at Albuquerque.

Longshots Dominate Sunday's Thoroughbred Stakes at The Downs at Albuquerque

Storms Surprise and Dandy Devona R F outran their long odds to win Sunday's Thoroughbred stakes for New Mexico-bred 2-year-olds at The Downs at Albuquerque.

Zenon's Star Extends Win Streak in NM State Fair Breeders' Stakes

Lester Wright's Zenon's Star extended his win streak to three with a 2 1/4-length victory in the $50,000 New Mexico State Fair Breeders' Stakes (R) for state-bred 3-year-old Thoroughbreds, one of three stakes contested at The Downs at Albuquerque on Saturday.

Key To The Venture Draws Post 9 for George Maloof Futurity

Key To The Venture, a stakes-placed gelding by the Storm Cat stallion Storm Of Goshen racing for Quinn and Kim Jones, drew post 9 for Sunday's $50,000-added George Maloof Futurity (R) for New Mexico-bred 2-year-old colts and geldings at The Downs at Albuquerque. The George Maloof Futurity will be run as the ninth race on The Downs at Albuquerque's 10-race program on Sunday, and it is one of three stakes to be contested at the track that day. The others are the 6-furlong, $50,000-added Dessie & Fern Sawyer Futurity (R) for New Mexico-bred 2-year-old fillies, and the 400-yard, $50,000-added New Mexico State Fair Breeders' Derby (RG3) for state-bred 3-year-old Quarter Horses.

Rex Hill Draws Post 3 for Senor Futurity

Rex Hill, a sorrel colt by Jesse James Jr racing for brothers David Hinkins and Ross Hinkins of Roosevelt, Utah, drew post 3 for Saturday's 400-yard, $50,000-added New Mexico State Fair Senor Futurity (RG3) at The Downs at Albuquerque. The Senor Futurity is one of three stakes for New Mexico-bred horses scheduled for The Downs on Saturday. The others are the 400-yard, $50,000-added New Mexico State Fair Senorita Futurity (RG3), and the 1 1/16-mile, $50,000 New Mexico State Fair Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes (R) for 3-year-olds.

Report from September 2012 New Mexico Racing Commission Meeting

The New Mexico Racing Commission held its monthly meeting at its headquarters in Albuquerque on Thursday, September 13.

One-Time Claimer Groushy Apadana Wins E.T. Springer Stakes

Five Star Racing LLC's Groushy Apadana, a $5,000 claimer as recently as April 17, scored his first stakes victory in Sunday's 7-furlong, $50,000 E.T. Springer Stakes (R) for New Mexico-breds at The Downs at Albuquerque.

My Big Chief is Fastest Qualifier to NM State Fair Breeders' Derby

My Big Chief, a gelding by Get Down Perry owned and trained by Gerardo Cano, won the second of two New Mexico State Fair Breeders' Derby (RG3) trials at The Downs at Albuquerque on Sunday.

Field Set for Dessie and Fern Sawyer Futurity

S. Diana Bringhurst's La Luz is one of 12 New Mexico-bred 2-year-old fillies who qualified to this year's 6-furlong, $50,000-added Dessie & Fern Sawyer Futurity (R) at the Downs at Albuquerque.

Stakes-Placed Key To The Venture, Storms Surprise Make George Maloof Futurity Final

The stakes-placed geldings Key To The Venture and Storms Surprise are among the 12 New Mexico-bred 2-year-old colts and geldings who will race in the September 23, $50,000-added George Maloof Futurity (R) at The Downs at Albuquerque.

E.T. Springer Stakes Draws Six New Mexico-Breds

Franklyn Macaron's Agiba Yulla is one of six New Mexico-breds entered in Sunday's 7-furlong, $50,000 E.T. Springer Stakes (R) at The Downs at Albuquerque.

Smafricate Breaks Maiden in State Fair Senorita Futurity Trials

Smafricate, a gray daughter of the Runaway Winner stallion Streakaway Cash, won the second of three New Mexico State Fair Senorita Futurity (RG3) trials at The Downs at Albuquerque on Friday and is the fastest qualifier to the September 22 final.

Rabbits Rainbow Gelding is Fastest Senor Futurity Qualifier

Balderinas Surprise, a homebred gelding by Rabbits Rainbow racing for Rogers Farms, is the fastest qualifier to the September 22, $50,000-added New Mexico State Fair Senor Futurity (RG3) for state-bred 2-year-old colts and geldings at The Downs at Albuquerque.

Zia Park Opens 2012 Meet on Saturday

Zia Park opens its 54-day season with a 12-race program on Saturday. Post time for the first race will be 12:15 p.m. (MDT). Zia Park's opening day card includes two stakes-quality allowance races for New Mexico-bred Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds.

Two-Time Stakes Winner Osbaldo Tops NM State Fair Breeders' Derby Trials

Osbaldo, a homebred Jesse James Jr colt racing for Hubaldo Solis, is one of 18 3-year-olds entered in Sunday's 400-yard New Mexico State Fair Breeders' Derby (RG3) trials at The Downs at Albuquerque.

Dessie and Fern Sawyer, George Maloof Futurity Trials Set for Saturday

A total of 39 New Mexico-bred 2-year-olds have been entered in the Dessie & Fern Sawyer (R) and George Maloof (R) futurity trials at The Downs at Albuquerque on Saturday.

NM-Bred Gonna Cha Cha Wins All American Juvenile

Cody Wainscott rode Gonna Cha Cha to a neck victory in Monday's 440-yard, $84,000 All American Juvenile Stakes (R) at Ruidoso Downs.

Senorita Futurity Trials Draw 24 Entries

Friday's New Mexico State Fair Senorita Futurity (RG3) trials at The Downs at Albuquerque have drawn 24 state-bred 2-year-old fillies.

Graded Stakes Winner Rex Hill Tops Senor Futurity Trials

Rex Hill, a two-time stakes winner this season, is one of 39 state-bred colts and geldings entered in Friday's New Mexico State Fair Senor Futurity (RG3) trials at The Downs at Albuquerque.

NM-Bred PJ Chick In Black Draws Post 8 For All American Futurity

PJ Chick In Black, a registered New Mexico-bred filly by the Strawfly Special stallion Desirio, drew post 8 in Monday's 440-yard, $2.4-million All American Futurity (G1) at Ruidoso Downs.

Miracle Snow Breaks Stakes Record in Lineage Quarter Horse Championship

Miracle Snow, a homebred 8-year-old gelding by Dean Miracle racing for Melvin and Mary Neugebauer of Manzanola, Colorado, broke the stakes record in Sunday's $50,000 Lineage Quarter Horse Championship (RG3), one of 11 races run on the Lineage Day program for New Mexico-bred Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses at The Downs at Albuquerque.

Lineage Day Races Draw 87 Entries

A total of 87 New Mexico-bred Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses have been entered in the 11 races on Sunday's Lineage Day program at The Downs at Albuquerque.

NM Racing Commission Sets Dates for 2013 Race Meets

The New Mexico Racing Commission on Thursday set the state's racing calendar for 2013.

Report from August 2012 NM Racing Commission Meeting

The New Mexico Racing Commission held its monthly meeting at its headquarters in Albuquerque on Thursday, August 23.

NM-Bred PJ Chick In Black is Fastest All American Futurity Qualifier

PJ Chick In Black kept her perfect record intact following her 5 3/4-length victory in Thursday's All American Futurity (G1) trials at Ruidoso Downs.

Nine New Mexico-Breds Entered in All American Futurity Trials

A total of 257 2-year-olds – including nine registered New Mexico-breds – have been entered in Thursday's 440-yard All American Futurity (G1) trials at Ruidoso Downs. Post time for the first of 26 trials is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. (MDT). The last race has a scheduled post time of 7:05 p.m.

Downs at Albuquerque Meet Opens Friday

The Downs at Albuquerque opens its 54-day season with a 10-race card on Friday. Post time for the first race will be 2:30 p.m. (MDT).

More Than 400 Yearlings, Broodmares Consigned to New Mexico-Bred Sale

A total of 409 horses – 365 yearlings and 44 broodmares – have been consigned to the August 17-18 New Mexico-Bred Yearling Sale at the Ruidoso Downs Sale Pavilion.

Trainer Todd Fincher, Jockey Casey Lambert Have Big Zia Festival Days

Trainer Todd Fincher saddled the winners of four races, three of whom were ridden by jockey Casey Lambert, during Sunday's 11-race Zia Festival program at Ruidoso Downs.

Heza Perfect Storm Breaks Maiden in By By JJ Stakes

Heza Perfect Storm, a homebred gelding by Attila's Storm (TB) racing for David E. Barrett, broke his maiden in Saturday's 400-yard, $20,000 By By JJ Stakes (R) for New Mexico-bred 2-year-olds at Ruidoso Downs.

Lineups Set for Zia Festival Races

A total of 108 New Mexico-bred Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses have been entered in the 11 stakes on Sunday's Zia Festival program at Ruidoso Downs. Post time for the first race is scheduled for 1 p.m. (MDT).

Stakes Winners Thermal, Kiss My Hennessy Make Rio Grande Senor Futurity Final

Stakes winners Thermal and Kiss My Hennessy are among the 10 finalists to the July 29, $172,026 Rio Grande Senor Futurity (R) for New Mexico-bred 2-year-old colts and geldings at Ruidoso Downs.

K.B.'s Princess, Lakehouse Fun Top Senorita Futurity Qualifiers

K.B.'s Princess and Lakehouse Fun, the respective winner and runner-up of the June 16 C.O. “Ken” Kendrick Memorial Stakes (R) at SunRay Park, lead the list of qualifiers to this year's $159,744 Rio Grande Senorita Futurity (R) for New Mexico-bred 2-year-old fillies at Ruidoso Downs.

Caliente Colt Is Fastest Zia Derby Qualifier

Caliente Colt won the last of four Zia Derby (RG3) trials at Ruidoso Downs on Saturday and posted the fastest qualifying time for the $140,142 final on July 29.

Junior June Bug Posts Fastest Zia Futurity Qualifying Time

Richard K. McGehee's Junior June Bug is the fastest qualifier to the July 29 Zia Futurity (RG1) for New Mexico-bred 2-year-olds at Ruidoso Downs.

Fury Of The Storm Tops Zia Derby Trials

Fury Of The Storm, a two-time graded stakes winner this season, is one of 36 New Mexico-bred 3year-olds entered in Saturday's 400-yard Zia Derby (RG3) trials at Ruidoso Downs.

Zia Futurity Trials Draw 87 Entries

A total of 87 New Mexico-bred 2-year-olds have been entered in Friday's 400-yard Zia Futurity (RG1) trials at Ruidoso Downs.

Rio Grande Thoroughbred Futurity Trials Set For Saturday

Saturday's 12-race program at Ruidoso Downs will feature four 5 1/2-furlong trials for both the Rio Grande Senor and Senorita futurities.

New Mexico-Bred CD Riggins Makes Rainbow Derby Final

CD Riggins, a registered New Mexico-bred sorrel colt by Desirio, is the 10th-fastest qualifier for the July 21 Rainbow Derby (G1) at Ruidoso Downs Racetrack.

Rollickin Red Extends Streak in NM Horsemen's Association Handicap

Rollickin Red extended his winning streak to five with his wire-to-wire victory in the 870-yard, $75,000 New Mexico Horsemen's Association Handicap (R) at SunRay Park on Sunday.

Robert Junk Named New Racing Secretary at Sunland Park

Robert Junk will be the racing secretary during the 76-day Sunland Park meet, which opens December 7.

Thermal Rallies to Win Mountain Top Thoroughbred Futurity

Rallying on the rail under jockey Duane Sterling, Thermal won the $134,957 Mountain Top Thoroughbred Futurity (R) for New Mexico-breds at Ruidoso Downs on Saturday.

Gotloveifyouwantit Wins Duke Smith Stakes

A sharp break from post 3 helped Gotloveifyouwantit score her first career stakes win in Saturday's $75,000 Tommy “Duke” Smith Stakes (R) for New Mexico-bred 3-year-old fillies at SunRay Park.

Rollickin Red Risks Win Streak in NMHA Handicap

Rollickin Red will put his four-race win streak on the line in Sunday's 870-yard, $75,000 New Mexico Horsemen's Association Handicap (R) for state-breds at SunRay Park.

Report from June 2012 NM Racing Commission Meeting

The New Mexico Racing Commission held its monthly meeting at its headquarters in Albuquerque on Thursday, June 21.

Kiss My Hennessy Draws Post 7 for Mountain Top Thoroughbred Futurity

Stakes winner Kiss My Hennessy is one of 10 New Mexico-bred 2-year-olds entered in the 5-furlong, $134,957 Mountain Top Thoroughbred Futurity (R) at Ruidoso Downs on Saturday.

Call Me A Blazn Chic is Morning-Line Choice in Duke Smith Stakes

Call Me A Blazn Chic, a daughter of Chicks A Blazin campaigned by Javier Marquez's J & M Racing and Farm in Monahans, Texas, is the 2-1 morning-line favorite in Saturday's 400-yard, $75,000 Tommy “Duke” Smith Stakes (R) for New Mexico-bred 3-year-old fillies at SunRay Park.

Downs at Albuquerque Releases $1.3-Million Stakes Schedule

A total of 34 stakes worth more than $1.3 million will be contested during The Downs at Albuquerque meet, which opens August 10.

Attila's Parting Breaks Maiden in Totah Stakes

A good break from post 5 helped Attila's Parting score his first career victory in Tuesday's $75,000 Totah Stakes (R) for New Mexico-bred 2-year-old colts and geldings.

Leading Sire Chicks A Blazin Dies

Chicks A Blazin, a Grade 1-placed son of Chicks Beduino and one of New Mexico's leading Quarter Horse sires, has been euthanized due to complications from laminitis. He was 19.

Field of Six Set For Totah Stakes

A field of six New Mexico-bred 2-year-old colts and geldings has been entered in Tuesday's 4 1/2-furlong, $75,000 Totah Stakes (R) at SunRay Park.

Junior June Bug Wins Mountain Top QH Futurity

Carlos Madeira rode Junior June Bug to the colt's first stakes victory in Saturday's 350-yard, $296,456 Mountain Top Quarter Horse Futurity (R) for New Mexico-bred 2-year-olds at Ruidoso Downs.

First-Time Starter K B's Princess Wins Kendrick Memorial

Making her career debut, Gary L. Balzano's K B's Princess scored a two-length win in Saturday's $75,000 C.O. “Ken” Kendrick Memorial Stakes (R) for New Mexico-bred 2-year-old fillies at SunRay Park.

Junior June Bug Returns in Mountain Top Futurity Final

Richard K. McGehee's Junior June Bug drew the rail post for Saturday's 350-yard, $296,433 Mountain Top Quarter Horse Futurity (R) at Ruidoso Downs.

Hennessy Road is Morning-Line Favorite in Kendrick Memorial

Hennessy Road, a homebred daughter of Roll Hennessy Roll racing for W. Davis and Lisa Moore, is the 5-2 morning-line choice for Saturday's C.O. “Ken” Kendrick Memorial Stakes (R) for New Mexico-bred 2-year-old fillies at SunRay Park.

One-Time Claimer Klassic Strawfly Scores in Jimmy Drake

Klassic Strawfly, a $12,500 claimer during his 3-year-old season, scored his first career stakes victory in Sunday's $75,000 Jimmy Drake Stakes (RG3) for New Mexico-bred Quarter Horses at SunRay Park.

Kiss My Hennessy Makes Final of Mountain Top Thoroughbred Futurity

Kiss My Hennessy, a stakes-winning gelding by Roll Hennessy Roll racing for Scott Bryant and Joe Dee Brooks, is one of 10 finalists in this year's 5 furlong, $134,657 Mountain Top Thoroughbred Futurity (R) for New Mexico-bred 2-year-olds at Ruidoso Downs.

NM-Bred PJ Chick In Black Wins Grade 1 Ruidoso Futurity

Fourth-fastest qualifier PJ Chick In Black, the lone registered New Mexico-bred in the field, scored her second career stakes victory in Saturday's $600,000 Ruidoso Futurity (G1) at Ruidoso Downs.

Osbaldo Makes Season Debut in Jimmy Drake Stakes

Hubaldo Solis' Osbaldo will make the first start of his 3-year-old campaign in Sunday's 400-yard, $75,000 Jimmy Drake Stakes (RG3) for New Mexico-bred Quarter Horses at SunRay Park.

Mountain Top Thoroughbred Futurity Trials Set For Friday

A total of 25 New Mexico-bred 2-year-olds have been entered in Friday's 5-furlong Mountain Top Thoroughbred Futurity (R) trials at Ruidoso Downs.

Fastest Qualifier Rex Hill Scores in New Mexico Breeders' Futurity

Rex Hill, a sorrel gelding by Jesse James Jr racing for brothers David Hinkins and Ross Hinkins, parlayed a sharp break from post 3 into his second stakes victory in Sunday's $167,700 New Mexico Breeders' Futurity (RG3) at SunRay Park.

Brookstone Bay Filly is Fastest Mountain Top Futurity Finalist

Brookstones Chick, a sorrel daughter of Brookstone Bay owned by Don and Lane Reynolds, is the fastest qualifier for the June 16, $296,432 Mountain Top Quarter Horse Futurity (R) at Ruidoso Downs.

Fastest Qualifier Rex Hill Draws Post 3 for NM Breeders' Futurity

Rex Hill, a sorrel Jesse James Jr colt racing for Utahns David Hinkins and Ross Hinkins, will break from post 3 in Sunday's 350-yard, $167,700 New Mexico Breeders' Futurity (RG3) for state-bred 2-year-olds at SunRay Park.

Mountain Top Futurity Trials Draw 80 2-Year-Olds

Richard K. McGehee's Junior June Bug is one of 80 New Mexico-bred 2-year-olds entered in Friday's Mountain Top Futurity (R) trials at Ruidoso Downs.

Zenon's Star Scores Upset Victory in Dine Stakes

Zenon's Star, a gray or roan gelding racing for Lester Wright, earned his first stakes win in Sunday's $75,000 Dine Stakes (R) for New Mexico-bred 3-year-old colts and geldings at SunRay Park.

Dashkova Rallies to Win Aztec Oaks

Jose Rivera Jr. rode Dashkova to a come-from-behind victory in Saturday's $75,000 Aztec Oaks Stakes (R) for New Mexico-bred 3-year-old fillies at SunRay Park.

Report from May 2012 NM Racing Commission Meeting

The New Mexico Racing Commission held its monthly meeting at its headquarters in Albuquerque on Thursday, May 24.

New Mexico-Bred PJ Chick In Black Makes Ruidoso Futurity Final

PJ Chick In Black, a New Mexico-bred filly by Desirio racing for Fredda Draper and Denny Bowen, is one of 10 finalists in this year's Grade 1, $600,000 Ruidoso Futurity at Ruidoso Downs.

That's Who Risks Win Streak in Dine Stakes

That's Who will put his three-race win streak on the line in Sunday's 6 1/2-furlong, $75,000 Dine Stakes (R) for New Mexico-bred 3-year-old colts and geldings at Sunray Park.

Ruidoso Downs Opens 61-Day Season on Friday

Ruidoso Downs Racetrack opens its summer meet with a 25-race program consisting entirely of Ruidoso Futurity (G1) trials. Post time for the first race is scheduled for 10 a.m. (MDT).

Field of Eight Entered in Aztec Oaks

A field of eight New Mexico-bred 3-year-old fillies, including recent allowance winner Easy Loving Who, has been entered in Saturday's 6 1/2-furlong, $75,000 Aztec Oaks (R) at SunRay Park.

Thoroughbred Stallion Devon Lane Dies

Thoroughbred stallion Devon Lane died on Monday at TNL Farm in Bosque, New Mexico. He was 19.

Fury Of The Storm Wins New Mexico Breeders' Stakes

Esgar Ramirez rode Fury Of The Storm to a neck victory in Sunday's 400-yard, $75,000 New Mexico Breeders' Stakes (RG3) for state-bred 3-year-olds at SunRay Park.

Rex Hill is Fastest New Mexico Breeders' Futurity Qualifier

Rex Hill, a sorrel colt by Jesse James Jr racing for brothers David Hinkins and Ross Hinkins, is the fastest qualifier to this year's $75,000-added New Mexico Breeders' Futurity (RG3) final at SunRay Park.

Fury Of The Storm Draws Outside Post in NM Breeders' Stakes

Graded stakes winner Fury Of The Storm drew post 10 for Sunday's 400-yard, $75,000-added New Mexico Breeders' Stakes (RG2) for state-bred 3-year-olds at SunRay Park.

New Mexico Breeders' Futurity Trials Set for Friday

Gary L. Thompson's Tombstone, a homebred gelding by the Mr Jess Perry stallion Get Down Perry, is one of 38 state-bred 2-year-olds entered in Friday's New Mexico Breeders' Futurity (RG3) trials at SunRay Park.

NM Horsemen's Association Honors its 2011 Award Winners

The New Mexico Horsemen's Association honored its 2011 award winners during its annual banquet at SunRay Park Racetrack and Casino in Farmington on Saturday.

Favorite Little Bit Southern Wins Four Corners Senora Stakes

A sharp break from her rail post helped Little Bit Southern score a neck victory in Sunday's $85,000 Four Corners Senora Stakes (RG3) for New Mexico-bred distaffers at SunRay Park.

Our Choice Extends Win Streak in Jack Cole

Stable HMA's Our Choice ran his winning streak to five with a two-length score in Saturday's 1-mile, $110,000 Jack Cole Handicap (R) for New Mexico-breds at SunRay Park.

Our Choice Puts Win Streak on Line in Jack Cole

Stable HMA's Our Choice will put his four-race winning streak on the line in Saturday's 1-mile, $110,000 Jack Cole Handicap (R) at SunRay Park.

I Am Lesters Gal Wins Foutz Distaff

Laying just off of the pace set by favorite Shemoves, Rita Danley's I Am Lesters Gal scored her second career stakes victory in Saturday's $85,000 Russell and Hellen Foutz Distaff Handicap (R) for New Mexico-bred fillies and mares at SunRay Park.

Sunland Park Meet Posts Increases in Total Handle, Average Daily Purses

Sunland Park Racetrack ended its 54th racing season on Tuesday, recording increases in wagering handle and average daily purse distribution.

SunRay Park Meet Opens Friday

SunRay Park opens its 42-day Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse meet with an 11-race program on Friday. Post time for the first race is 3 p.m. (MDT).

Hennessy Road is Prompt Favorite in Fillies Division of Copper Top Futurity

Casey Lambert rode Hennessy Road to a 3 1/2-length win in Saturday's 4 1/2-furlong, $100,958 Copper Top Futurity (R) for New Mexico-bred 2-year-old fillies at Sunland Park.

Kiss My Hennessy Scores in Colts and Geldings Division of Copper Top Futurity

A $19,000 buy at last year's New Mexico-Bred Yearling Sale, Kiss My Hennessy paid early dividends with a half-length victory in the colts and geldings' division of the Copper Top Futurity (R) for New Mexico-bred 2-year-olds at Sunland Park on Saturday.

Karolina Breaks Maiden in Sunburst Stakes

Karolina, a homebred filly by Desirio racing for Elmer L. Criswell and Fredda Draper, broke her maiden in Saturday's $110,000 Sunburst Stakes (R) for New Mexico-bred 3-year-old fillies at Sunland Park.

Three NM-Bred Stakes Top Sunland Park's Saturday Program

The final weekend of Sunland Park's 77-day meet will feature three stakes races for New Mexico-bred Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses.

PJ Chick In Black Wins Spring Futurity

PJ Chick In Black remained undefeated following her victory in the 300-yard, $251,359 New Mexican Spring Futurity (RG2) at Sunland Park on Sunday.

Rex Hill Breaks Maiden in New Mexican Spring Fling

Rex Hill, a sorrel colt by Jesse James Jr racing for brothers David Hinkins and Ross Hinkins, outran his 8-1 odds to win Saturday's $50,500 New Mexican Spring Fling Stakes (R) for state-bred 2-year-olds at Sunland Park.

Conn Creek Draws Post 4 For New Mexican Spring Futurity

Fastest qualifier and morning-line favorite Conn Creek will break from post 4 in Sunday's 300-yard, $251,333 New Mexican Spring Futurity (RG2) at Sunland Park.

Report from March 2012 NM Racing Commission Meeting

The New Mexico Racing Commission held its monthly meeting at its headquarters in the Mt. Cristo Rey Room at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino on Thursday, March 22.

SunRay Park Releases 2012 Stakes Schedule

SunRay Park Racetrack has announced its Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse stakes schedule for its 42-day meet, which opens April 20.

Daddy Nose Best Rallies to Win Sunland Derby

Daddy Nose Best came from off the pace to win Sunday's Grade 3, $800,000 Sunland Derby in front of a crowd of 18,384 at Sunland Park.

Castaway is Morning-Line Choice in Grade 3, $800,000 Sunland Derby

Castaway, a Kentucky-bred colt by Street Sense trained by Bob Baffert, is the 2-1 morning-line favorite for Sunday's 1 1/8-mile, $800,000 Sunland Derby (G3) at Sunland Park.

Indication N M Tops List of Copper Top Futurity (Colts & Geldings Division) Qualifiers

Indication N M remained undefeated following his half-length victory in the first of three Copper Top Futurity (R) (colts and geldings division) trials at Sunland Park on Tuesday.

Field Set for Fillies Division of Copper Top Futurity

Hennessy Road, a homebred daughter of Roll Hennessy Roll racing for W. Davis and Lisa Moore, is one of 10 finalists in this the fillies division of this year's $75,000-added Copper Top Futurity (R) for New Mexico-breds.

Longshot Daddy O. Survives Inquiry, Scores Upset Victory in NM State University 'Cap

Sent to post at odds of 11-1, Pierre and Leslie Amestoy's Daddy O. rallied to win Sunday's $110,000 New Mexico State University Handicap (R) at Sunland Park.

Copper Top Futurity Trials Set for Tuesday

A total of 44 New Mexico-bred 2-year-olds have been entered in Tuesday's 4 1/2-furlong Copper Top Futurity (R) trials at Sunland Park.

Dash Ta Fame Colt is Fastest Spring Futurity Qualifier

Paul Blanchard's Conn Creek, a sorrel colt by Dash Ta Fame, is the fastest qualifier for this year's $251,333 New Mexican Spring Futurity (RG2) at Sunland Park.

Highweight Brother Louie Draws Outside Post for NM State University 'Cap

Brother Louie, the 121-pound highweight and 3-1 morning-line favorite, drew post 12 for Sunday's $110,000 New Mexico State University Handicap (R) for state-breds at Sunland Park.

Spring Futurity Trials Draw 74 Entries

Friday's 300-yard New Mexican Spring Futurity (RG1) trials at Sunland Park have attracted a total of 74 state-bred 2-year-olds in eight trial heats. Post time for the first heat is...

Here Kittykittykitty is Prompt Favorite in Mesilla Valley Speed 'Cap

A sharp break from post 10 helped Here Kittykittykitty score his fourth career stakes win in Sunday's Mesilla Valley Speed Handicap (RG3) for New Mexico-bred Quarter Horses at Sunland Park. ...

Our Choice Rallies to Win Mt. Cristo Rey

Our Choice was a prompt even-money favorite in Saturday's $110,000 Mt. Cristo Rey Handicap (R) for New Mexico-breds at Sunland Park.

Favorite Here Kittykittykitty Draws Outside Post for Mesilla Valley Speed 'Cap

Morning-line favorite Here Kittykittykitty drew post 10 for Sunday's 350-yard, $110,000 Mesilla Valley Speed Handicap (RG2) for New Mexico-bred Quarter Horses at Sunland Park.

Smash Dancer Tops Field in Mt. Cristo Rey

Smash Dancer, a homebred 5-year-old Robyn Dancer gelding racing for Barbara M. Coleman of Farmington, is the morning-line favorite in Saturday's 4 1/2-furlong, $110,000 Mt. Cristo Rey Handicap (R) for New Mexico-breds at Sunland Park.

NM-Bred First Corona Call Scores in Grade 2 West Texas Maturity

Fifth-fastest qualifier First Corona Call, a homebred 5-year-old gelding racing for Richard R. Shearer of Portales, New Mexico, scored another victory against open company in Saturday's $99,826 West Texas Maturity (G2) at Sunland Park.

Isn't He Clever Wins Borderland Derby

Isn't He Clever, a gelding by Smarty Jones racing for J. Kirk and Judy Robson, scored a decisive victory in Saturday's $150,000 Borderland Derby at Sunland Park.

NM-Bred Filly Easy Loving Who Entered in Island Fashion Stakes

Easy Loving Who, a New Mexico-bred racing for Sam E. Stevens of Lamesa, Texas, is one of nine 3-year-old fillies entered in Sunday's $50,000 Island Fashion Stakes at Sunland Park.

Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino Hosting Fundraiser for Jacky Martin

A fundraiser for injured jockey Jacky Martin is being held at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino through Sunday, February 26.

Fury Of The Storm Wins NMHBA Stakes

Fury Of The Storm earned his first career stakes victory in Sunday's $110,000 New Mexico Horse Breeders' Association Quarter Horse Stakes (RG2) for state-bred sophomores at Sunland Park.

Iplaytricks Scores Upset Victory in Sydney Valentini Handicap

Ken Tohill rode Iplaytricks to a three-quarter length victory in Saturday's 1-mile, $110,000 Sydney Valentini Handicap (R) for New Mexico-bred fillies and mares at Sunland Park.

Full Field Set For NMHBA Quarter Horse Stakes

A full field of 3-year-old Quarter Horses, plus two also-eligibles, has been entered in Sunday's 400-yard, $110,000 New Mexico Horse Breeders' Association Stakes (RG2) at Sunland Park.

Rose's Desert is Morning-Line Favorite in Sydney Valentini

Rose's Desert, a homebred 4-year-old Desert God filly racing for Joe Peacock, is the 5-2 morning-line favorite for Saturday's 1-mile, $110,000 Sydney Valentini Handicap (R) for New Mexico-bred distaffers at Sunland Park.

Grade 3 Sunland Derby Draws 175 Nominations

This year's 1 1/8-mile, $800,000 Sunland Derby (G3) – New Mexico's only graded Thoroughbred stakes – has attracted 175 nominations.

NM-Bred First Corona Call Makes West Texas Maturity Final

First Corona Call, a homebred 5-year-old Southern Corona gelding racing for Richard R. Shearer of Portales, made the final of this year's West Texas Maturity (G2) at Sunland Park.

New Mexico-Bred First Corona Call Entered in West Texas Maturity Trials

First Corona Call, a homebred 5-year-old gelding by Southern Corona racing for Richard R. Shearer, is one of four New Mexico-bred runners entered in Friday's West Texas Maturity (G2) trials at Sunland Park.

NMHBA Honors Its 2011 State-Bred Champions

The New Mexico Horse Breeders' Association honored its 2011 Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse champions during its Zia Awards Banquet at the Marriott Uptown Hotel in Albuquerque on Thursday.

Report from January 2012 NM Racing Commission Meeting

The New Mexico Racing Commission held its first monthly meeting of 2012 at its headquarters in Albuquerque on Wednesday, January 25.

Favored That's Who Scores in Pepsi Cola Stakes

That's Who was a prompt 13-10 favorite in Saturday's $110,000 Pepsi Cola Stakes (R) for New Mexico-bred 3-year-olds at Sunland Park.

That's Who is Morning-Line Favorite in Pepsi Cola Stakes

That's Who, a homebred Quinton's Gold gelding racing for Sam and Latane Stevens, is the 9-5 morning-line choice in Saturday's 6-furlong, $110,000 Pepsi Cola Stakes (R) for New Mexico-bred 3-year-olds at Sunland Park.

Garretsghostlygirl Wins La Senora Stakes

Garretsghostlygirl, a filly by Ghostly Moves campaigned by MJ Racing, led at every call en route to a 3 3/4-length victory in Saturday's 6-furlong La Senora Stakes (R) for New Mexico-bred sophomore fillies at Sunland Park.

NMHBA Annual Meeting, Zia Awards Banquet Set for January 26

The New Mexico Horse Breeders' Association's annual meeting and Zia Awards banquet will be held on Thursday, January 26, at the Albuquerque Marriott Hotel at 2101 Louisiana Blvd. NE.

Whisper's Sister Returns in La Senora

Whisper's Sister, the winner of the $110,000 Enchantress Stakes (R) on December 18, will make her 3-year-old debut in Saturday's 6-furlong, $110,000 La Senora Stakes (R) for New Mexico-bred sophomore fillies at Sunland Park.

First Blazin Love Scores Upset Victory in Shue Fly

Ninth-fastest qualifier First Blazin Love outran his 9-1 odds to win Saturday's $286,364 Shue Fly Stakes (RG2) for New Mexico-bred 3-year-olds at Sunland Park.

Call Me A Blazn Chic Draws Rail Post for Shue Fly

Fastest qualifier Call Me A Blazn Chic has drawn post 1 for Saturday's 400-yard, $286,364 Shue Fly Stakes (RG2) for New Mexico-bred 3-year-olds at Sunland Park.

6-Furlong Track Record Broken at Sunland Park

Ribald, a 7-year-old gelding by Unusual Heat racing for BAM Racing LLC, broke Sunland Park's 6-furlong track record in a $12,000 starter allowance sprint on Tuesday.

Desert Hennessy Extends Win Streak in Dominguez Memorial

Desert Hennessy, a newly turned 4-year-old Desert God gelding racing for Cleber J. Massey, scored his third consecutive victory in Sunday's $110,000 Albert Dominguez Memorial Handicap (R) for New Mexico-breds at Sunland Park.

Favorite Cold Cash 123 Wins Championship at Sunland Park

Cold Cash 123, a homebred 3-year-old gelding racing for T-Bill Stables Inc., put the finishing touches on an outstanding season with a one-length win in Saturday's Grade 1, $350,000 Championship at Sunland Park.

That's Who is Prompt Favorite in Red Hedeman Mile

Sent to post as the 7-5 choice, That's Who scored a three-quarter length victory in Saturday's $110,000 Red Hedeman Mile Stakes (R) for New Mexico-bred 2-year-olds at Sunland Park.

Big Holiday Stakes Weekend on Tap at Sunland Park

Sunland Park's racing schedule during the New Year's weekend holiday features six stakes, including two for New Mexico-bred Thoroughbreds.

Whisper's Sister Rallies to Win Enchantress Stakes

Whisper's Sister outran her 19-1 odds to win the 1-mile, $110,000 Enchantress Stakes (R) for New Mexico-bred 2-year-old fillies at Sunland Park on Sunday.

Little Bit Southern Wins Lou Wooten Handicap

Oscar Rincon rode Little Bit Southern to a 1 1/4-length win in Sunday's 400-yard, $110,000 Lou Wooten Handicap (RG1) for New Mexico-bred fillies and mares at Sunland Park.

KC Royal Flush Scores Upset Victory in Challenger Six

KC Royal Flush, a homebred 4-year-old Sixes Royal gelding racing for Kathryn Maynard and Carla Feerer, rallied to win Saturday's $110,000 Challenger Six Handicap (R) for New Mexico-bred Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds at Sunland Park.

Call Me A Blazn Chic is Fastest Shue Fly Qualifier

Call Me A Blazn Chic, a daughter of Chicks A Blazin racing for J & M Racing and Farm, won the sixth of seven Shue Fly Stakes (RG1) trials at Sunland Park on Friday, and the filly is the fastest qualifier to the $296,332 final on January 7.

Another Big Weekend Coming Up For New Mexico-Breds at Sunland Park

Sunland Park will present three more stakes for New Mexico-breds on its racing programs this weekend, starting with the 870-yard, $110,000 Challenger Six Handicap (R) for Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds on Saturday.

Handle, Purses Increase at Zia Park

Zia Park in Hobbs, New Mexico, posted increases in wagering handle and purses during its 50-day Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse meet, which ran September 10-December 4.

New Mexico Breeders' Futurity Nominations Close January 2

Horsemen are reminded that nominations for the 2012 New Mexico Breeders' Futurity (RG3) at SunRay Park close on Monday, January 2.

Longshot Desert Hennessy Scores in Johnie L. Jamison Handicap

Carlos Madeira rode Desert Hennessy to a one-length win in the $110,000 Johnie L. Jamison Handicap (R) for New Mexico-breds at Sunland Park on Sunday.

Favored Rose's Desert Rallies To Win NM Racing Commission Handicap

Joe Peacock's Rose's Desert unleashed a strong stretch run to win Sunday's 6-furlong, $110,000 New Mexico State Racing Commission Handicap (R) for state-bred fillies and mares at Sunland Park.

Here Kittykittykitty Scores in Jess Burner

A sharp break from post 10 helped Here Kittykittykitty earn a hard-fought wire-to-wire victory in Saturday's $110,000 Jess Burner Memorial Handicap (RG1) for New Mexico-breds at Sunland Park.

Big Weekend On Tap For NM-Breds at Sunland Park

Sunland Park will present three New Mexico-bred stakes – two for Thoroughbreds and one for Quarter Horses – during its racing programs this weekend.

Sunland Park Meet Opens Tuesday

Sunland Park Racetrack opens its 77-day Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse meet on Tuesday. Post time for the first of 11 races is 12:25 p.m. (MST).

E Bar Way Rallies to Win New Mexico Eddy County Stakes

E Bar Way unleashed a strong stretch rally under jockey Duane Sterling to win the $129,860 New Mexico Eddy County Stakes (R) for state-bred 2-year-olds at Zia Park on Sunday.

Report from November 2011 NM Racing Commission Meeting

The New Mexico Racing Commission held its monthly meeting at its headquarters in Albuquerque on Wednesday, November 30.

Snow Regard Pulls Big Upset in NM Quarter Horse Filly & Mare Championship

Snow Regard, the biggest longshot in the field of eight, scored her second career stakes victory in Saturday's New Mexico Quarter Horse Filly and Mare Championship (RG2) for state-bred distaffers at Zia Park.

Jenuine Joy is Favorite in NM Fillies & Mares Championship

Jenuine Joy, a homebred 5-year-old mare by Genuine Strawfly owned by Fredda Draper of Ruidoso Downs, is the 2-1 morning-line favorite for Saturday's 400-yard, $140,000 New Mexico Quarter Horse Fillies & Mares Championship (RG2) for state-bred distaffers at Zia Park.

A First Caller Wins NM Breeders' Quarter Horse Championship

Richard R. Shearer's A First Caller, a homebred 6-year-old gelding by Calligrapher, sprinted to a half-length victory in the 440-yard, $50,000 New Mexico Breeders' Quarter Horse Championship (RG3), as The Downs at Albuquerque ended its 54-day meet on Sunday.

NM Quarter Horse Breeders' Championship Tops Closing-Day Card at Albuquerque

A full field of 10 state-bred Quarter Horses have been entered in Sunday's 440-yard, $50,000 New Mexico Breeders' Quarter Horse Championship (RG3), as the curtain closes on The Downs at Albuquerque's 54-day meet.

Trainers Fincher, Marr Enjoy Big New Mexico Cup Days

Trainers Todd Fincher and Joel Marr each saddled the winners of three Thoroughbred races during Sunday's 11-race New Mexico Cup Day program at Zia Park.

NMHBA Executive Director Davis to Speak at State Equine Summit

New Mexico Horse Breeders' Association executive director Anna Fay Davis will speak during the New Mexico Equine Industry Summit at the Joint Stockmen's Convention, to be held December 3-4 at the Marriott Pyramid North in Albuquerque.

Report from October 2011 NM Racing Commission Meeting

The New Mexico Racing Commission held its monthly meeting at its headquarters in Albuquerque on Thursday, October 27.

Rich New Mexico Cup Races Draw 121 Entries

A total of 121 state-bred Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses have been entered in Sunday's New Mexico Cup races at Zia Park. Eleven stakes will be contested, seven for Thoroughbreds and four for Quarter Horses. Post time for the first race is 12:15 p.m. (MDT).

Quatro Menudos Posts Fastest New Mexico Cup Derby Qualifying Time

Quatro Menudos was a prompt 1-2 favorite in the first of three New Mexico Cup Derby (RG2) trials at Zia Park on Sunday.

Call A Fast Corona is Fastest New Mexico Cup Futurity Qualifier

Call A Fast Corona, a homebred Southern Corona gelding racing for Richard Shearer, won the first of seven trials on Saturday and posted the fastest qualifying time for the October 30 New Mexico Cup Futurity (RG2) at Zia Park.

New Mexico Cup Futurity, Derby Trials Set for This Weekend

The best state-bred 2- and 3-year-old Quarter Horses will be on display this weekend at Zia Park, as the track presents trials for the New Mexico Cup Futurity (RG2) on Saturday and New Mexico Cup Derby (RG2) on Sunday.

Rosa's Catena Scores in UNM Handicap

A $12,500 claim back in July, Rosa's Catena paid big dividends with a wire-to-wire victory in Sunday's 1-mile University of New Mexico Handicap (R) for state-breds at The Downs at Albuquerque.

Report from September 2011 NM Racing Commission Meeting

The New Mexico Racing Commission held its monthly meeting at its headquarters in Albuquerque on Thursday, September 22.

Roll Bloomers Roll Rallies to Win Dessie & Fern Sawyer Futurity

Patiently ridden by Don Frazier, Roll Bloomers Roll rallied to win Sunday's $68,864 Dessie & Fern Sawyer Futurity (R) for New Mexico-bred 2-year-old fillies at The Downs at Albuquerque.

Honshu City Breaks Maiden in George Maloof Futurity

Racing for Suzanne Byrd, who also trains the dark bay or brown colt by Fusaichi Zenon (JPN), Honshu City covered his three-quarter mile trip in 1:11.29 under jockey Don Frazier. His margin of victory was a neck from 5-2 favorite Boy Ego.

Fastest Qualifier Visible Injun is Best in NM State Fair Breeders' Derby

Fastest qualifier Visible Injun, a homebred colt by Invisible Injun racing for Verona Vaughn of Edgewood, New Mexico, sprinted to a wire-to-wire victory in Sunday's $66,507 New Mexico State Fair Breeders' Derby (RG3) for state-bred 3-year-olds.

Longshot Jess Dungarees Breaks Stakes Record in Senor Futurity

Breaking sharply from post 5, Jess Dungarees outran his 21-1 odds to win Saturday's $91,275 New Mexico State Fair Senor Futurity (RG3) for state-bred colts and geldings at The Downs at Albuquerque.

Favorite Sparklin Royal Wins Senorita Futurity

Sparklin Royal, a homebred Sixes Royal filly owned by Gary C. Kloppenburg, was a prompt 19-10 favorite in Saturday's New Mexico State Fair Senorita Futurity (RG3) for state-bred fillies at The Downs at Albuquerque.

Jenna's Miracle Goes Wire-To-Wire in NM State Fair Breeders' Stakes

Rogers Farms' Jenna's Miracle led at every call en route to a neck victory in Saturday's $50,000 New Mexico State Fair Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes (R) for 3-year-olds at The Downs at Albuquerque.

Seven Stakes on Tap This Weekend at The Downs at Albuquerque

The New Mexico State Fair portion of The Downs at Albuquerque meet ends this weekend with seven stakes races for Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses, including six that are restricted to state-breds.

NM-Bred Stela Wins La Mariposa Stakes

Stela, a New Mexico-bred daughter of Stel Corona owned and trained by Mario Montoya, led at every call en route to a three-quarter length win in Sunday's $30,000 La Mariposa Stakes for fillies and mares at The Downs at Albuquerque.

Contessa Del Norte Scores Upset Win in Albuquerque's Fair Queen

Contessa Del Norte, the lone New Mexico-bred in the field of six 3-year-old fillies, scored an upset victory in Saturday's Fair Queen Handicap at The Downs at Albuquerque.

Sunland Park Releases Lucrative 2011-12 Stakes Schedule

Sunland Park has released its Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse stakes schedules and first condition book for its 2011-12 meet, which opens on December 6. Located in south central New Mexico, across the border from El Paso, Texas, Sunland Park will run 55 stakes – 35 for Thoroughbreds and 20 for Quarter Horses – worth more than $5.7 million in purses.

Our Choice Rallies to Win E.T. Springer Stakes

Alfredo Juarez Jr. rode Our Choice to a three-quarter length victory in Saturday's 7-furlong, $50,000 E. T. Springer Stakes (R) for New Mexico-breds at The Downs at Albuquerque.

Sandia Sonata, Roll Bloomers Roll Make Dessie and Fern Sawyer Futurity Field

Sandia Sonata, a bay daughter of Sandia Slew racing for Dan Delaney of Las Cruces, was a prompt 11-10 favorite in the second of two Dessie and Fern Sawyer Futurity (R) trials at The Downs at Albuquerque on Saturday.

Field Set for George Maloof Futurity

Oak Barrel is one of 12 New Mexico-bred 2-year-old colts and geldings who will meet in the 6-furlong, $40,000-added George Maloof Futurity (R) at The Downs at Albuquerque on September 25.

Visible Injun Posts Fastest NM Breeders' Derby Trial Time

Verona Vaughn's Visible Injun is the fastest qualifier to the September 25, $50,000-added New Mexico State Fair Breeders' Derby (RG3) at The Downs at Albuquerque.

Fysta Posts Fastest NM State Fair Senorita Futurity Qualifying Time

Fysta, a gray daughter of Gonna Ro Sham Bo racing for David Hinkins and Ross Hinkins, broke her maiden in the first of three New Mexico State Fair Senorita Futurity (RG3) trials at The Downs at Albuquerque on Friday, and the filly is the fastest qualifier to the $50,000-added final on September 24.

Osbaldo is Fastest NM State Fair Senor Futurity Qualifier

Osbaldo remained undefeated following his one-length victory in the third of four New Mexico State Fair Senor Futurity (RG3) trials at The Downs at Albuquerque on Friday.

Llano Teller, Quiet Again are Horses of Meet at Ruidoso

Llano Teller and Quiet Again have been named horses of the meet at Ruidoso Downs, which ended its 60-day meet on Monday.

NM-Bred Stakes Trials Set for This Weekend at Albuquerque

The 13-day New Mexico State Fair portion of The Downs at Albuquerque meet gets underway on Friday, as the track presents trials for several state-bred Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse stakes.

Zia Park Meet Opens Saturday

Zia Park in Hobbs, New Mexico, opens its 50-day Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse meet on Saturday. Post time for the first of 12 races is 12:15 p.m. (MDT).

Ruidoso Select Sale Shows Big Gains

Preliminary numbers show that the September 2-4 Ruidoso Select Quarter Horse Yearling and Broodmare Sale registered across-the-board increases.

Fastest Qualifier Ochoa Takes 53rd All American Futurity

A sharp break from post 9 helped fastest qualifier Ochoa win Monday's 440-yard, $2.4-million All American Futurity (G1) at Ruidoso Downs.

Llano Teller Breaks Stakes Record in All American Derby

Ramon Sanchez rode sixth-fastest qualifier Llano Teller to a half-length victory in Sunday's $1,317,015 All American Derby (G1), witnessed by a crowd of 14,643 at Ruidoso Downs.

Rich All American Futurity Tops Big Closing Weekend at Ruidoso Downs

Monday's 440-yard, $2.4-million All American Futurity (G1) is just one of six stakes races this weekend at Ruidoso Downs, as the track closes out its 2011 summer race meet.

Report from August 2011 NM Racing Commission Meeting

The New Mexico Racing Commission held its monthly meeting at its headquarters in Albuquerque on Thursday, August 25.

Twenty NM-Bred Yearlings Consigned to Ruidoso Select Sale

A total of 20 New Mexico-bred yearlings are among the 427 yearlings consigned to this year's Ruidoso Select Yearling and Broodmare Sale, which will be held September 2-4 at the Sales Pavilion at Ruidoso Downs.

NM-Bred Full Moon Dasher is Morning-Line Choice in Ruidoso Distaff Challenge

Full Moon Dasher, a New Mexico-bred daughter of the late Dash Ta Fame, is the 3-1 morning-line favorite in Sunday's 400-yard, $34,470 Merial Ruidoso Distaff Challenge Stakes at Ruidoso Downs.

Jockey Esgar Ramirez Rides Three Winners on Lineage Day Program

Esgar Ramirez rode the winners of three races during Saturday's Lineage Day racing program for New Mexico-breds at The Downs at Albuquerque.

Dome Filly Tops NM-Bred Thoroughbred Yearling Sale

Dome's Victory, a chestnut filly by the unraced Storm Cat stallion Dome, sold for $75,000 to top the New Mexico-Bred Thoroughbred Yearling Sale at the Ruidoso Horse Sale Pavilion on Saturday.

Dash Ta Fame, Jesse James Jr Colts Top NM-Bred Quarter Horse Yearling Sale

Dashes Best, a sorrel colt by the late Dash Ta Fame, was the co sale-topper at Friday's New Mexico-Bred Quarter Horse Yearling Sale at Ruidoso Downs.

Cold Cash 123 Runs Win Streak to Three in All American Derby Trials

T Bill Stables Inc.'s Cold Cash 123 on Friday won the sixth of nine All American Derby (G1) trials at Ruidoso Downs, posting the fastest qualifying time to the September 4 final.

Ochoa is Fastest All American Futurity Qualifier

Ochoa won the 14th of 26 All American Futurity (G1) trials at Ruidoso Downs on Thursday, posting the fastest qualifying time for the stakes-record $2.4-million final on Labor Day.

Lineage Day Races at Albuquerque Attract 96 Entries

A total of 96 New Mexico-bred Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses have been entered in Sunday's Lineage Day races at The Downs at Albuquerque.

All American Derby Trials Draw 73 Sophomores, Including Five New Mexico-Breds

Friday's 440-yard All American Derby (G1) trials at Ruidoso Downs have attracted 73 3-year-olds, including five New Mexico-breds.

NM-Bred Filly Iplaytricks Wins Aspen Cup Stakes

Iplaytricks, a New Mexico-bred daughter of Desert God racing for Joe Allen and Michael Stinson, sprinted to a 1 1/2-length victory in Saturday's $40,000 Aspen Cup Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Ruidoso Downs.

All American Futurity Trials Draw Eight New Mexico-Breds

A total of 252 2-year-olds – including eight New Mexico-breds – have been entered in Thursday's 440-yard All American Futurity (G1) trials at Ruidoso Downs.

Downs at Albuquerque Meet Opens Saturday

The Downs at Albuquerque opens its 54-day season with a 10-race program on Saturday. Post time for the first race is 1:30 p.m. (MDT).

New Mexico-Bred Fillies Entered in Saturday's Aspen Cup

Two New Mexico-bred fillies, Iplaytricks and Charleston Bound, are among the nine 3-year-old fillies entered in Saturday's $40,000 Aspen Cup Stakes at Ruidoso Downs.

Favorite PK Bay Wins Gwendolyn Eaves Stakes

Jockey G.R. Carter Jr. rode PK Bay to a one-length victory in Monday's $20,000 Gwendolyn Eaves Overnight Stakes (R) for New Mexico-bred 2-year-olds at Ruidoso Downs.

Trainer Fincher, Jockey Ochoa Have Big Days at Zia Festival

Trainer Todd Fincher and jockey Juan Ochoa won three races on Sunday, as Ruidoso Downs Racetrack presented the Zia Festival races for New Mexico-breds.

New Mexico-Bred Sale Catalog Available Online

A total of 370 state-bred Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses have been consigned to this year's New Mexico-Bred Sale, set for August 19-20 at the Ruidoso Horse Sale Pavilion at Ruidoso Downs.

Report from July 2011 NM Racing Commission Meeting

The New Mexico Racing Commission held its monthly meeting at its headquarters in Albuquerque on Thursday, July 21.

Field Set for Rio Grande Senor Futurity

Making his career debut, Who Left Who scored a wire-to-wire victory in the first of three trials on Sunday and is one of 10 qualifiers to the July 31 Rio Grande Senor Futurity (R) for New Mexico-bred 2-year-old colts and geldings at Ruidoso Downs.

Stakes Winner Roll Bloomers Roll Makes Final of Rio Grande Senorita Futurity

Rita J. Danley's Roll Bloomers Roll, a homebred daughter of the Hennessy stallion Roll Hennessy Roll, is one of 10 New Mexico-bred 2-year-old fillies who will race in the July 31 Rio Grande Senorita Futurity (R) at Ruidoso Downs.

Viva La Moon Posts Fastest Zia Derby Trial Time

Winning the first of three Zia Derby (RG2) trials at Ruidoso Downs on Saturday, Viva La Moon recorded the fastest qualifying time for the $121,219 final for New Mexico-breds on July 31.

Stel Corona Colt is Fastest Zia Futurity Qualifier

Erasmus B Dragon, a homebred Stel Corona colt owned and trained by Paul Jones, on Friday posted the fastest qualifying time for the July 31 Zia Futurity (RG1) for New Mexico-bred 2-year-olds at Ruidoso Downs.

Longtime New Mexico-Based Stallion Dash Ta Fame Dies

Dash Ta Fame, a son of all-time leading Quarter Horse sire First Down Dash, died at Smart Ranches in Temecula, California, on Wednesday. He was 22.

SunRay Park Ends Season; Meet Leaders Announced

Vicente Grajeda and Justin Evans were SunRay Park's leading jockey and trainer, respectively, as the track ended its 48-day meet on Tuesday.

Zia Futurity, Derby Trials Set for This Weekend

New Mexico-bred 2- and 3-year-old Quarter Horses will be on display at Ruidoso Downs, as the track presents trials for the Zia Futurity (RG1) and Zia Derby (RG2).

BRT Opulence Successfully Defends NM Horsemen's Association Handicap

BRT Opulence came off of an eight-month layoff to win the 870-yard, $85,000 New Mexico Horsemen's Association Handicap (R) at SunRay Park on Sunday.

Miss Chicks Vision is Wire-to-Wire Winner of SunRay Firecracker Stakes

Breaking sharply from post 10, Miss Chicks Vision led at every call en route to a three-quarter length victory in Saturday's $85,000 Firecracker Quarter Horse Stakes (R) for New Mexico-bred 3-year-old fillies at SunRay Park.

Attitude E Racer Wins Dine Stakes

Confidently ridden by Carlos Madeira, Attitude E Racer was able to avoid the trouble on the first turn and win the $85,000 Dine Stakes (R) for New Mexico-bred 3-year-olds at SunRay Park on July 5.

Lesters Secret Scores Third Stakes Victory in Sierra Blanca Handicap

Enrique Gomez rode Lesters Secret to a one-length victory in the $50,000 Sierra Blanca Handicap for New Mexico-breds on the Fourth of July at Ruidoso Downs.

Jenuine Joy Wins Tommy “Duke” Smith Stakes

The lone mare in the field of eight aged New Mexico-bred sprinters, Jenuine Joy sprinted to a neck victory in Sunday's $85,000 Tommy “Duke” Smith Handicap (RG2) at SunRay Park.

My Homey Extends Win Streak in Totah Stakes

My Homey ran his win streak to three following a wire-to-wire, 2 1/4-length victory in Saturday's Totah Stakes (R) for New Mexico-bred 2-year-olds at SunRay Park.

My Homey Is Prompt Favorite in Mountain Top Thoroughbred Futurity

Sent to post at odds of 3-5, My Homey responded with a neck victory in Sunday's $136,426 Mountain Top Thoroughbred Futurity (R) for New Mexico-bred 2-year-olds at Ruidoso Downs.

Bev's Fast Lane Scores First Stakes Victory in Kendrick Memorial

Ridden for the first time in a race by Casey Lambert, Bev's Fast Lane sprinted to a 1 1/2-length win in the $85,000 C.O. “Ken” Kendrick Memorial Stakes (R) for New Mexico-bred 2-year-old fillies at SunRay Park on Sunday.

Ghostly Beach Earns First Stakes Win in Aztec Oaks

A one-time $12,500 claimer, Ghostly Beach earned her first stakes win in Monday's Aztec Oaks (R) for New Mexico-bred 3-year-old fillies at SunRay Park.

Fastest Qualifier Sammy James Wins Mountain Top QH Futurity

Ricky Ramirez rode fastest qualifier Sammy James to a wire-to-wire, two-length victory in the $286,609 Mountain Top Quarter Horse Futurity (RG2) for New Mexico-bred 2-year-olds at Ruidoso Downs on Sunday.

Mostly Dust Scores Wire-to-Wire Victory in Norgor Derby

One of two New Mexico-bred 3-year-olds in the seven horse field, Mostly Dust led at every call en route to a half-length victory in Saturday's $40,000 Norgor Thoroughbred Derby at Ruidoso Downs.

Report from June 2011 NM Racing Commission Meeting

The New Mexico Racing Commission held its monthly meeting at its headquarters in Albuquerque on Wednesday, June 15.

Leave N Legal Wins New Mexico Breeders' Stakes

Leave N Legal, a gelding by Illegal Runaway owned and trained by Jaime Aldavaz Jr., sprinted to a half-length victory in Saturday's $85,000 New Mexico Breeders' Stakes (RG2) for state-bred 3-year-olds at SunRay Park.

Stakes Winner I Play Dirty Makes Mountain Top Futurity Final

Joe Dee Brooks' I Play Dirty won the first of three Mountain Top Thoroughbred Futurity (R) trials at Ruidoso Downs on Friday, and the Roll Hennessy Roll gelding is one of 10 qualifiers to the $136,000 final on June 26.

Update on Jockey Ricky Ramirez's Injury

As of midnight on Sunday morning, jockey Ricky Ramirez was listed in serious condition at San Juan Regional Medical Center in Farmington. Ramirez sustained multiple injuries when his mount, First Place Seis, fell and unseated the rider in Saturday's first race at SunRay Park.

Osbaldo Remains Undefeated Following NM Breeders' Futurity Score

Hubaldo Solis' Osbaldo, the fastest qualifier and 3-5 favorite, ran his career-opening winning streak to five following his neck victory in Sunday's $176,040 New Mexico Breeders' Futurity (RG3) at SunRay Park.

NM-Bred Colt Chick Town Makes Four Corners Futurity Final

Chick Town, a New Mexico-bred Chicks A Blazin colt racing for Jim and Michele Laird, posted the 10th-fastest qualifying time for this year's $40,000-added Four Corners Futurity in trials held at SunRay Park on Saturday.

Jesse James Jr Colt is Fastest Mountain Top QH Futurity Qualifier

Sammy James, a sorrel colt by the stakes-winning Mr Jess Perry colt Jesse James Jr, won the fifth of eight Mountain Top Futurity (RG2) trials at Ruidoso Downs on Saturday, and he is the fastest qualifier to the $276,000 final for New Mexico-breds on June 19.

Downs at Albuquerque Releases 2011 Stakes Schedule

The Downs at Albuquerque has released its stakes schedule for its 54-day meet that opens on Saturday, August 13. Located at the New Mexico State Fairgrounds, Expo New Mexico, the Downs at Albuquerque will run 34 stakes worth more than $1.3 million in purses. As in recent years, the highlight of the track's stakes schedule will be Lineage Day on August 21, during which 11 stakes for New Mexico-bred Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses will be run. Purses for Lineage Day will total nearly $500,000.

Mountain Top QH Futurity Trials Set for Friday

A total of 80 New Mexico-bred 2-year-olds have been entered in Friday's Mountain Top Quarter Horse Futurity (RG2) trials at Ruidoso Downs. Eight 350-yard trials will be run, with the 10 fastest qualifiers making the $250,000-est Mountain Top Futurity final on Sunday, June 19. Post time for the first trial will be 1 p.m. (MDT), while the eighth and final heat scheduled for 4:02 p.m.

Ruidoso Downs Has Big Opening Weekend

Ruidoso Downs opened its 60-day meet on May 27, and the track recorded an 18-percent increase in total wagering handle over its 2010 opening weekend. According to figures provided to Equibase, a total of $1,949,152 was wagered on Ruidoso Downs' 50 races from Friday-Monday, compared to $1,646,295 bet on 49 races during the track's four-day opening weekend last year.

NM-Bred Sale to Include Select Thoroughbred Broodmare Session

A select Thoroughbred broodmare sale will be held at the Ruidoso Horse Sale Company on Saturday, August 20, prior to the New Mexico-Bred Thoroughbred Yearling Sale.

Futurity Trials Open 60-Day Ruidoso Meet

Nestled in the mountains of southern New Mexico, Ruidoso Downs opens its 60-day summer meet with a 21-race program on Friday. Post time for the first race will be 11 a.m. (MDT).

Osbaldo is Fastest New Mexico Breeders' Futurity Qualifier

Hubaldo Solis' Osbaldo won the fourth of six New Mexico Breeders' Futurity (RG3) trials on Sunday and is the fastest qualifier for the June 5, $85,000-added final at SunRay Park.

Report from May 2011 NM Racing Commission Meeting

The New Mexico Racing Commission held its monthly meeting at its headquarters in Albuquerque on May 12.

Longtime Horseman Bobby Dan Crenshaw Dies

Longtime New Mexico horseman Bobby Dan Crenshaw of Carrizozo died on May 11 following a bout with pancreatic cancer. He was 67.

NM-Breds Sacred Stone, KO Calyx RF Make Pfizer Challenge Final at SunRay

A pair of New Mexico-breds, Sacred Stone and KO Calyx RF, have qualified to the May 22 Pfizer SunRay Park Starter Allowance Challenge.

Double Smart Upsets Jack Cole Handicap

Casey Lambert rode longshot Double Smart to a three-length victory in Saturday's $110,000 Jack Cole Handicap (R) for New Mexico-breds at SunRay Park.

Full Moon Dasher Wins Four Corners Senora Stakes

Bielau Oaks' Full Moon Dasher led at every call en route to a head victory in Sunday's $85,000 Four Corners Senora Stakes (R) for New Mexico-bred fillies and mares at SunRay Park.

La Sorpresa is Prompt Choice in Foutz Distaff

Sent to post as the 11-10 favorite, Gallegos Del Norte Racing's La Sorpresa rallied to win Sunday's $85,000 Russell and Helen Foutz Distaff Handicap (R) for state-bred fillies and mares at SunRay Park.

Shivers Me Wins SunRay Inaugural Handicap

Making his first start in more than five months, Shivers Me won the $50,000 Inaugural Handicap on Saturday, as SunRay Park opened its 48-day meet in front of a crowd of 2,750.

SunRay Park Opens 48-Day Meet Saturday

SunRay Park in Farmington, New Mexico, opens its 48-day meet with a 10-race program on Saturday. Post time for the first race is 1 p.m. (MDT). SunRay's opening day feature is the 6 1/2-furlong, $50,000 Inaugural Handicap, which drew a field of nine older runners. Arthur C. Olivier's Tactful, a 5-year-old gelding by Grade 1 winner Bertrando trained by David Wolochuk, is the 123-pound high weight and 5-2 morning-line favorite.

Sunland Park Announces Top Horses of Its 2010-11 Meet

Sunland Park Racetrack, which ended its 77-day season on Tuesday, has announced its horses of the meet. Twice The Appeal and Noconi were Sunland's top Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse, respectively.

It's My Party is Prompt Favorite in KHEY Y-96 Stakes

It's My Party scored his first career stakes victory in the 6-furlong, $50,000 KHEY Y-96 Stakes for 3-year-olds at Sunland Park on Tuesday.

NM-Bred Mary For Money Wins Sunland's Getaway Stakes

One of just two fillies in the field of eight, Robert and Barbara Bauer's Mary For Money scored her first career stakes win in Tuesday's $50,000 Getaway Stakes for 3-year-old Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds at Sunland Park.

Black Hills Returns to New Mexico, Wins Sunland Park Handicap

Black Hills made his return to New Mexico a winning one, as the 7-year-old Judge TC gelding captured the $100,000 Sunland Park Handicap at Sunland Park on Sunday.

Valiant Hero Gelding Breaks World Record in West Texas Futurity

Helped by a tail wind listed at 20 miles-per-hour, seventh-fastest qualifier Valiant War Hero broke the 300-yard world record in Sunday's Grade 1, $253,004 West Texas Futurity at Sunland Park.

Foolin The Chicks Takes West Texas Juvenile

Esgar Ramirez rode longshot Foolin The Chicks to a half-length win in Saturday's 300-yard, $50,000 West Texas Juvenile Stakes at Sunland Park.

Longshot Roll Bloomers Roll Upsets Fillies Division of Copper Top Futurity

Rita Danley's Roll Bloomers Roll, a homebred chestnut daughter of Roll Hennessy Roll, rallied to win Saturday's fillies division of the $75,000-added Copper Top Futurity (R) for New Mexico-breds at Sunland Park.

Roll Hennessy Roll Gelding Wins Colts and Geldings Division of Copper Top Futurity

I Play Dirty, a gelding by Roll Hennessy Roll, broke his maiden with a neck victory in the colts and geldings division of the Copper Top Futurity (R) for New Mexico-breds at Sunland Park on Saturday.

Snow Regard Wins Sunburst Stakes

A quick start from post 5 helped Snow Regard score a wire-to-wire, one-length victory in Saturday's $75,000 Sunburst Stakes (R) for New Mexico-bred sophomore fillies at Sunland Park.

Report from April 2011 NM Racing Commission Meeting

The New Mexico Racing Commission held its monthly meeting at its headquarters in Albuquerque on April 14. The meeting was led by the commission's new chairman, Robert Doughty. An attorney based in Albuquerque, Doughty was elected to the post before the start of the meeting's public session. Also, Beverly Bourguet of Albuquerque was elected to the post of vice chair.

Rylees Boy Successfully Defends Bank of America NM Challenge Championship

Fastest qualifier Rylees Boy led at every call en route to a 1 1/4-length victory in Sunday's 440-yard, $117,000 Bank of America New Mexico Challenge Championship (G2) at Sunland Park.

Osbaldo Wins New Mexican Spring Futurity

Osbaldo parlayed a quick start from the rail post into a wire-to-wire victory in the $248,491 New Mexican Spring Futurity (RG2) for state-bred 2-year-olds at Sunland Park on Saturday.

Hayley's Halo is Prompt Choice in Czaria Stakes

Sent to post as the 7-10 favorite, Hayley's Halo responded with a convincing 7 1/2-length win in the Saturday's $50,000 Czaria Stakes for fillies and mares at Sunland Park.

Preacher James Breaks Maiden in New Mexico Spring Fling

Dick Harp's Preacher James, a homebred bay gelding by Brookstone Bay, scored his first career victory in Saturday's 300-yard, $75,000 New Mexican Spring Fling Stakes (R) for state-bred 2-year-olds at Sunland Park.

Hez Our Rock Wins NM Distance Challenge

A 28-1 longshot, Jose Angel Esparza's Hez Our Rock rewarded his backers with a 1 1/2-length victory in Sunday's Red Cell New Mexico Distance Challenge (G3) at Sunland Park.

Favorite Prospect To The Top Scores in West Texas Derby

Joel Tavarez's Prospect To The Top, the fifth-fastest qualifier and 2-1 favorite, recorded his second career stakes victory in Saturday's Grade 3, $160,400 West Texas Derby at Sunland Park.

Desirio Filly is Fastest West Texas Futurity Qualifier

RC Black Mamba, a brown filly by the Grade 3-winning Strawfly Special stallion Desirio, won the third of nine West Texas Futurity (G1) trials at Sunland Park on Friday, and she is the fastest qualifier for the $253,004 final on April 17.

Miss Bullette Leads Copper Top Futurity (Fillies Division) Qualifiers

Sent to post as the 7-5 favorite while making her career debut, Miss Bullette won the first of four Copper Top Futurity (R)--fillies division trials at Sunland Park on Tuesday.

My Homey Tops Copper Top Futurity (Colts and Geldings Division) Finalists

My Homey broke his maiden with a six-length victory in the first of three Copper Top Futurity (R)--colts and geldings division trials at Sunland Park on Tuesday.

Twice The Appeal Scores Upset Victory in Sunland Derby

Longshot Twice The Appeal rallied to win Sunday's $800,000 Sunland Derby (G3) in front of a track-record crowd of 18,571 at Sunland Park.

Rylees Boy Tops Bank of America Sunland Challenge Trials

Gerardo Ochoa's Rylees Boy is the fastest qualifier to the April 10, $110,000-added Bank of America Sunland Challenge (G2).

Brookstone Bay Colt Posts Fastest New Mexican Spring Futurity Trial Time

PK Bay, a chestnut colt by Brookstone Bay racing for David Barrett and Sue H. May, is the fastest qualifier to the April 10, $120,000-added New Mexican Spring Futurity (RG1) at Sunland Park.

Grade 3 Derby Tops Rich Sunland Park Program

A field of 11 Triple Crown hopefuls, including morning-line favorite Astrology, are entered in Sunday's Grade 3, $800,000 Sunland Derby at Sunland Park, one of six Thoroughbred stakes on a rich 13-race card that will offer a total of $1,577,300. Post time for the first race is 12:45 p.m. (MDT). Scheduled post time for the Sunland Derby is 5:45.

Report from March 2011 NM Racing Commission Meeting

The New Mexico Racing Commission held its monthly meeting at its headquarters in Albuquerque on Thursday. The meeting was chaired by interim chairman Ray Willis of Roswell, and it was the first meeting attended by the four new commissioners recently appointed by new governor Susana Martinez – Beverly Bourguet of Albuquerque, Jerald G. Cosper of Los Lunas, Robert M. Doughty III of Albuquerque, and Gayla McCulloch of Farmington.

Spinning Touch Scores 24-1 Upset in NMSU 'Cap

Michael Fuhs' Spinning Touch outran his 24-1 odds to win Sunday's $120,000 New Mexico State University Handicap (R) for state-breds at Sunland Park.

Sheet Burns Tops Red Cell Sunland Distance Challenge Trials

Sheet Burns, a 9-year-old gelding by champion Okey Dokey Dale racing for Maclovio Regalado, won the first of two Red Cell Sunland Distance Challenge (G3) trials on Saturday, posting the fastest qualifying time for the $55,000-added final on April 3.

Bonndaddy's Rallies to Win Mt. Cristo Rey

Ken Tohill rode Bonndaddy's to a come-from-behind 1 1/4-length victory in Saturday's $100,000 Mt. Cristo Rey Handicap (R) for New Mexico-breds at Sunland Park.

Cobrita Is Fastest West Texas Derby Finalist

Oscar Salcito Gortarez's Cobrita is the fastest qualifier for the $65,000-added West Texas Derby (G3) at Sunland Park on April 2.

Jenuine Joy Wins Mesilla Valley Speed Handicap

Fredda Draper's Jenuine Joy sprinted to a half-length victory in the 350-yard, $100,000 Mesilla Valley Speed Handicap (RG2) for New Mexico-breds at Sunland Park on Sunday.

Winter Camp Scores Upset Victory in Bill Thomas Memorial

Leading at every call, longshot Winter Camp won Saturday's $50,000 Bill Thomas Memorial Handicap at Sunland Park.

SunRay Park Releases Stakes Schedule, First Condition Book

SunRay Park in Farmington, New Mexico, has released its 2011 stakes schedule and the first condition book of its 48-day meet, which opens April 23.

A Tincup Cocktail Upsets West Texas Maturity

A Tincup Cocktail outran his 17-1 odds and scored his first stakes victory in Saturday's 400-yard, $98,376 West Texas Maturity (G2) at Sunland Park.

Ruidoso Downs Releases Stakes Schedule

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

Longshot Golden Springs Wins Island Fashion Stakes

Golden Springs outran her 42-1 odds to win Sunday's one-mile, $50,000 Island Fashion Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Sunland Park.

Fusa Code Breaks Maiden in Borderland Derby

Fusa Code, a Kentucky-bred gelding by Fusaichi Pegasus racing for Bob and Cathy Zollars of Dallas, broke his maiden in Saturday's $100,000 Borderland Derby at Sunland Park.

Report from February NM Racing Commission Meeting in Albuquerque

The New Mexico Racing Commission held its monthly meeting at its headquarters in Albuquerque on Thursday. Thursday's meeting was the commission's first since November 18. The regularly scheduled January meeting was cancelled.

Stel Gone Corona Extends Win Streak in NMHBA Stakes

Esgar Ramirez rode Stel Gone Corona to a wire-to-wire, head victory in the $120,000 New Mexico Horse Breeders' Association Stakes (RG2) for state-bred 3-year-olds at Sunland Park on Sunday.

Strike It Quick Tops West Texas Maturity Trials

Strike It Quick won the second of three West Texas Maturity (G2) trials at Sunland Park on Friday, posting the fastest qualifying time for the March 5, $65,000-added final.

La Sorpresa Wins Sydney Valentini Handicap

Gallegos Del Norte Racing's La Sorpresa rallied to win Saturday's one-mile, $100,000 Sydney Valentini Handicap (R) for New Mexico-bred fillies and mares at Sunland Park.

Quiet Again Leads From Start to Finish in Curribot Stakes

Paul B. Thomason's Quiet Again, a homebred 6-year-old gelding by Real Quiet, scored a wire-to-wire, one-length victory in the $50,000 Curribot Stakes at Sunland Park on Sunday.

Hayley's Halo Scores Wire-to-Wire Victory in El Diario Stakes

Leading at every call, Lathrop Hoffman's Hayley's Halo scored a two-length victory in Saturday's $50,000 El Diario Stakes for fillies and mares at Sunland Park.

United Spirit to Stand in New Mexico

United Spirit, an 11-year-old stallion by Mr Prospector, will stand the 2011 season in Anthony, New Mexico.

Wiredfortwotwenty Rallies to Win Budweiser Stakes

Class Racing Stable's Wiredfortwotwenty scored his first career stakes win in Saturday's $50,000 Budweiser Stakes at Sunland Park.

Strike It Quick Wins KOFX Radio Handicap

Freddie Martinez rode Strike It Quick to a three-quarter length victory in Saturday's Grade 3, $50,000 KOFX Radio Handicap at Sunland Park.

NMHBA Honors Its State-Bred Champions

Chris and Tina Hourigan were presented the 2010 Julep Cup by The Blood-Horse Magazine during Thursday's New Mexico Horse Breeders' Association's Zia Awards Banquet at the Marriott Uptown Hotel in Albuquerque.

Odds-On Choice Angel At Home Wins El Paso Times Stakes

Enrique Gomez rode 9-10 favorite Angel At Home to a come-from-behind victory in the $50,000 El Paso Times Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at Sunland Park on Sunday.

Longshot Beau Wizer Wins Pepsi Cola Stakes

Outrunning his 19-1 odds, Beau Wizer won Saturday's $120,000 Pepsi Cola Stakes (R) for New Mexico-bred 3-year-olds at Sunland Park.

Favored Shamrock Girl Victorious in La Senora

Shamrock Girl was a prompt 13-10 favorite in Saturday’s $120,000 La Senora Stakes (R) for New Mexico-bred sophomore fillies at Sunland Park.

Black Hills Scores Mild Upset in Winsham Lad

Miguel Hernandez rode Black Hills to a half-length victory in Saturday’s $50,000 Winsham Lad Stakes at Sunland Park.

NMHBA Annual Meeting, Zia Awards Banquet Set for January 27

The New Mexico Horse Breeders’ Association’s annual meeting and Zia Awards banquet will be held on Thursday, January 27, at the Albuquerque Marriott Hotel at 2101 Louisiana Blvd. NE.

Longshot Desert Gamble Scores in Dominguez Memorial

Desert Gamble, a 16-1 longshot, rallied to win Sunday’s $100,000 Albert Dominguez Memorial Handicap (R) for New Mexico-breds at Sunland Park.

Fastest Qualifier Quatro Menudos Wins Shue Fly

Quatro Menudos remained undefeated following his one-length victory in the $313,502 Shue Fly Stakes (RG1) for New Mexico-bred newly turned 3-year-olds at Sunland Park on Saturday.

Jannas Pride is Prompt Choice in Red Hedeman Mile

Juan Ochoa rode Jannas Pride to a come-from-behind, 1 ½-length victory in Thursday’s Red Hedeman Mile Stakes for New Mexico-bred 2-year-olds at Sunland Park.

Weather Warning to Stand 2011 Season at Brunacini Farms

Weather Warning, a stakes-winning 2004 foal by Storm Cat, will stand the '11 breeding season at Brunacini Farms at Belen, New Mexico.

Fastest Qualifier Whathaveigottado Wins Sunland Winter Derby

Tony and Molly Doughtie’s Whathaveigottado, the fastest qualifier, earned his first stakes victory in Wednesday’s 400-yard, $138,471 Sunland Park Winter Derby (G3) at Sunland Park.

City Cool Cruises to Big Riley Allison Futurity Score

City Cool, a City Zip colt racing for Mike McCarty, cruised to a wire-to-wire, 7 ¼-length victory in Tuesday’s Riley Allison Futurity at Sunland Park.

Favorite Facil Catana Posts Wire-To-Wire Victory in Bold Ego ‘Cap

Facil Catana, the 2-1 favorite, led at every call en route to a convincing 5 ¾-length win in Sunday’s $50,000 Bold Ego Handicap for fillies and mares at Sunland Park.

Sixth-Fastest Qualifier Giorgino Scores in Sunland Winter Futurity

Jacky Martin rode sixth-fastest qualifier and 5-2 second choice Giorgino to a half-length win in the Sunland Park Winter Futurity (G2) at Sunland Park on Sunday.

Noconi Extends Win Streak in Sunland QH Championship

Champion Noconi extended his winning streak to four with a neck victory in Sunday’s $350,000 Championship at Sunland Park (G1).

Highspeed Rescue Rallies to Win Enchantress Stakes

Highspeed Rescue overcame a poor start to win Sunday’s one-mile, $120,000 Enchantress Stakes (R) for New Mexico-bred 2-year-old fillies at Sunland Park.

Jenuine Joy Wins Lou Wooten Handicap

Jenuine Joy, a homebred 4-year-old mare racing for Fredda Draper of Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico, led at every call en route to a win in the Lou Wooten Handicap (RG2) for state-bred distaffers at Sunland Park on Sunday.

Canadian Mash Scores Upset in Challenger Six

Sent to post at odds of 20-1, Alvaro Castro’s Canadian Mash won Saturday’s 870-yard, $120,000 Challenger Six Handicap (R) for New Mexico-breds at Sunland Park.

Quatro Menudos is Fastest Shue Fly Finalist

Quatro Menudos, an undefeated 2-year-old gelding by Furyofthewind, won the first of six trials on Friday and posted the fastest qualifying time for the January 2 Shue Fly Stakes (RG2) at Sunland Park.

Cali Baby Extends Win Streak in NM Racing Commission Handicap

Alfredo Juarez Jr. rode Cali Baby to a come-from-behind 1 ½-length victory in Sunday’s $120,000 New Mexico State Racing Commission Handicap (R) for state-bred distaffers at Sunland Park.

Chuchuluco Scores in Johnnie L. Jamison ’Cap

Ridden for the first time in a race by Justin Shepherd, Chuchuluco scored a one-length victory in the $120,000 Johnnie L. Jamison Handicap (R) for New Mexico-breds at Sunland Park on Sunday.

Ducky Drake Rallies to Win KLAQ Handicap

Ducky Drake came from off of the pace to win the 5 ½-furlong, $50,000 KLAQ Handicap at Sunland Park on Saturday.

One Diamond Kitty is Prompt Choice in Jess Burner

Freddie Martinez rode One Diamond Kitty to victory in Saturday’s $120,000 Jess Burner Memorial Handicap (RG1) for New Mexico-breds at Sunland Park.

Whathaveigottado Posts Fastest Sunland Winter Derby Trial Time

Whathaveigottado, a gray colt by Shazoom racing for Tony and Molly Doughtie, won the second of four Sunland Park Winter Derby (G2) trials on Saturday and posted the fastest qualifying time for the December 29, $50,000-added final.

BF Sonic Boom is Fastest Sunland Winter Futurity Finalist

BF Sonic Boom posted the fastest Sunland Park Winter Futurity (G2) qualifying time, as the southern New Mexico track opened its 77-day meet before an announced crowd of 3,609 on Friday.

Sunland Park Racetrack Earns Full Accreditation from NTRA

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association’s Safety and Integrity Alliance has fully accredited Sunland Park Racetrack in southern New Mexico, following a complete review of all racing operations at the facility.

Sunland Park Meet Opens Friday

Graded stakes winners Prospect To The Top, Fast Movin Vic, and Jumpn Shake are among the 52 2-year-olds entered in Friday’s Sunland Park Winter Futurity (G2) trials, as Sunland Park opens its 77-day meet with an 11-race program. Post time for the first race is 12:25 p.m. (MST).

Jannas Pride Extends Win Streak in Eddy County Stakes

Jannas Pride, a Desert God gelding campaigned by Charles W. Hunter and Dale Taylor, pushed his winning streak to three following his convincing victory in Sunday’s $129,845 New Mexico Eddy County Stakes (R) for state-bred 2-year-olds at Zia Park.

Noconi Becomes Millionaire with Victory in Zia QH Championship

Jacky Martin rode AQHA champion Noconi to a three-quarter length victory in Sunday’s 440-yard, $150,000 Zia Park Quarter Horse Championship (G1) at Zia Park.

Imco Spirit (IRE) Scores Come-From-Behind Upset in Zia Distance Championship

Imco Spirit (IRE) outran his 9-1 odds to win the 1 1/8-mile, $218,000 Zia Park Distance Championship Handicap at Zia Park on Sunday.

Stachys is Prompt Choice in Zia Park Derby

Stachys, a Kentucky-bred gelding by Candy Ride (ARG) racing by Al Ulwelling and Bill Ulwelling, rallied to win Saturday’s $150,000 Zia Park Derby at Zia Park.

Closing Weekend at Zia Park Features Four Stakes

Zia Park’s final weekend of live racing will feature four stakes, three for Thoroughbreds and one for Quarter Horses. Three of Zia Park’s final stakes – the 440-yard, $150,000 Zia Park Quarter Horse Championship (G1), the 1-mile, $120,000 New Mexico Eddy County Stakes (R) for state-bred 2-year-olds, and the 1 1/8-mile, $200,000 Zia Park Distance Championship – will be run as part of an 11-race card on Sunday. The other stakes, the 1 1/16-mile, $150,000 Zia Park Derby, is scheduled as the 10th race of an 11-race program on Saturday.

Cold Cash 123 Scores Upset Victory in Southwest Juvenile Championship

Sent to post at odds of nearly 10-1, Cold Cash 123 responded with a neck victory in Sunday’s $200,000 Southwest Juvenile Championship (G1) at Zia Park.

Hayley’s Halo Extends Win Streak in Zia Park Distaff

Hayley’s Halo, a homebred daughter of Sea Of Secrets racing for Lathrop G. Hoffman, ran her winning streak to three in the 6-furlong, $55,360 Zia Park Distaff Stakes on Saturday.

Blazin N Shakin Wins New Mexico QH Fillies & Mares Championship

Making just her second start of the season, Mike Abraham’s Blazin N Shakin won Saturday’s $150,460 New Mexico Quarter Horse Fillies & Mares Championship at Zia Park.

Grade 1 Winner Fighter On Fire to Stand in New Mexico

Rancho El Alacran Inc.’s Fighter On Fire, a Grade 1-winning son of all-time leading sire First Down Dash, will stand the 2011 season at MJ Farms at Veguita, New Mexico. The 5-year-old stallion’s fee will be $2,500.

Holiday Weekend at Zia Park Features Friday Racing, Three Stakes

Racing at Zia Park in Hobbs, New Mexico, kicks off a day early this weekend, as the track presents a special day-after-Thanksgiving Friday program. Post time for the first race will be 12:15 p.m. (MST). Zia Park’s purses for the three-day holiday weekend will reach $959,800 for 33 races, an average of $29,085 per race. Of that total, $318,800 in purses will be for races restricted to New Mexico-breds.

Tango Blue Gets First Stakes Victory in King Rick Rack

Freddie Martinez rode Tango Blue to a 3 ½-length victory in the Grade 2, $55,000 King Rick Rack Handicap at Zia Park on Sunday.

Report from November NM Racing Commission Meeting in Albuquerque

The New Mexico Racing Commission held its monthly meeting at its headquarters in Albuquerque on Thursday.

Posies Woodette Breaks Track Record in New Mexico Breeders’ QH Championship

David Bloomer’s Posies Woodette won Sunday’s $40,000 New Mexico Breeders’ Quarter Horse Championship (RG3), as The Downs at Albuquerque ended its 2010 meet in front of a closing-day crowd of 1,276.

Ducky Drake Wins Lea County Sprint Stakes

Miguel Hernandez rode Ducky Drake to a neck victory in Sunday’s $55,090 Lea County Sprint Stakes at Zia Park.

Champion Noconi Wins Lovington Stakes

Noconi, the AQHA champion 3-year-old gelding two years ago, scored his seventh graded stakes victory in the Grade 2, 400-yard Lovington Stakes at Zia Park on Sunday.

Favored Anywhere Bully Takes O.B. Cockerell Handicap

Cody Jensen rode favorite Anywhere Bully to a neck victory in Sunday’s $30,000 O.B. Cockerell Handicap at The Downs at Albuquerque.

New Mexico-Based Mine That Bird Retired

Mine That Bird, the New Mexico-based longshot winner of last year’s Kentucky Derby (G1), has been retired.

Grade 3 Winner Winners Version to Stand in New Mexico

A & C Racing and Roping’s Winners Version, the winner of last year’s $147,927 Hobbs America Derby (G2) at Zia Park, will stand the 2011 season at Mac Murray and Janis Spencer Murray’s MJ Farms near Veguita, New Mexico.

Sunday Sunrise Rallies to Win Veteran Stakes

The well-traveled Sunday Sunrise outran his 7-1 odds to win the $55,000 Veteran Stakes at Zia Park on Saturday.

Streak Of Sixes, Glory Be Mine Among New Mexico Cup Winners

The Quarter Horse Streak Of Sixes and Thoroughbred Glory Be Mine added to their impressive resumes during Sunday’s $1.977-million New Mexico Cup program at Zia Park in Hobbs.

Rich New Mexico Cup Program Set for Sunday

The best New Mexico-bred Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses in training will square off in Sunday’s New Mexico Cup program at Zia Park. More than $1,878,200 in purse money will be available in 11 races, eight of which are for Thoroughbreds and four of which are for Quarter Horses. The 2009 New Mexico Cup program was the year’s richest state-bred day of racing in North America.

Report from October NM Racing Commission Meeting in Albuquerque

The New Mexico Racing Commission held its monthly meeting at its headquarters in Albuquerque on Thursday, during which it approved a 289-date racing calendar for 2011.

Pulgarcito Wins Governor’s Cup Stakes

Pulgarcito, a bay gelding by the Mr. Prospector stallion Greatness, scored his first stakes victory in Sunday’s $55,000 Governor’s Cup Stakes for 2-year-olds at Zia Park.

Fastation is Prompt Favorite in Permian Basin Stakes

Ken Tohill rode 3-10 choice Fastation to a half-length win in the $55,000 Permian Basin Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at Zia Park on Sunday.

Quiet Again Wins Albuquerque’s Budweiser Special Stakes

Quiet Again, a homebred 5-year-old gelding racing for Paul B. Thomason, sprinted to a three-quarter length victory in Sunday’s 6 ½-furlong, $30,000 Budweiser Special Stakes at The Downs at Albuquerque.

Here Kittykittykitty Posts Fastest NM Cup Derby Trial Time

Here Kittykittykitty, a graded stakes winning gelding bred and owned by Jay and Mary Lou Standefer of Roswell, New Mexico, is the fastest qualifier for the October 31, $200,000-est. New Mexico Cup Derby (G2) at Zia Park.

Sheet Burns is Prompt Choice in Herman Jefferson Stakes

Sent to post as the 11-10 favorite, Sheet Burns scored a three-quarter length victory in Saturday’s 870-yard, $55,090 Herman Jefferson Stakes (G3) at Zia Park.

Moro Moon is Fastest New Mexico Cup Futurity Qualifier

Valle Guadiana Corporation’s Moro Moon on Saturday posted the fastest qualifying time for the October 31 New Mexico Cup Futurity (RG2) at Zia Park.

Fastest Qualifier Prospect To The Top Wins Hobbs America Futurity

Jacky Martin rode fastest qualifier and 1-2 favorite Prospect To The Top to a dominating 1 ½-length victory in the Grade 2, 400-yard Hobbs America Futurity before 2,315 fans at Zia Park on Sunday.

Corona For The Lady Scores First Stakes Win in Hobbs America Derby

Carlos Quevado’s Corona For The Lady sprinted to a neck victory in Sunday’s Grade 2, $125,130 Hobbs America Derby at Zia Park.

He’s A Tough Dude Leads from Start to Finish, Wins UNM Handicap

He’s A Tough Dude, a 5-year-old gelding by Tough Men racing for Valle Racing LLC, scored a wire-to-wire victory in Saturday’s University of New Mexico Handicap (R) for state-bred older horses at The Downs at Albuquerque.

Hayley’s Halo Posts Wire-To-Wire Victory in Chaves County Stakes

Hayley’s Halo, a homebred sophomore filly racing for Lathrop G. Hoffman, led at every call en route to a three-quarter length victory in the $60,090 Chaves County Stakes for distaffers at Zia Park on Sunday.

Race For Jake Rallies to Win A.C. Kemp Stakes

Brian Mundell’s Race For Jake rallied through the homestretch to win Sunday’s $30,000 A.C. Kemp Stakes for 2-year-olds at The Downs at Albuquerque.

Shesa First Ratify Scores First Stakes Win in Lubbock Stakes

The successful comeback of Jacky Martin continued on track on Saturday, as the veteran jockey rode favorite Shesa First Ratify to a one-length victory in the $55,090 Lubbock Stakes (G2) for distaffers at Zia Park.

Memorial Fund Established for Mark Villa

A memorial fund for Mark Villa has been established. Villa, 44, was killed in an accident after a Quarter Horse race at Zia Park on Saturday.

Russian Lane Scores Convincing Win in George Maloof Futurity

J. Martin Bourdieu rode Russian Lane to a convincing 6 1/4-length victory in the 6-furlong, $77,567 George Maloof Futurity (R) for New Mexico-bred colts and geldings at The Downs at Albuquerque on Sunday.

Shamrock Girl Wins Dessie and Fern Sawyer Futurity

David Wolochuk’s Shamrock Girl earned her first stakes victory in Sunday’s $67,412 Dessie & Fern Sawyer Futurity (R) for New Mexico-bred 2-year-old fillies at The Downs at Albuquerque.

Woody Dungarees Extends Win Streak in NM State Fair QH Breeders’ Derby

Woody Dungarees, a homebred filly racing for Ron and Kay Jenkins’ Holy Bucket LLC, ran her winning streak to five with a head victory in the 400-yard, $55,188 New Mexico State Fair Breeders’ Derby (RG3) at The Downs at Albuquerque.

Shivers Me is Prompt Favorite in NM State Fair Handicap

Sent to post as the 9-5 favorite, Shivers Me held on at the wire to win Sunday’s 1 1/8-mile, $40,000 New Mexico State Fair Handicap at The Downs at Albuquerque.

Primvvera Gets First Stakes Win in Senor Futurity

Second-fastest qualifier Primvvera, a Stel Corona gelding owned and trained by Dominic Duree, sprinted to a half-length victory in Saturday’s $77,476 New Mexico State Fair Senor Futurity (RG3) for state-bred colts and geldings at The Downs at Albuquerque.

U R A Fury Lady Breaks Maiden in Senorita Futurity

Ronald Ulibarri’s U R A Fury Lady broke her maiden in the 400-yard, $71,483 New Mexico State Fair Senorita Futurity (RG3) at The Downs at Albuquerque on Saturday.

Spinning Touch Rallies for NM State Fair Breeders’ Stakes Victory

Ridden by Freddy Fong Jr. for the first time in a race, Spinning Touch came from off the pace to win Saturday’s $40,000 New Mexico State Fair Breeders’ Stakes (R) for state-bred sophomores at The Downs at Albuquerque.

Prospect To The Top Breaks Track Record in Hobbs America Futurity Trials

A sharp break from post 9 helped Prospect To The Top post a two-length victory in the last of six Hobbs America Futurity (G3) trials at Zia Park on Saturday.

Report from September NM Racing Commission Meeting in Albuquerque

The New Mexico Racing Commission held its monthly meeting at its headquarters in Albuquerque on Thursday.

NM State Fair Meet Ends This Weekend With Seven Stakes

The New Mexico State Fair portion of The Downs at Albuquerque meet ends this weekend with seven stakes, four for Thoroughbreds and three for Quarter Horses.

Lincoln County Voters Approve Tax Increase

Voters in Lincoln County, New Mexico, on Tuesday approved a three-sixteenths of 1 percent sales tax increase that will help keep Ruidoso Downs Racetrack in the county. The referendum to raise the business retention gross receipts tax passed by a margin of 53-47 percent. A total of 3,719 voted in favor of the tax increase, while 3,299 voted against.

NMHBA Youth Day at the Races Set for October 9

The New Mexico Horse Breeders’ Association will hold its annual Youth Day at the Races at The Downs at Albuquerque on Saturday, October 9. The activity is limited to 25 people, aged 12 or older, and it includes the observation of morning workouts, touring the racing office and test barn, lunch in the Jockey Club, and a visit to the jockeys’ quarters and paddock to observe the duties of the clerk of scales, paddock judge, and horse identifier.

Corona For You Rallies for La Mariposa Victory

Corona For You, a one-time $20,000 claimer racing for Hugo Barron Sierra and Romaldo Tarango, scored her first stakes victory in Sunday’s 400-yard, $30,000 La Mariposa Handicap (G3) for distaffers at The Downs at Albuquerque.

Strike It Quick Breaks Stakes Record in James Isaac Hobbs

Freddie Martinez rode Strike It Quick to a three-quarter length win in the Grade 2, $55,360 James Isaac Hobbs Stakes at Zia Park on Saturday.

Facil Catana Extends Win Streak in Albuquerque’s Fair Queen

Sent to post as the 3-5 favorite, Facil Catana recorded her third consecutive victory in Saturday’s $30,000 Fair Queen Handicap for 3-year-old fillies at The Downs at Albuquerque.

Grade 2 James Isaac Hobbs Stakes Tops NM Weekend Stakes Action

A full field of 10 sprinters will face off in Saturday’s 350-yard, $55,000 James Isaac Hobbs Stakes (G2) at Zia Park. The James Isaac Hobbs is one of three stakes races scheduled for New Mexico tracks this weekend. The others, Saturday’s 6 ½-furlong, $30,000 Fair Queen Stakes, and Sunday’s 400-yard, $30,000 La Mariposa Stakes (G3), will be contested during the New Mexico State Fair meet at The Downs at Albuquerque.

River Echo Scores Upset Victory in Zia Park’s Premier Cup Handicap

Outrunning his 19-1 odds, River Echo sprinted to a 1 ¾-length win in Sunday’s 6-furlong, $100,000 Premier Cup Handicap at Zia Park, the first stakes race of the track’s 53-day fall meet.

Haitian Hero Wins Harvest Stakes

Haitian Hero, a colt by Petionville racing for Ramon O. Gonzalez and Homero Varela, won Sunday’s $30,000 Harvest Stakes for 3-year-olds at The Downs at Albuquerque.

Trainer Fred Danley Qualifies Six Dessie & Fern Sawyer Futurity Finalists

Fred Danley will be a busy man on September 26, as the veteran trainer has qualified six New Mexico-bred 2-year-old fillies and mares to that day’s $40,000-added Dessie & Fern Sawyer Futurity (R) at The Downs at Albuquerque.

Field of 12 Set for George Maloof Futurity

A field of 12 New Mexico-bred 2-year-old colts and geldings, including two each from the barns of Fred Danley and Gary Cross, will meet in the 6-furlong, $40,000-added George Maloof Futurity (R) on September 26, closing day of the New Mexico State Fair portion of The Downs at Albuquerque meet.

Cali Baby Beats Males to Win E.T. Springer Handicap

Sent to post as the 13-10 choice and the only filly or mare in the field of eight, Cali Baby responded with a 1 ¼-length win in Saturday’s 7-furlong, $40,000 E.T. Springer Handicap (R) for New Mexico-breds at The Downs at Albuquerque.

Posies Woodette Tops NM State Fair Breeders’ Derby Finalists

David Bloomer’s Posies Woodette, a homebred daughter of the Dash Ta Fame stallion Woodbridge, outran her 10-1 odds to win the second of two New Mexico State Fair Breeders’ Derby (RG3) trials at The Downs at Albuquerque on Saturday.

RGR Lyon A Tac is Fastest NM State Fair Senor Futurity Qualifier

J. Martin Bourdieu rode RGR Lyon A Tac to a wire-to-wire, three-quarters of a length victory in the second of five New Mexico State Fair Senor Futurity (RG3) trials at The Downs at Albuquerque on Friday.

Spice Girl Breaks Maiden in NM State Fair Senorita Futurity Trials

Spice Girl, a homebred bay filly owned and trained by Raymond Carlisle Jr., won the last of four New Mexico State Fair Senorita Futurity (RG3) trials on Friday and posted the fastest qualifying time for the September 25, $40,000-added final at The Downs at Albuquerque.

Double Down Special, Skip A Smile Earn Horse of Meet Honors at Ruidoso

Vanessa Bartoo’s Double Down Special and Rose Chandler’s Skip A Smile were named the Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred of the 2010 meet, respectively, at Ruidoso Downs.

Zia Park Meet Opens Saturday

Zia Park opens its 53-day meet with an 11-race program on Saturday. Post time for the first race is 12:15 p.m. (MDT). Saturday’s program consists of six Quarter Horse and five Thoroughbred races. Five of the 11 races are restricted to New Mexico-breds and offer purses totaling $145,000. All told, $251,300 will be up for grab on the opening-day card.

Van Zant Wins Manuel Lujan Stakes

Harvey Baeza’s Van Zant earned a hard-fought victory in the 350-yard, $30,000 Manuel Lujan Stakes for 3-year-olds at The Downs at Albuquerque on Monday.

Cold Cash 123 Leads Longshot Parade in All American Juvenile

Cold Cash 123, a 13-1 longshot, sprinted to a two-length victory in Monday’s $150,000 All American Juvenile Stakes at Ruidoso Downs.

Quiet Again Rolls to Victory in Ruidoso Championship

Quiet Again was a prompt 4-5 favorite in the $50,000 Ruidoso Thoroughbred Championship at Ruidoso Downs on Monday.

Mr Piloto Pulls Upset Win in 52nd All American Futurity

Tenth-fastest qualifier Mr Piloto outran his 22-1 odds to win Monday’s Grade 1, $1.9-million All American Futurity in front of 21,402 fans at Ruidoso Downs. Saddled by Felipe Quintero for Tremor Enterprises LLC, Mr Piloto covered 440 yards in :21.553 while defeating fastest qualifier and 2-1 favorite JLS Mr Bigtime. The $1-million winner’s share of the purse increased the sorrel colt’s earnings to $1,002,240, making him Quarter Horse racing’s 58th millionaire.

Favorite Double Down Special Takes All American Derby

Second-fastest qualifier Double Down Special earned his third stakes victory of the season in the 440-yard All American Derby (G1) at Ruidoso Downs on Sunday.

Champion Noconi Wins All American Gold Cup

Ridden for the first time by Jacky Martin, Noconi parlayed a sharp break from post 1 into a victory in Sunday’s 440-yard, $40,000 All American Gold Cup (G3) at Ruidoso Downs.

Skip A Smile Rallies to Win Ruidoso Thoroughbred Derby

Rose Mary Chandler’s Skip A Smile closed off of a slow pace to win Saturday’s $40,000 Ruidoso Thoroughbred Derby at Ruidoso Downs.

All American Futurity, Derby Top Big Closing Weekend at Ruidoso

Ruidoso Downs will end its 60-day summer meet this weekend, and the track’s schedule features six stakes – four for Quarter Horses and two for Thoroughbreds. Post time for all three days will be 12 p.m. (MDT).

Sheet Burns Wins 870-Yard Special Hank Stakes

Noe Garcia rode 11-10 favorite Sheet Burns to a neck victory in the 870-yard, $30,000 Special Hank Stakes at The Downs at Albuquerque on Sunday.

Jacque Seis Upsets Merial New Mexico Distaff Challenge

Seventh-fastest qualifier Jacque Seis outran her 10-1 odds to win Sunday’s $38,700 Merial New Mexico Distaff Challenge at Ruidoso Downs.

Kineticat Yankee is Prompt Choice in Free Spirits ‘Cap

Sent to post as the 11-10 favorite, Kineticat Yankee responded with a wire-to-wire, 1 ¼-length victory in Saturday’s $40,000 Free Spirits Handicap at Ruidoso Downs.

Apollitical Jess Posts Fastest All American Derby Trial Time

Rancho el Cabresto Inc.’s Apollitical Jess is the fastest qualifier for the 440-yard All American Derby (G1) at Ruidoso Downs on September 5.

JLS Mr Bigtime Is Fastest All American Futurity Qualifier

JLS Mr Bigtime, a homebred gelding racing for JLS Speedhorse Ranch Inc. of Opelousas, Louisiana, won the 13th of 20 All American Futurity (G1) trials on Thursday and posted the fastest qualifying time for the $2,050,000 final on September 6.

Trainer Fred Danley Wins Three Races, W.L. Mooring Honored on Lineage Day

Trainer Fred Danley saddled the winners of three of the nine $40,000 stakes on the 21st annual Lineage Day card at The Downs at Albuquerque on Sunday. Also, W.L. Mooring, the owner of Double L Farms in Bosque, New Mexico, was honored as the 2010 Lineage Legend during a ceremony after the 10th race.

Thoroughbred Devon Lane Filly Tops NM-Bred Yearling Sale

An unnamed Thoroughbred filly by Devon Lane was sold for $53,500 on Saturday, topping the two-day New Mexico-Bred Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse Yearling Sale at Ruidoso Downs.

Top Sellers Bring $35,000 During First Night of NM Yearling Sale

Comanche Moon, a sorrel Quarter Horse colt by Get Down Perry, was sold for $35,000 on Friday, the first night of the New Mexico-Bred Yearling Sale at Ruidoso Downs.

Sunday’s Lineage Program Features Record 11 Races

A program-record 11 races will be featured on Sunday’s $380,000 Lineage program for New Mexico-bred Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses at The Downs at Albuquerque. Post time for the first race will be 1:30 p.m. (MDT).

Report from August NM Racing Commission Meeting in Albuquerque

The New Mexico Racing Commission held its monthly meeting at its headquarters in Albuquerque on Monday.

All American Futurity, Derby Trials Set at Ruidoso

Ruidoso Downs will be at the center of the Quarter Horse racing world this week, as the track hosts 20 All American Futurity (G1) trials on Thursday and seven All American Derby (G1) trials on Friday. First post time for Thursday’s card will be 11 a.m. (MDT), while Friday’s nine-race program will get underway at 12 p.m. Friday’s last race is scheduled for 3:28, which is about one hour before the New Mexico-Bred Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse Yearling Sale is scheduled to begin at the Ruidoso Horse Sales Pavilion.

Longshot Tyee Wins Charles Taylor Derby

Oscar Ceballos rode longshot Tyee to a half-length victory in Sunday’s $30,000 Charles Taylor Derby for 3-year-olds at The Downs at Albuquerque.

Jesstifiably Stoli is Fastest NM Distaff Challenge Qualifier

Jesstifiably Stoli won the first of two Merial New Mexico Distaff Challenge trials on Thursday and posted the fastest qualifying time for the August 29, $22,500-added final at Ruidoso Downs.

A.P. Flatter Rallies to Win Albuquerque’s Chamisa Handicap

A.P. Flatter won Saturday’s 6 ½-furlong, $30,000 Chamisa Handicap for fillies and mares, as The Downs at Albuquerque opened its 59-day meet in front of a crowd of 3,142.

Albuquerque Meet Opens Saturday

The Downs at Albuquerque opens its 59-day meet with a nine-race program on Saturday. Post time for the first race is 1:30 p.m. (MDT). The track will run primarily on a Friday-Monday schedule through closing day, November 14, with first post scheduled for 2:30 p.m. on Fridays and Mondays and 1:30 on Saturdays and Sundays. The only exception to this schedule is during the 17-day New Mexico State Fair meet, which will run every day from September 10-26.

NM-Bred Chicks Gotta Secret Beats Open Company in Mr Jet Moore

Chicks Gotta Secret, a New Mexico-bred stallion by Chicks A Blazin, was a prompt 2-1 favorite in the Grade 3, $30,000 Mr Jet Moore Handicap at Ruidoso Downs on Sunday.

Fast Movin Vic Scores First Stakes Win in NM Juvenile Challenge

Jockey G.R. Carter Jr. rode Fast Movin Vic to a half-length victory in Saturday’s $60,210 John Deere New Mexico Juvenile Challenge (G3) at Ruidoso Downs.

John Deere NM Juvenile Challenge Tops Ruidoso Downs Weekend Slate

Ruidoso Downs Racetrack will play host to a pair of Quarter Horse stakes this weekend. On Saturday, a full field of 10 2-year-olds will square off in the 350-yard, $60,210 John Deere New Mexico Juvenile Challenge (G3). This race will be followed by the $30,000 Mr Jet Moore Handicap (G3) on Sunday.

Fullofenergy Makes History on Zia Festival Day

The 10th annual Zia Festival at Ruidoso Downs is in the books. On Sunday, a crowd of 6,800 saw 10 New Mexico-bred stakes – six for Thoroughbreds and four for Quarter Horses – and it witnessed history when Fullofenergy won the $50,000 Land of Enchantment Handicap (R) for the fourth consecutive season.

Champion Gone To The Mountain Holds On For Master Salls Win

Holding off a late charge from longshot Mr. Golden Ruler (TB), reigning champion distance horse Gone To The Mountain scored his seventh career stakes victory in Saturday’s $30,000 Master Salls Handicap at Ruidoso Downs.

New Mexico Breds Prepared To Shine in Zia Festival

A total of 99 New Mexico-bred Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses have been entered in Sunday’s Zia Festival races at Ruidoso Downs Racetrack. Six of the Zia Festival races are for Thoroughbreds and four are for Quarter Horses. The Thoroughbred races will be topped by the 7 ½-furlong, $50,000 Land of Enchantment Handicap, in which Fullofenergy will be vying for his fourth consecutive victory.

Second-Fastest Qualifier Hes Too Icy For Me Wins Rainbow Futurity

Jacky Martin rode second-fastest qualifier Hes Too Icy For Me to a victory in the $625,000 Rainbow Futurity (G1) at Ruidoso Downs on Sunday. The win marked the first stakes victory for Martin since the jockey’s return to riding earlier this month. The 55-year-old rider has won the Rainbow Futurity, which began in 1964, five times, more than any other jockey.

Mark My Dial Filly Wins Rainbow Juvenile Invitational

Miss Dash Ta Dial, a black filly by the Make My Mark stallion Mark My Dial, broke her maiden in Sunday’s 400-yard, $20,000 Rainbow Juvenile Invitational Stakes at Ruidoso Downs.

New Mexico-Bred Yearling Sale Set for August 20-21

More than 400 Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse yearlings have been consigned to this year’s New Mexico-Bred Yearling Sale, to be held August 20-21 at the Ruidoso Horse Sale Pavilion in Ruidoso Downs.

Swingin Daddyo Wins Richest-Ever Rainbow Derby

A sharp break from post 1 helped Swingin Daddyo score his first stakes victory in Saturday’s Grade 1, $873,441 Rainbow Derby at Ruidoso Downs.

Zia Park Releases $3.5-Million Stakes Schedule, First Condition Book

Zia Park has released its stakes schedule and first condition book for its 2010 meet, which opens September 11.

Dominyun Breaks Maiden in John Deere NM Juvenile Challenge Trials

Dominyun, a homebred Mr Jess Perry colt racing for Bobby D. Cox, won the fourth of seven John Deere New Mexico Juvenile Challenge (G3) trials at Ruidoso Downs on Thursday, posting the fastest qualifying time for the August 7 final.

Rich Rainbow Derby, Futurity Top Weekend Action at Ruidoso Downs

Ruidoso Downs Racetrack will be the center of Quarter Horse racing this weekend, as the track hosts a pair of significant Grade 1 stakes. Saturday’s 440-yard Rainbow Derby (G1) will be worth a stakes-record purse of $873,441, which breaks the previous mark of $567,167 set 28 years ago. The Rainbow Derby will be followed by the 400-yard, $625,000 Rainbow Futurity (G1) on Sunday, which features the continuing quest of American Runaway toward this year’s All American Triple Crown.

Red Rock Springs Tops Rio Grande Senor Futurity Qualifiers

Red Rock Springs, a stakes-winning colt by Your Eminence owned and trained by Tony Sedillo, tops the list of qualifiers for the August 1 Rio Grande Senor Futurity (R) for New Mexico-bred 2-year-olds at Ruidoso Downs.

Field Set for Rio Grande Senorita Futurity

A field of 10 New Mexico-bred 2-year-old fillies, including three homebreds racing for W.T. Stradley and Tom Williams, will meet in the $50,000-added Rio Grande Senorita Futurity (R) at Ruidoso Downs on August 1.

Down With You Tops Zia Derby Qualifiers

Down With You, a homebred colt by The Down Side racing for R.D. and Joan Dale Hubbard, on Friday recorded the fastest qualifying time for August 1, $126,924 Zia Derby (RG2) for New Mexico-bred 3-year-olds at Ruidoso Downs.

Streak Of Sixes Rolls in Zia Futurity Trials

Peter and Marjorie Gallegos’ Streak Of Sixes on Thursday posted the fastest Zia Futurity (RG1) qualifying time for the $351,963 final on August 1.

A.P. Flatter Rallies to Win Ruidoso’s Fern Sawyer ‘Cap

Mark Villa rode A.P. Flatter to a come-from-behind victory in Saturday’s $40,000 Fern Sawyer Handicap for fillies and mares at Ruidoso Downs.

Love Samba Posts Fastest Rainbow Derby Trial Time

Love Samba, a sorrel Corona Cartel filly racing for Jim D. Pitts, won the second of five Rainbow Derby (G1) trials on Friday and recorded the fastest qualifying time for the July 24 final. Other prominent finalists include 2009 AQHA champion 2-year-old gelding First Klas Fred and Heritage Place Derby (G1) winner Streakin Down.

American Runaway is Fastest Rainbow Futurity Finalist

American Runaway stayed alive for the All American Triple Crown when the Ocean Runaway colt on Thursday posted the fastest qualifying time for the July 25 Rainbow Futurity (G1) at Ruidoso Downs.

Rainbow Futurity, Derby Trials Top Week at Ruidoso Downs

A total of 179 2-year-olds have been entered in Thursday’s Rainbow Futurity (G1) trials at Ruidoso Downs. Post time for the first of the 18 400-yard trials is 12 p.m. (MDT). The top 10 qualifiers will meet in the $625,000 Rainbow Futurity final on July 25.

BRT Opulence Wins New Mexico Horsemen's Association Handicap

A one-time $5,000 claimer, Martin Orona’s BRT Opulence scored a wire-to-wire, 1 ½-length win in the $75,000 New Mexico Horsemen’s Association Handicap (R) at SunRay Park on Sunday.

Woody Dungarees Earns First Stakes Victory in SunRay Firecracker

A sharp break from post 1 helped Woody Dungarees score a 1 ½-length victory in Sunday’s $75,000 SunRay Park Firecracker Stakes (R) for New Mexico-bred 3-year-old fillies at SunRay Park.

Lefty Who Rallies to Win Sierra Blanca Handicap

Isaias Enriquez rode 8-5 favorite Lefty Who to a come-from-behind victory in the $50,000 Sierra Blanca Handicap (R) for New Mexico-breds at Ruidoso Downs on Sunday.

Facil Catana Wins Frontier Trophy Buckles Allowance Stakes

Facil Catana, a Florida-bred filly racing for Lathrop G. Hoffman of Sierra Madre, California, earned her first career stakes win in Sunday’s 6 ½-furlong, $50,000 Frontier Trophy Buckles Allowance Stakes for 3-year-old fillies at SunRay Park.

Sophomore Tizsosexy Posts Mild Upset in San Juan County Commissioners ‘Cap

The only 3-year-old in the field of seven, Rogers Farms’ Tizsosexy led from start to finish to win the $100,000 San Juan County Commissioners Handicap at SunRay Park on Sunday.

Train Rider Blues Rallies to Win Dine Stakes

Train Rider Blues was a prompt 2-1 favorite in Saturday’s 6 ½-furlong, $75,000 Dine Stakes (R) for New Mexico-bred 3-year-olds at SunRay Park.

Verny Stays Unbeaten Following Totah Stakes Win

Willard Burbach’s Verny remained undefeated following his victory in Sunday’s $75,000 Totah Stakes (R) for New Mexico-bred 2-year-old colts and geldings at SunRay Park.

All American Connections Combine to Win SunRay's Duke Smith Handicap

James J. Gonzales II and Dennis Means, two horsemen with past ties to Quarter Horse racing's most prestigious race, combined to win Saturday’s Tommy “Duke” Smith Handicap (RG2) for New Mexico-bred aged runners at SunRay Park. Saddled by Gonzales and ridden by Means for owner Victor R. Diaz of Sunland Park, New Mexico, the 4-year-old gelding Salt On The Side outran his 16-1 odds to win the $75,000 stakes by a nose from A First Caller.

Shy Ann Jess is Prompt Choice in Higheasterjet Handicap

Sent to post as the 6-5 favorite, Shy Ann Jess sprinted to a wire-to-wire, one-length victory in the 350-yard Higheasterjet Handicap (G3) at Ruidoso Downs on Saturday.

Fastest Qualifier An Ocean Rocket Wins Adequan New Mexico Derby Challenge

Fastest qualifier An Ocean Rocket sprinted to a nose victory in Friday’s Grade 3, $52,560 Adequan New Mexico Derby Challenge at Ruidoso Downs.

SunRay Park Closing Weekend Features Seven Stakes

SunRay Park in Farmington, New Mexico, ends its 2010 meet with seven stakes this weekend.

Betternilook Is Prompt Choice in O.G. Fischer Memorial

Sent to post as the 4-5 favorite, Betternilook responded with a one-length win in Saturday’s $50,000 Dr. O.G. Fischer Memorial Handicap for fillies and mares at SunRay Park.

Chocolate Mountain Wins SunRay Marathon

Chocolate Mountain, a homebred 4-year-old Panther Mountain gelding racing for Lewis R. Dillree, picked up his second stakes victory in the 870-yard, $50,000 Marathon Handicap at SunRay Park on Saturday.

Red Rock Springs Leads From Start to Finish in Mountain Top Thoroughbred Futurity

Rated perfectly by jockey Mark Villa, Red Rock Springs sprinted to a wire-to-wire, half-length victory in Saturday’s $136,221 Mountain Top Thoroughbred Futurity (R) for New Mexico-breds before a crowd of 3,340 at Ruidoso Downs.

Buyer’s Seminar Set for New Mexico-Bred Yearling Sale

A buyer’s seminar will be held during the weekend of this year’s New Mexico-Bred Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse Yearling Sale at Ruidoso Downs. The seminar will take place on Saturday, August 21, from 10-11 a.m. and will be held at the Ruidoso Horse Sale Pavilion at 304 N. Joe Welch, just east of the racetrack.

Streak Of Sixes Gets Second Stakes Win in Mountain Top Futurity

Streak Of Sixes got back on the winning track in Sunday’s 350-yard Mountain Top Quarter Horse Futurity (RG2) for New Mexico-bred 2-year-olds at Ruidoso Downs.

Cherry One Wins Ruidoso’s First Lady ‘Cap

Pressing a moderate pace, Cherry One scored a 2 ¼-length victory in the $40,000 First Lady Handicap for fillies and mares at Ruidoso Downs on Saturday.

W R Carver Breaks Maiden in Four Corners Futurity

Second-fastest qualifier W R Carver, a homebred Wave Carver gelding racing for Rose Webb, broke his maiden with a neck victory in Saturday’s 350-yard, $100,800 Four Corners Futurity (G3) at SunRay Park.

Tin Can Kitty Earns First Stakes Win in Kendrick Memorial

Catalino Martinez rode Tin Can Kitty to a one-length win in the $75,000 C.O. “Ken” Kendrick Memorial Stakes (R) for New Mexico-bred 2-year-old fillies at SunRay Park on Saturday.

Awintersdream Leads From Start to Finish to Win Aztec Oaks

Joe D. Brooks’ Awintersdream earned her second career stakes victory in Saturday’s 6 ½-furlong, $75,000 Aztec Oaks (R) for New Mexico-bred sophomore fillies at SunRay Park.

Report from June NM Racing Commission Meeting in Albuquerque

The New Mexico Racing Commission held its monthly meeting at its headquarters in Albuquerque on Wednesday.

Ocean Runaway Gelding Posts Fastest NM Derby Challenge Trial Time

An Ocean Rocket, a Texas-bred gelding by champion Ocean Runaway, won the first of three Adequan New Mexico Derby Challenge (G3) trials at Ruidoso Downs on Thursday, posting the fastest qualifying time for the July 2 final.

Fastest Qualifier American Runaway is Prompt Choice in Ruidoso QH Futurity

Sent to post as the 3-5 favorite, fastest qualifier American Runaway responded with an easy 1 ¼-length win in the $500,000 Ruidoso Quarter Horse Futurity (G1) at Ruidoso Downs on Sunday. American Runaway went 350 yards in :17.467 and earned a 94 speed index under jockey Cody Jensen, who rode the gray colt by Ocean Runaway to a 4 ¾-length victory in the sixth of 19 trials on May 28. Paul Jones saddled American Runaway for owners Sammy Martinez, Johnny Martinez, and Bobby D. Cox.

Jess Dellaree Breaks Stakes Record in SunRay’s La Plata Stakes

A sharp break from his rail post helped favorite Jess Dellaree earn a half-length win in Sunday’s 400-yard, $50,000 La Plata Stakes (G3) at SunRay Park. Ridden by Alejandro Medellin for owner Maria G. Gonzalez of Edgewood, New Mexico, and trainer Ramon Gonzalez, Jess Dellaree made his trip in :19.214, breaking by 3/100ths of a second the previous stakes record set last year by Arturo Orozco’s Texas Version.

Zoomin Away Scores Upset Victory in Ruidoso Juvenile Invitational

The longest shot in the field of 10, Gene A. Voss’ Zoomin Away sprinted to a wire-to-wire, 1 ¼-length victory in Sunday’s $20,000 Ruidoso Juvenile Invitational Stakes at Ruidoso Downs. Zoomin Away went 350 yards in :17.749 while recording her first win in three starts. David Pinon rode the gray daughter of Grade 1 winner Azoom for trainer Russell Harris.

Field Set for Mountain Top Thoroughbred Futurity

Capitol Guy made his career debut with a three-quarter length victory in the first of three Mountain Top Thoroughbred Futurity (R) trials at Ruidoso Downs on Thursday. Saddled by Carlos Sedillo and ridden by Ken Tohill for owner James R. McClintic, Capitol Guy covered 5 furlongs in :58.11, the fastest clocking in the trials.

Here Kittykittykitty Wins New Mexico Breeders’ Stakes

Here Kittykittykitty, a sorrel gelding by Genuine Strawfly racing for Jay and Mary Lou Standefer, recorded his second career stakes victory in the $75,000 New Mexico Breeders’ Stakes (R) for state-bred 3-year-olds at SunRay Park on Saturday.

Double Down Special Wins Richest-Ever Ruidoso QH Derby

Vanessa Bartoo’s Double Down Special, the fastest qualifier and 9-10 favorite, extended his win streak to four in Saturday’s Grade 1, $569,153 Ruidoso Derby (G1) at Ruidoso Downs. Saddled by John Stinebaugh and ridden by Salvador Martinez, Double Down Special covered 400 yards in :19.642 while defeating 21-1 longshot Swingin Daddyo by a neck.

Rich Futurity, Derby Top Weekend Action at Ruidoso

Quarter horses will be in the spotlight this weekend at Ruidoso Downs, as the track hosts the 400-yard, $568,965 Ruidoso Derby (G1) on Saturday, and the 350-yard, $500,000 Ruidoso Futurity (G1) on Sunday.

Mountain Top Thoroughbred Futurity Trials Set for Thursday

A total of 21 New Mexico-bred 2-year-olds are entered in Thursday’s Mountain Top Futurity (R) trials at Ruidoso Downs. Dodson, a gelding by Roll Hennessy Roll racing for Tyler Holstein and Renee Carter and trained by Todd Fincher, is the morning-line even-money favorite in the last of three 5-furlong trials.

Longshot Tizsosexy Wins SunRay Park and Casino Handicap

Rogers Farms’ Tizsosexy outran his 15-1 odds to win Sunday’s one-mile, $50,000 SunRay Park and Casino Handicap for 3-year-olds. Trained by Gerald Richards and ridden by Enrique Garcia, Tizsosexy defeated Cheatin A Little by 3 ½ lengths while stopping the timer in 1:36.95. The victory was the bay Tizbud gelding’s second in six starts and first since he was claimed by his current connections for $10,000 at Sunland Park on April 9.

Pick Me Up Scores Wire-To-Wire Victory in Aspen Cup

Mark Villa rode Pick Me Up to a wire-to-wire win in Saturday’s $40,000 Aspen Cup Handicap for 3-year-old fillies at Ruidoso Downs. Prepped by Bart Hone for owner R. Legacy Racing Inc. of Layton, Utah, Pick Me Up covered 6 furlongs in 1:10.39 after setting fractions of :23.47 and :46.27. The filly by Yankee Gentleman’s margin of victory was three lengths from Badgett’s Royal, and she returned a $2.80 win mutuel as the 2-5 favorite.

New Mexico Streaker Is Fastest Mountain Top Futurity Finalist

New Mexico Streaker, an undefeated gelding by Brookstone Bay, posted the fastest qualifying time in Friday’s Mountain Top Futurity (RG2) trials for state-bred 2-year-olds at Ruidoso Downs.

La Mesa Racetrack Appeals Gaming License Revocation

Officials for La Mesa Racetrack and Casino have filed an appeal of the New Mexico Gaming Control Board’s decision to revoke its gaming license.

Special Leader Colt Posts Fastest Four Corners Futurity Qualifying Time

The Essentials, a Texas-bred colt by 1991 world champion Special Leader, outran his 8-1 odds to win the last of four Four Corners Futurity (G3) trials at SunRay Park on Thursday. Racing for Fun 4 Racing and prepped by Bennie L. “Chip” Woolley Jr., The Essentials covered 350 yards in :17.409 while recording his first win in three outs and the fastest qualifying time for the $40,000-added Four Corners final on June 19.

Downs at Albuquerque Releases $1.13-Million Stakes Schedule, First Condition Book

The Downs at Albuquerque has released its first condition book and complete stakes schedule for its 59-day meet, which runs August 14-November 14. Located at Expo New Mexico in central Albuquerque, The Downs at Albuquerque will race four days a week on a Friday-Monday schedule. The lone exception will be during the New Mexico State Fair, when racing will be conducted for 17 consecutive days from September 10-26.

La Especial Corona Scores Fourth Stakes Win in Fine Loom

La Especial Corona earned his fourth career stakes win in the 870-yard, $30,000 Fine Loom Handicap, which was contested in front of a Memorial Day holiday crowd of 3,459 at Ruidoso Downs. Breaking sharply from post 3 under jockey Ricardo Jaime, La Especial Corona led at every call and reached the wire a half of a length in front of Loves Bonus (TB) in :45.060. La Especial Corona was saddled by H. Armando Orozco of El Paso, Texas, who campaigns the gray 7-year-old gelding with Saul Garcia.

WR Aces Fame Wins New Mexico Breeders’ Futurity

Rose Webb’s WR Aces Fame picked up her first stakes victory in the $172,100 New Mexico Breeders’ Futurity (RG3) at SunRay Park on Sunday. Prepped by Wes Giles, who gave a leg up to jockey Freddie Martinez, WR Aces Fame covered 350 yards in :17.324 to earn a career-best 95 speed index. The winner’s share of the stakes-record purse increased her earnings to $114,345.

Blue Note Rallies to Win Norgor Derby

Juan Ochoa rode Blue Memo to a come-from-behind victory in Sunday’s 6-furlong, $40,000 Norgor Derby, the first stakes race of Ruidoso Downs’ summer meet. Trained by Weston Martin for owners Brad and Kim Bingham and Ken and Nancy Blewet, Blue Memo stopped the timer in 1:12.13 after closing on fractions of :23.05 and :46.04 set by pacesetter D G Wimbledon. The gelding’s margin of victory was a nose from Train Rider Blues.

Van Zant Wins Animas Stakes

Van Zant, a California-bred colt by Hawkinson owned and trained by Harvey Baeza, sprinted to a wire-to-wire victory in Saturday’s $50,000 Animas Stakes for 3-year-olds at SunRay Park. Covering 400 yards in :19.426 under jockey Esgar Ramirez, Van Zant defeated recorded his first career stakes win. The colt was sent to post as the 9-2 third choice, and his margin of victory was a head from 30-1 longshot Jess Eye.

Double Down Special Runs Win Streak to Three in Ruidoso Derby Trials

Vanessa Bartoo’s Double Down Special increased his win streak to three races with a 1 ¾-length victory in the fourth of six Ruidoso Derby (G1) trials at Ruidoso Downs on Saturday. Prepped by John Stinebaugh, ridden by Salvador Martinez, and sent to post as the 9-10 favorite, Double Down Special went 400 yards in :19.246 while posting the fastest qualifying time.

American Runaway is Fastest Ruidoso Futurity Qualifier

American Runaway, a colt by Ocean Runaway racing for Sammy Martinez and Johnny Martinez, won the sixth of 19 Ruidoso Futurity (G1) trials on Friday and posted the fastest qualifying time for the $500,000 final on June 13. Saddled by Paul Jones and ridden by Cody Jensen, American Runaway went 350 yards on a fast track in :17.138 while recording a 104 speed index and defeating first-time starter Downtown Fantasy by 4 ¾ lengths.

Ruidoso Downs Meet Opens Friday

Ruidoso Downs’ 60-day summer season opens with 19 Ruidoso Futurity (G1) trials on Friday. Post time for the first race is 11 a.m. (MDT). A total of 189 2-year-olds have been entered in the trials, including West Texas Futurity (G1) winner No Dice Special and runner-up First Class Lacy B, and Remington Park Futurity (G1) runner-up American Runaway.

New Mexico-Based Stallion Avenue of Flags Dies at 22

Avenue Of Flags, a Grade 2-placed stallion by 1977 Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew, was euthanized following an accident in his paddock on May 14. He was 22. At the time of his death, Avenue Of Flags was standing at James Wasson’s Winner’s Circle Farm near Las Cruces, New Mexico, where he had been moved to for the 2010 breeding season.

NM Commission Hands Sanctions to 15 SunRay Park Jockeys

Fifteen jockeys have been sanctioned by the New Mexico Racing Commission for their roles in a walkout that caused SunRay Park officials to cancel racing just minutes before post time on April 24.

Report from May NM Racing Commission Meeting in Albuquerque

The New Mexico Racing Commission held its monthly meeting at its headquarters in Albuquerque on Wednesday. The meeting was originally scheduled to be held in Farmington but was moved to Albuquerque due to NMRC budget constraints. NMRC deputy director India Hatch said that all commission meetings scheduled for the next six months will be held in Albuquerque.

A Spring Snow Posts Fastest Pfizer New Mexico Challenge Trial Time

A Spring Snow, a 5-year-old gelding by champion This Snow Is Royal, is the fastest qualifier to this year’s 350-yard Pfizer New Mexico Starter Allowance Challenge at SunRay Park. Ridden by Esgar Ramirez for owner and trainer Abraham Jaquez of Albuquerque, A Spring Snow won the second of two trials by 2 ¼ lengths as the 1-2 favorite. The gelding covered 350 yards in :17.087 and earned a 103 speed index.

Famous Dungarees is Fastest New Mexico Breeders' Futurity Qualifiers

Holy Bucket LLC’s Famous Dungarees on Thursday won the second of five New Mexico Breeders’ Futurity (RG3) trials and posted the fastest qualifying time for the May 30, $75,000-added final. Sent to post at odds of 12-1, Famous Dungarees defeated 17-10 favorite WR Dash by a neck while covering 350 yards in :17.614 and recording an 87 speed index. Esgar Ramirez rode the Dash Ta Fame gelding for trainer Mike Barber.

Sunland Park Gets Conditional Safety Approval

The NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance has given Sunland Park Racetrack “provisional accreditation” after finding that the track did not comply with all of the requirements of the program. Daily Racing Form reports that Sunland could receive full accreditation in the future if the track and the New Mexico Racing Commission addressed a number of issues that left the track short of the program’s requirements.

Five New Mexico Breeders’ Futurity Trials Set for Thursday

A total of 45 state-bred 2-year-olds have been entered in Thursday’s New Mexico Breeders’ Futurity (RG2) trials at SunRay Park. The 10 fastest qualifiers will meet in the 350-yard, $75,000-added final on May 30.

Fullofenergy Scores Fifth Stakes Win in Jack Cole Handicap

Fullofenergy, a 7-year-old Desert God gelding racing for Joe Allen and Michael Stinson, recorded his fifth career stakes victory in Sunday’s $100,000 Jack Cole Handicap (R) for New Mexico-breds at SunRay Park. Saddled by Joel Marr and ridden by Carlos Madeira, Fullofenergy covered one mile in 1:37.34 while defeating 2009 Jack Cole Handicap winner Some Ghost by a half of a length. The $60,000 winner’s share of the purse boosted Fullofenergy’s earnings to $472,537.

Stakes Winner Daddy Warbucks Retired, to Stand in New Mexico

Daddy Warbucks, a 6-year-old son of Valid Expectations, has been retired from racing and will stand at Hourigan Horse Farm near Anthony, New Mexico.

First Edition of Ruidoso Condition Book Available

The first condition book for Ruidoso Downs’ 2010 race meet is now available at www.raceruidoso.com. The first book covers the first 12 days of the meet, May 28-June 13, and it includes a complete stakes schedule.

Gaming Board Denies Request for Raton License Renewal

The New Mexico Gaming Control Board on Tuesday denied a request by Horse Racing at Raton LLC to renew its gaming license. The denial means that it’s likely that Horse Racing at Raton and its president, Toronto-based developer Michael Moldenhauer, will cease further construction on the planned $50-milion racino project. On May 19 in Albuquerque, the New Mexico Racing Commission will vote on whether or not to revoke the company’s racing license, and at this time it appears that the five-member board will do just that.

Happy Me Wins Russell and Helen Foutz Handicap

Rated perfectly from post 4 by jockey Ken Tohill, Happy Me scored a wire-to-wire, 3 ¾-length victory in Friday’s $75,000 Russell and Helen Foutz Distaff Handicap (R) at SunRay Park. Happy Me covered 6 ½ furlongs in 1:17.44 after setting fractional splits of :23.05 and :46.61. Fred Danley saddled the homebred 4-year-old filly by Lesters Boy for his wife, owner Rita Danley of Anthony, New Mexico.

Jenuine Joy Keeps Streak Going in Four Corners Senora

Sent to post as the 6-5 favorite, Jenuine Joy ran her win streak to four following a half-length victory in Sunday’s Four Corners Senora Stakes (R) for New Mexico-bred fillies and mares at SunRay Park. Sunday’s 10-race program at SunRay went off without a hitch after a jockey’s strike forced cancellation of the track’s scheduled 10-race card on Saturday. According to a report in the Farmington Daily Times, the track planned to run the cancelled program in its entirety on Friday.

Endorsement, NM-Bred First Moonflash Named Horses of Meet at Sunland Park

First Moonflash, a New Mexico-bred 5-year-old stallion by the late First To Flash, was named the top Quarter Horse during Sunland Park’s 2009-10 meet, which ended last Tuesday. Also, WinStar Farm’s Endorsement, the winner of the March 28, $800,000 Sunland Derby (G3), earned Thoroughbred of the meet honors.

SunRay Park Weekend Preview – April 24-25

Happy Me, a homebred 4-year-old filly racing for Rita Danley of Anthony, New Mexico, is the 5-2 morning-line favorite for Saturday’s Russell and Helen Foutz Handicap (R) for state-bred Thoroughbred distaffers at SunRay Park. The Foutz is one of two stakes scheduled for SunRay this weekend. The other, the $75,000 Four Corners Senora Stakes (R) for New Mexico-bred fillies and mares, will be run as the fourth race on Sunday’s 10-race program.

Sunland Park Meet Ends With Increase in Handle

Sunland Park Racetrack ended its 2009-10 meet on Tuesday, and the track near El Paso, Texas, recorded increases in overall and off-track handle. A total of $65,568,593 was wagered on Sunland Park’s races, an increase of nearly 5.5 percent over the track’s 2008-09 meet. Of that total, $7,294,312 was handled on track, a decrease of 1.2 percent, but that was offset by the $58,274,281 bet at Sunland’s off-track outlets. That $58.2 million represented a 6.34-percent increase over the previous season.

New Mexico-Breds Sweep Top Three Places in Sunland’s Getaway Stakes

Riding the gelding for the first time in a race, J. Martin Bourdieu piloted Corona Dream to a three-quarter length win in the 870-yard, $50,000 Getaway Stakes for sophomores at Sunland Park on Tuesday. Corona Dream was prepped by Roberto Sanchez for owner SM Cattle Export Co. of Socorro, Texas, and the gelding covered 870 yards in :45.067 and posted an 88 speed index while making his first start at the distance. The $30,000 winner’s share of the purse pushed his earnings to $55,790.

Haitian Hero Earns First Stakes Victory in KHEY-Y96 Sprint Stakes

A one-time $15,000 claimer, Haitian Hero recorded his first stakes win in Tuesday’s $50,000 KHEY-Y96 Sprint Stakes for 3-year-olds at Sunland Park. Haitian Hero covered 6 furlongs in 1:10.40 while defeating runner-up El Confidential by a neck. Alejandro Medellin rode the Petionville colt for owners Ramon O. Gonzalez and Homero Valera and trainer Andres Gonzalez.

SunRay Park Meet Opens Thursday

SunRay Park in Farmington, New Mexico, opens its 46-day meet on Thursday. Post time for the first race is 2:15 p.m. (MDT).

Red Lead Rallies to Win $114,400 Sunland Park Handicap

Jockey J. Martin Bourdieu rode Red Lead to a 2 ¼-length victory in the 1 1/8-mile, $114,400 Sunland Park Handicap on Sunday. In front of a crowd of 5,167 on the final Sunday of Sunland Park’s 2009-10 meet, Red Lead rallied off of fractions of :24.37, :48.49, and 1:11.63 and reached the wire in 1:48.85. Chris Hartman trains the chestnut 4-year-old Red Bullet gelding for owner Frontier Stables LLC of Palestine, Texas.

Longshot No Dice Special Wins Grade 1 West Texas Futurity

Eighth-fastest qualifier No Dice Special outran his 18-1 odds to win Sunday’s $302,339 West Texas Futurity (G1) at Sunland Park. Racing for VWP Jr. Inc. of Holdenville, Oklahoma, No Dice Special defeated second-fastest qualifier and 2-1 favorite First Class Lacy B by a nose while going 300 yards in :14.959. Salvador Martinez rode the bay gelding by Eyesa Special for trainer John Stinebaugh.

Verny Stays Unbeaten After Copper Top Score

A homebred chestnut gelding by Gold Case, Verny dueled down the stretch with favorite Dodson and won Saturday’s $125,162 Copper Top Futurity (R) for New Mexico-bred colts and geldings at Sunland Park. Verny was sent to post at odds of 7-1 and earned $62,581 for his owner, Willard Burbach of Greeley, Colorado. Prepped by Greg Green and ridden by Alfredo Juarez Jr., Verny covered 4 ½ furlongs in :52.01 and posted his second victory in as many starts.

Squall Wilbud Outruns Odds to Win Fillies Division of Copper Top Futurity

A 29-1 longshot, Squall Wilbud came from off the pace to win the fillies division of the 4 ½-furlong Copper Top Futurity (R) at Sunland Park on Saturday. Saddled by Fred Danley for owners W.T. Stradley of Tom Williams, both of Hobbs, New Mexico, Squall Wilbud stopped the timer in :51.60 after closing off of a :21.61 opening quarter-mile fraction set by Tin Can Kitty. Jorge Gonzalez rode the filly to her first career victory.

Sixy Chamisa is Prompt Favorite in Sunburst Stakes

Sent to post at odds of 9-10, Sixy Chamisa led at every call en route to a 1 ¼-length victory in the Sunburst Stakes (R) for New Mexico-bred 3-year-old fillies at Sunland Park on Saturday. Sixy Chamisa races for SM Cattle Export Co. of Socorro, Texas, and the Sixes Royal filly covered 350 yards in :17.030 while scoring her second stakes win. Freddie Martinez rode Sixy Chamisa for trainer Roberto Sanchez.

Ocean Runaway Colt Wins West Texas Juvenile

Deepwater B, a colt by Ocean Runaway racing for Bielau Oaks, earned his first victory in Saturday’s $50,500 West Texas Juvenile Stakes (R) at Sunland Park. Saddled by John Stinebaugh and ridden by Esgar Ramirez, Deepwater B went 300 yards in :15.080, and his winning margin was a head from W R Carver. Unashamed, the 3-2 favorite, finished in a dead heat for third with 28-1 longshot Imdancinwiththestars.

Shamrock Girl is Morning-Line Favorite for Fillies Division of Copper Top Futurity

Shamrock Girl, a filly by the Holy Bull stallion King Bull, has been made the 8-5 morning-line favorite for the $75,000-added fillies division of the Copper Top Futurity (R) at Sunland Park on Saturday. The 4 ½-furlong race is restricted to 2-year-old New Mexico-bred fillies, and it is one of eight stakes races presented by Sunland Park during the track’s closing weekend, which runs Saturday-Tuesday. Four of the stakes are for Thoroughbreds and four are for Quarter Horses.

Report from April NM Racing Commission Meeting in Albuquerque

The New Mexico Racing Commission held its monthly meeting at its headquarters in Albuquerque on Thursday.

330-Yard Track Record Falls at Sunland Park

CD Frontier Justice, a homebred gelding by the Strawfly Special stallion Desirio, broke Sunland Park’s 330-yard track record in a $32,000 entry-level allowance for 3-year-olds on Saturday. Racing for Fredda Draper of Ruidoso Downs, and trained by her husband, Carl Draper, CD Frontier Justice stopped the timer in :15.999, breaking the previous mark of :16.062 set by Dun On Project in a $6,250 claiming dash on March 30.

Rylees Boy is Prompt Favorite in Bank of America New Mexico Challenge

Rylees Boy broke sharply from post 3 and led at every call en route to a head victory in the 440-yard, $112,410 Bank of America New Mexico Challenge (G1) at Sunland Park on Sunday. Racing for Gerardo Ochoa and trained by Gerardo Ochoa-Pena, Rylees Boy went 440 yards in :20.786 under jockey Joe Ruiz. The victory boosted Rylees Boy’s earnings to $269,443, and it earned the 5-year-old gelding by Heza Motor Scooter a berth in the November 14, $350,000 Bank of America Challenge Championship (G1) at Fair Grounds Racecourse in New Orleans.

Fastest Qualifier Streak Of Sixes Wins New Mexican Spring Futurity

Fastest qualifier and 6-5 favorite Streak Of Sixes remained undefeated following her victory in Sunday’s $283,555 New Mexican Spring Futurity (RG1) at Sunland Park. Racing for Peter and Marjorie Gallegos of Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico, Streak Of Sixes covered 300 yards in :14.994, and her winning margin was a head from 26-1 longshot Miss Chicks Vision. Cody Jensen rode the sorrel daughter of Sixes Royal for trainer Juan Gonzalez.

Love Me Caliente Breaks Maiden in New Mexican Spring Fling Stakes

Love Me Caliente, a Corona Caliente gelding racing for Jose M. Vigil, earned his first victory in the 300-yard, $75,000 New Mexican Spring Fling Stakes (R) for state-bred 2-year-olds at Sunland Park on Saturday. Prepped by former jockey James J. Gonzales II and ridden by J. Martin Bourdieu, Love Me Caliente went 300 yards in :15.001 while defeating 3-1 choice Favorite Caillie by a head and recording a 96 speed index.

Longshot Apollean Wins Czaria Stakes

Ridden for the first time in a race by Alejandro Medellin, Apollean earned her first stakes victory in Saturday’s $50,000 Czaria Stakes at Sunland Park. Apollean covered 6 furlongs in 1:10.01, and her winning margin was a neck from Came West. Saddled by Alberto Amperan for owner Fernando de la Cruz of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, the 4-year-old daughter of Apollo returned a $32.60 win mutuel as the longest shot in the field of eight fillies and mares.

New Mexican Spring Futurity Tops Sunland Park's Weekend Stakes Schedule

A full field of 10 state-bred 2-year-olds, including fastest qualifier Streak Of Sixes, will match strides in Sunday’s 300-yard, $283,555 New Mexican Spring Futurity (RG1) at Sunland Park. The New Mexican Spring Futurity is just one of four stakes scheduled for Sunland Park this weekend. The others are Saturday’s 300-yard, $75,000 New Mexican Spring Fling Stakes (R) for state-bred 2-year-olds, and 6-furlong, $50,000 Czaria Stakes for fillies and mares, and the 440-yard, $110,000-added Bank of America New Mexico Challenge (G1) on Sunday.

Gone To The Mountain Wins NM Distance Challenge

Clyde Woerner’s Gone To The Mountain made quick work of three opponents on Sunday, as the reigning AQHA champion distance horse won the 870-yard, $53,280 Red Cell New Mexico Distance Challenge (G3) at Sunland Park. The homebred 5-year-old stallion by Panther Mountain was winning the stakes for the second consecutive year, and he returned a $2.10 win mutuel, as $23,870 of the $26,777 bet in the win pool was wagered on him. There was no place or show wagering offered.

Double Down Special Breaks World Record in Grade 3 West Texas Derby

Fourth-fastest qualifier Double Down Special broke sharply from post 6 and sprinted to a one-length victory in Saturday’s 400-yard, $168,685 West Texas Derby (G3) at Sunland Park. Racing for Vanessa Bartoo of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, Double Down Special covered 400 yards in :18.613, posting a 107 speed index and breaking by 122/1000ths the world record set by reigning champion aged stallion First Moonflash in the 2008 Championship at Sunland Park (G1).

First Down Dash Colt Posts Fastest West Texas Futurity Trial Time

Hes Too Icy For Me, a California-bred colt by First Down Dash racing for Robert and Dolores Gerhardt, is the fastest qualifier to the April 18, $302,222 West Texas Futurity (G1) at Sunland Park.

Dodson Tops Copper Top Futurity (Colts and Geldings Division) Finalists

Making his career debut, Dodson won the second of four Copper Top Futurity (R)-colts and geldings division trials at Sunland Park on Tuesday. Dodson was sent to post as the 5-2 second choice, and the colt by Roll Hennessy Roll responded with a half-length victory over Elijah’s Elite. Prepped by Todd Fincher and ridden by Juan Ochoa for owners Tyler Holstein and Renee Taylor, Dodson covered 4 ½ furlongs in :51.92 while closing off of fractions of :22.74 and :45.81 set by pacesetter Mesh.

Shamrock Girl Leads Copper Top Futurity (Fillies Division) Qualifiers

Shamrock Girl, a bay daughter of the Holy Bull stallion King Bull owned and trained by David Wolochuk, on Tuesday won the first of four Copper Top Futurity (R)-fillies division trials to lead all qualifiers to the April 17 final at Sunland Park. Ridden by Patrick Valenzuela, Shamrock Girl defeated Highspeed Rescue by five lengths and covered 4 ½ furlongs in :51.16. The filly led at every call while recording fractions of :22.09 and :44.90.

NM-Bred Champion Peppers Pride Bred to Distorted Humor

Joe Allen's Peppers Pride, a New Mexico-bred daughter of Desert God who holds the modern-day American record for consecutive wins, was bred to Grade 2 winner Distorted Humor on March 27. Now 7, the mare was retired from racing in 2008, after she won all 19 of her lifetime starts and earned $1,066,085 while racing exclusively at New Mexico tracks against state-breds.

Penn National Gaming Tracks, Including Zia Park, Adopt Anti-Slaughter Policy

Penn National Gaming Inc. has adopted a policy that punishes horsemen who sell horses for slaughter. The company currently owns five horse racing tracks, including Zia Park in Hobbs, New Mexico, and has an agreement to purchase a sixth. The company-wide anti-slaughter policy is similar to those in place at other tracks.

Grade 3 Sunland Derby Produces Upset Winner -- Endorsement

Endorsement, a Kentucky-bred colt by Distorted Humor racing for Bill and Susan Casner’s WinStar Farm LLC, came from slightly off the pace to win Sunday’s Grade 3, $800,000 Sunland Derby at Sunland Park, New Mexico’s first-ever graded Thoroughbred stakes. The Sunland Derby drew a track-record crowd of 17,564. A total of $2,798,980 was wagered on the 13-race program, including $408,426 on track.

Double Chiseled Leads All Bank of America NM Challenge Qualifiers

Double Chiseled, a 4-year-old gelding campaigned by Sunset Well Service Inc., on Saturday recorded the fastest qualifying time for the April 11 Bank of America New Mexico Challenge (G1) at Sunland Park.

Streak of Sixes Posts Fastest Qualifying Time for NM Spring Futurity

Peter and Marjorie Gallegos’ Streak Of Sixes won the fifth of 11 New Mexican Spring Futurity (RG1) trials at Sunland Park on Friday and posted the fastest qualifying time for the April 11, $120,000-added final.

NTRA Website to Offer Video Streaming of Sunland Derby

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association’s website, NTRA.com, will offer free, live video streaming of Sunday’s 1 1/8-mile, $800,000 Sunland Derby (G3) at Sunland Park.

New Mexico-Breds Will Share Some of the Spotlight on Sunland Derby Day

Sunday’s 11-race program at Sunland Park will feature the first-ever graded Thoroughbred stakes in New Mexico racing history, but state-bred runners will also share in a bit of the spotlight. In addition to the Grade 3, $800,000 Sunland Derby, which has attracted eight 3-year-olds with Triple Crown aspirations, Sunland Park’s card will feature three races restricted to New Mexico-breds – the 5 ½-furlong, $125,000 La Coneja Stakes (R) for fillies and mares; the 1 1/16-mile, $100,000 New Mexico Breeders’ Oaks (R) for 3-year-old fillies; and the 1 1/16-mile, $100,000 New Mexico Breeders’ Derby (R) for 3-year-olds.

Grade 3 Winner Conveyance is Favored in Sunday's $800,000 Sunland Derby

Conveyance, a colt by Indian Charlie racing for Zabeel International Racing Corp., has been made the 9-5 morning-line favorite for the Grade 3, $800,000 Sunland Derby at Sunland Park on Sunday. Undefeated in four starts, Conveyance has earned $254,400 and is coming off of a three-quarter length victory in the $250,000 Southwest Stakes (G3) on February 20 at Oaklawn Park. The colt’s stakes record also includes a win in the January 16, $100,000 San Rafael Stakes (G3) at Santa Anita Park.

SunRay Park Releases Stakes Schedule, First Condition Book

SunRay Park has released its 2010 stakes schedule and first condition book, which covers the first 12 days of its 46-day Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse meet. Located in Farmington, in the Four Corners region of New Mexico, SunRay will run a total of 22 stakes – 11 for each breed – worth approximately $1,427,500 in purse money.

Grade 3 Sunland Derby Attracts 130 Nominations

This year’s Grade 3, $800,000 Sunland Derby at Sunland Park has drawn 130 nominations. New Mexico’s first-ever graded Thoroughbred stakes, the 2010 Sunland Derby will be run on Sunday, March 28. The winner will earn the $400,000 winner’s share of the purse.

Stormy Express Extends Win Streak in El Diario Stakes

Richard and Connie Snyder’s Stormy Express ran her win streak to three in Saturday’s 6 ½-furlong, $50,000 El Diario Stakes for fillies and mares at Sunland Park.

Red Lead Takes Curribot Handicap

Red Lead, a 4-year-old chestnut gelding by Red Bullet, earned his first career stakes victory in the $50,000 Curribot Handicap at Sunland Park on Sunday.

American Classic Scores Upset in Budweiser Handicapp

American Classic, a 6 yearold gelding by Distorted Humor, outran his 10 -1 odds to win Saturday’s 5 furlong Budweiser Handicap at Sunland Park.

Benefit for Injured Trainer, Jockeys Set for February 16 at Sunland Park

A benefit dinner/dance and silent auction for injured or ill jockeys and trainers will be held at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino on Tuesday, February 16.

Rylees Boy is Prompt Favorite in KOFX Radio Handicap

Sent to post as the 6-5 choice, Rylees Boy responded with a neck victory in the 350 yard, $50,000 KOFX Radio Handicap (G2) at Sunland Park on Saturday.

Favorite Chuchuluco Takes Pepsi Cola 'Cap

Chuchuluco, the 9-5 favorite, stayed close to the pace while sprinting to his second stakes win in Saturday’s 6-furlong, $125,000 Pepsi Cola Handicap (R) for New Mexico bred sophomores at Sunland Park.

Queen Greely Posts Upset in El Paso Times Stakes

Outrunning her 10-1 odds, Queen Greeley won Sunday’s $50,000 El Paso Times Stakes for 3 year old fillies at Sunland Park.

Report From January NM Racing Commission Meeting

The New Mexico Racing Commission held its monthly meeting on Wednesday, January 20, in Albuquerque...

Glory Be Mine Posts Wire to Wire Victory in La Senora

Leading at every call, Glory Be Mine earned a 4 ½ length victory in Saturday’s $125,000 La Senora Handicap (R) for New Mexico bred sophomore fillies before an announced crowd of 3,204 at Sunland Park.

New Mexico Bred First MoonFlash Named 2009 AQHA Champion Aged Stallion

First Moonflash, a New Mexico-bred 5-year-old stallion by the late First To Flash, was named AQHA champion aged stallion for 2009, during an awards ceremony at Heritage Place in Oklahoma City on Wednesday.

Favored Enchanted Outlaw takes Dominguez Memorial

Enchanted Outlaw, a 5-year-old Prospector Jones gelding racing for Texans Ted Rushing and Lee Lewis, ran his win streak to four following his victory in the 1 1/16-mile, $100,000 Albert Dominguez Memorial Handicap (R) for New Mexico-breds at Sunland Park on Sunday...