Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird will lead the post parade for the $2 million All American Futurity, Quarter racing’s most celebrated event, on Labor Day, September 7, at Ruidoso Downs in New Mexico.

“This may be as close as I get to an All American win,” said Mine That Bird’s co-owner, Mark Allen, whose Double Eagle Ranch in Roswell, NM, is home to both Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses.

“New Mexico is our home and everybody in New Mexico has supported us,” Allen added. “The people deserve to see him and we’re excited about being able to parade him for the All American.”

Mine That Bird is scheduled to start in the $750,000 West Virginia Derby on August 1, in preparation for the $1 million Travers Stakes at Saratoga on August 29. He will then travel to New Mexico, where Allen and co-owner Leonard Blach will host an event for fans to meet the famous gelding at Double Eagle Ranch.

In 1983, when Blach managed Buena Suerte Ranch in Roswell, he brought 30-year-old old Go Man Go to Ruidoso Downs on the day of the All American Futurity and led the legendary champion and sire in front of the crowd.

Following his brief stay in New Mexico, Mine That Bird will ship to Southern California with trainer Chip Woolley to prepare for the $5 million Breeders Cup Classic, on November 7, at Santa Anita Park.

 “We’re very thankful that Mine That Bird is coming to Ruidoso Downs,” said R.D. Hubbard, majority owner of Ruidoso Downs. “He has done so much to boost excitement about racing in New Mexico with his Kentucky Derby win.” 

Meanwhile, Mark Allen’s Quarter Horses are enjoying a successful meet at Ruidoso Downs. Time For A Cigar and Shaboomator finished first and second in the G1 Ruidoso Derby on June 6, then finished second and third in the G1 Rainbow Derby on July 18.