North American Quarter Horses and Their Triple Crown

The global racing industry primarily revolves around thoroughbred racing, renowned for featuring the most popular, elite, and aesthetically impressive racehorses, whose pedigree and stature are apparent at first glance. However, the racing world extends beyond thoroughbreds. Lesser-known horse breeds also participate in exciting races that are cherished by their fans. 

For instance, North American quarter horses are prevalent in the United States and Canada. These horses have a more relatable, down-to-earth appeal compared to their thoroughbred counterparts, yet they are exceptional sprinters, often outpacing the nobler breeds over shorter distances. 

In Canada, major quarter horse races occur at racetracks such as Ajax Downs in Ontario, as well as Century Mile and Century Downs in Alberta. Meanwhile, in the United States, the Ruidoso Downs Race Track in New Mexico serves as the primary venue for quarter horse racing, hosting the prestigious All American Triple Crown Tradition each year, which is recognised as the richest quarter horse race in the world.

Quarter Horse: Friend of the Indians, Herder and Runner

During the late 15th and early 16th centuries, Spanish and Portuguese conquistadors introduced Iberian, Arabian, and Barb horses to the southeastern regions of what is now the United States. These horses became the ancestors of Native American breeds. In the 17th century, English settlers brought Irish and Scottish thoroughbreds, which were then crossbred with indigenous horses. This blending produced a horse with a broader chest and powerful hindquarters, resulting in a stockier build that was somewhat less elegant than its noble forebears.

The American Quarter Horse emerged as a breed known for its calm demeanour and stable temperament, making it an invaluable companion for cowboys. Its innate ability to work with cattle and its intelligence allow it to function effectively in partnership with cattle drivers. These traits are showcased in various Western-style competitions today. The name "quarter horse" comes from its primary racing distance of approximately a quarter of a mile, making it a sprinter by nature. 

The first quarter horse races took place in Virginia following the establishment of Jamestown in 1607. Initially, races were held on straight paths, including roads or city streets, without the need for a specially constructed mile-long track. Eventually, a standard race distance of 400 metres, or a quarter of a mile, was established, where the quarter horse excelled. Organised racing began in the United States in the 1940s, coinciding with the formation of the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), which maintains a registry and stud book for the breed and operates 49 branches across the United States and 7 in Canada.

The rules of quarter horse racing are almost the same as those of thoroughbred racing, but the time is recorded to thousandths of a second with a mandatory photo finish. As shown by research by scientists at the University of Michigan comparing the speeds of thoroughbred, Arabian and quarter horses, the latter do not need a run-up, they start from the first second and show, on average, a higher speed on the track.

Ruidoso Downs Race Track

The racetrack sits at the base of Sierra Blanca in the Sacramento Mountains. In the 1940s, a flood submerged a field near Ruidoso Downs, leaving behind a layer of silt and gravel once the waters receded. Local residents seized the opportunity and began organising races on this newly formed track, placing bets that ranged from a sack of oats to thousands of dollars. In 1953, Arizona businessman Eugene Hensley acquired the racetrack and a nearby small plant, directing all profits from the plant into enhancing the racetrack and its events. A lavish clubhouse was built, becoming a gathering spot for elite visitors from around the globe who came to enjoy races held from May to September. Between 1955 and 1960, attendance at the racetrack doubled, and the prize money foreshadowed some of the largest in the country. The inaugural All American Futurity was held on Labor Day in 1959, quickly establishing itself as a hallmark event in quarter horse racing. The Rainbow Futurity and Ruidoso Futurity were added in 1964, and together, these three events became known as the Triple Crown of Quarter Horses.

In 1988, R.D. Hubbard and his partners acquired the racetrack, investing millions in renovations, which included improvements to the racetrack, concessions, and the construction of a casino. They also brought in renowned artists to draw in crowds, and even hosted ostrich and camel races. 

However, 2024 proved challenging for the racetrack: in June, forest fires necessitated the evacuation of Ruidoso Downs, and in July, severe flooding damaged the track. As a result, the end of the racing season was relocated to the Albuquerque, New Mexico racetrack. Despite these setbacks, the success of the events continued unabated, culminating in the win of the second Quarter Horse Triple Crown that year.

Quarter Horse Triple Crown

The Quarter Horse Triple Crown begins with the Ruidoso Futurity, a Grade 1 race for two-year-olds that takes place in June over a distance of 350 yards, with a total purse of $1 million. The second leg, the Rainbow Futurity, is conducted in early July, followed by the All American Futurity— the crown jewel of the series— which occurs in early September. This prestigious race, where horses sprint 440 yards on Labor Day, boasts a remarkable purse of $3 million.

Special Effort was the first, and for many years the only, champion of the Quarter Horse Triple Crown, achieving this feat in 1981. However, in 2024, a new champion emerged. On September 2, Hezgothelook Z, ridden by jockey Brian Candanosa, secured victory in the All American Futurity at Albuquerque Downs after previously winning both the Ruidoso and Rainbow Futurities. The gelding completed the 440-yard race in 21.120 seconds, marking his sixth win out of seven starts this year, after which his trainer decided to retire him for the remainder of the season. Norma Olivares, the horse's owner, dedicated the win to the victims affected by the fire and flood at Ruidoso Downs.

In addition to the Triple Crown for two-year-old horses, there is a Derby Triple Crown held at Ruidoso Downs, featuring races for three-year-olds. The All American Derby takes place on the same day as the All American Futurity and qualifies the winner for the Champion of Champions, a Grade 1 race at Los Alamitos Race Course in Southern California. The Ruidoso Derby and Rainbow Derby are held concurrently with the Ruidoso and Rainbow Futurities, respectively.

Quarter Horse racing enthusiasts are keenly anticipating the return of races to the Ruidoso Downs Race Track. The thrilling moments captured in the fast-paced 20-second races continue to be etched in memory, and the passion of dedicated fans and supporters will play a crucial role in revitalising racing at Ruidoso.