Ruidoso Downs announced today that nominations to the 2009 All American Triple Crown races for 2-year-olds are up 27 percent over 2008 nominations, at this time last year. At 1,316, the 2009 nominations are the highest since the All American Triple Crown nominating process was instituted.

“These impressive numbers show the excitement owners and breeders have in the All American Triple Crown. We’re honored to have their support,” said Ann McGovern, president and general manager of the famous Ruidoso, New Mexico track.

Nominations to the All American Triple Crown make the horses, in this case foals of 2007, eligible to the Grade 1, $500,000 Ruidoso Futurity; Grade 1, $625,000 Rainbow Futurity and the Grade 1, $2 million All American Futurity. If a horse sweeps all three races, it will earn a $4 million All American Triple Crown bonus, in addition to its winner’s share of the race purses. Nominated horses also have the option of remaining eligible to the three Grade 1 races for 3-year-olds at Ruidoso Downs in 2010: the Ruidoso Derby, Rainbow Derby and All American Derby.

The top three 2009 nominators account for 157 yearlings. Vessels Stallion Farm tops the list with 68. The Bonsall, California ranch won the 1973 All American Futurity with Timeto Thinkrich and the 2006 running with No Secrets Here. Vessels Stallion Farm stands all-time leading sire First Down Dash.

The second-leading nominator with 46 yearlings is Bobby Cox. His homebred Dont Let Down won the 2007 All American Derby and he also won the 2004 All American Derby with Brimmerton.

The third-leading nominator is Burnett Ranches. This is the famed 6666 Ranch in Guthrie, Texas, founded in 1870. The 6666 Ranch stands All American Futurity winners Royal Quick Dash and Eyesa Special, as well as All American Derby winners Stoli and Brimmerton.