Ruidoso Downs in New Mexico will introduce the $300,000 All American Oaks for Quarter Horses in 2020. The race is a division of sorts of the Grade 1, $1 million All American Derby. It gives the owners and trainers of 3-year-old fillies a new option on an old tradition - either compete in the Oaks or continue, as has been the norm, to run against males in the Derby.
The intent with a filly must be declared at entry time for trials for the races, with separate trials to be held for the All American Derby and All American Oaks.
"This new format will create a premier race for 3-year-old fillies that currently does not exist, will increase the total number of nominations, and will increase the earnings potential for Quarter Horse fillies," Jeff True, president and general manager of Ruidoso, said in a press release from the track Friday.
This year the All American Derby will be run on Sept. 2.
More to come at www.drf.com