New Mexico-Bred Quarter Horses Take Center Stage This Weekend at Ruidoso Downs Race Track

     This weekend’s races at Ruidoso Downs will feature two early-season stakes events for quarter horses that were bred in New Mexico.

     Saturday’s races will feature the $205,265 (est) Mountain Top Derby for three-year-olds bred in New Mexico going 350-yards. White Lightenin and jockey Mario Delgado recorded the fastest qualifying time of 17.429 seconds and will be number-three in the 9th race.

     The card also includes the 123,451 Maiden Stakes at 350-yards for three-year-old quarter horses that were maidens before March 1st of this year.Chimera and jockey Rodrigo Sigala Vallejo qualified with the fasted time of 17.454 seconds and will be number-four in the 8th race on Saturday.

     On Sunday, the fastest New Mexico-bred two-year-olds will compete in the $339,230 Mountain Top Futurity at 350-yards. Call Me Jessiecartel, ridden by jockey Sergio Becerra Jr., was the top qualifier in a time of 17.762 seconds and will be number-seven in the 9th race.

     Post time for races Friday, Saturday and Sunday will be 1 p.m.

     Ruidoso Downs will have live entertainment on Saturday evening after the races in the Events Center. A “Barn Party” will feature music, food and drink specials from 5 p.m. till 10 p.m.

     A BBQ-plate is available featuring two meats and two sides for $12.99. Admission to the Events Center is free and the public is invited to attend.