The Downs at Albuquerque will put on 23 stakes worth a cumulative $2.6 million during its mixed meet for Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses, the New Mexico track announced Thursday. The 55-date season starts June 29. 

There will be 15 stakes for Thoroughbreds, worth a total of more than $1 million. The richest among them will be the $200,000 Downs at Albuquerque Handicap at a mile and an eighth Aug. 4 and the $200,000 New Mexico State Fair Thoroughbred Futurity for New Mexico-breds at six furlongs Sept. 23. 

The $300,000 Albuquerque Fall Quarter Horse Championship at 440 yards will be run Sept. 23. It will be a Grade 1 this year after being granted such a designation by the American Quarter Horse Association, according to the press release from the Downs at Albuquerque.  

The track  also will offer qualifying stakes for the AQHA's Racing Challenge. 

More to come at www.drf.com