ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – It’s one of the biggest races of the year, but it usually happens every Labor Day Weekend in Ruidoso. However, the devastating fire and floods forced Ruidoso Downs to move the whole meet to Albuquerque.
The “All American Futurity” is known as the “world’s richest quarter horse race” with a $3 million purse. KRQE spoke with attendees about what it’s like to have such a big-name race here in Albuquerque.
“I think that’s pretty neat, I mean, it’s unfortunate why we’re here, but it’s pretty neat that we’re here and that we get to experience it here,” said Sean Ibersen, spectator.
After the Salt and South Fork fires burned thousands of acres near Ruidoso this summer. The burn scars led to damaging floods that left the Ruidoso Downs muddy and in need of repairs. The meet was then moved to the Downs of Albuquerque at the Expo New Mexico. All the proceeds from this meet will go to the Downs in Ruidoso.
The race could make history as “Hezgothelook Z” aims to win the “All American Futurity.” If he wins, he would become the second horse to earn the title in the 65-year history of the Quarter Horse Triple Crown series.
“It’s great for people who have maybe never made it to Ruidoso and watched this race. This race is the largest Quarter Horse race in the world, and you know it brings out the best horses in the world, best jockeys in the world,” said Racing for the Downs at Albuquerque President Don Cook, President.
The Downs said there are 10 horses participating in the “All American Futurity.”
As of this afternoon, the Downs has seen more than 3,000 people in attendance, and they’re expecting to see those numbers reach almost 8,000.
Another big purse race is the “All American Derby” with a $1 million purse. Post time for the All American Futurity is 6:20 on Monday evening.
