ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – King of the Tide ripped through the field to win the 2025 All American Futurity with jockey Ricky Ramirez on Monday afternoon, Sept. 1.
For the second year in a row, the Albuquerque Downs is hosting the most lucrative quarter horse race in the country. After devastating flooding in Ruidoso this summer, the All American Futurity is once again in the Duke City.
The All-American Futurity marks the finale of the quarter horse triple crown. The Albuquerque Downs Racetrack president says that although it’s bittersweet to host the event instead of in Ruidoso, they’re hoping today will be a success.
“It’s great for racing fans in Albuquerque, who may not have had an opportunity to go watch the All American in Ruidoso, now they have an opportunity to come here and watch it and watch the best horses and jockeys in the world perform,” said Don Cook, President of the Albuquerque Downs.
The All American Futurity is known as the “world’s richest quarter horse race” with a $3 million purse. It usually takes place at the Ruidoso Downs Racetrack and Casino, but intense flooding in July covered the racino’s infield with more than 10 feet of water, forcing them to move it to Albuquerque for a second consecutive year.
There are 11 races in total happening Monday, with close to $6 million being paid out in winnings – an American Quarter Horse record for purses paid in one day. The General Manager of the Ruidoso Downs Racetrack and Casino says, although he wishes the race was back home, he’s excited to see it go on.
“We are the Kentucky Derby of the quarter horse industry, and that’s what it’s all about, the show, the big race, and we’re here, we’re ready to go,” said Rick Baugh, General Manager for Ruidoso Downs Racetrack & Casino.
Attendees say it’s important for the public to come out to the All-American despite it being moved from Ruidoso. “We’re here just to support our friends and family, I guess, too. It’s big race we need to come support our friends and just watch the race, and it’s a big deal,” said Vaughn Lee, a visitor from Durango, Colorado.
“Just to support the people in Ruidoso to come out here and sure to take advantage as well…I probably wouldn’t have gone, so yeah, I’m glad that it was here,” said Carmen Farello, Albuquerque attendee.
The Albuquerque Downs says close to 8,500 people attended the All-American Futurity last year, and they’re expecting to see similar numbers this year. They say they’ll also be having their own million-dollar race, the New Mexico State Fair Futurity, in October. The Ruidoso Downs says they’re expecting to meet with Homeland Security and the Army Corps of Engineers this week to discuss final drawings to repair the track.
During last year’s All American Futurity, there were concerns over illicit drug use in horses. The New Mexico Racing Commission said after lab tests, they found possible drug use in 12 horses. According to Ruidoso Downs, millions in purse money from last year’s event are still unpaid, pending litigation.
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