Mine That Bird To Lead Post Parade For All American Futurity at Ruidoso Downs

RUIDOSO DOWNS, New Mexico (July 19, 2009) – Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird will lead the post parade for the Grade 1, $2 million All American Futurity, the world’s most celebrated quarter horse race, on Labor Day, September 7 at Ruidoso Downs.
“New Mexico is our home and everybody in New Mexico has supported us,” said Mine That Bird’s co-owner Mark Allen. “The people deserve to see him and we’re excited about being able to parade him for the All American.”
He teasingly added, “This may be as close as I get to an All American win.” In reality, his quarter horses are very successful at Ruidoso Downs. Time For A Cigar and Shaboomator swept the top-two spots in the Grade 1, $308,000 Ruidoso Derby on June 6. Those two horses then finished second and third in the Grade 1, $480,000 Rainbow Derby on July 18.
Mine That Bird is scheduled to start in the $750,000 West Virginia Derby on August 1 at Mountaineer Park and then race in the Grade 1, $1 million Travers Stakes at Saratoga, New York. The Travers is called the “Mid-Summer Derby” is the oldest major thoroughbred race in North America, first held in 1864.
Mine That Bird will then travel to New Mexico. The owners also plan an event at Allen’s Double Eagle Ranch in Roswell so fans can view the gelding.
“R.D. Hubbard and Ann McGovern wanted us to bring him and the schedule worked out well after the Travers,” said co-owner Dr. Leonard Blach. “The support we have received has been unbelievable, even two months after the Kentucky Derby.” Hubbard is the majority owner of Ruidoso Downs and McGovern is the track’s president and general manager.
“There are people still stopping us and congratulating us. I was at Wal-Mart just the other day and the cashier wanted me to sign the ticket for her. It’s amazing,” Blach added.
In 1983, when Blach managed and was the resident veterinarian at Buena Suerte Ranch in Roswell, he brought the then 30-year-old old Go Man Go from that ranch to Ruidoso Downs and led him in front of the crowd before the All American Futurity. Go Man Go was a three-time world champion in the 1950s and became a leading quarter horse sire.
After a few days stay in New Mexico, Mine That Bird will ship to Southern California with trainer Chip Woolley to prepare for the Grade 1, $5 million Breeders Cup Classic on November 7 during the Oak Tree meeting at Santa Anita Park.
“We’re very thankful that Mine That Bird is coming to Ruidoso Downs,” said Hubbard. “He has done so much to boost the excitement about racing in New Mexico with his Kentucky Derby win. It’s been great.
“Mark Allen and Leonard Blach are to be commended. They’re showing how much they appreciate New Mexico and New Mexico racing. It’s an historic addition to the All American weekend.”

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