RUIDOSO DOWNS, NM – AUGUST 15, 2020 – On a day that celebrated the versatility of the American Quarter Horse, Luchador, Bad Monkey, and Lynnder 16 all won their AQHA Challenge races today at Ruidoso Downs Race Track. The wins qualify each of them to compete in the 2020 Bank of America Challenge Championships currently scheduled to be held on October 24th at The Downs at Albuquerque.

In the $88,544 Grade III John Deere Ruidoso Downs Quarter Horse Challenge, Bad Monkey held off the field to win the 350-yard sprint with a time of :17.755. The gray gelding by Capo de Capi out of Girls Eye Too by Mr Eye Opener, is owned and trained by Dean Frey.

“It looked like Benito just sat on him and went along for the ride,” said owner/trainer Frey. “He’s young, but he’s showing us that he’s going to be a nice, useable racehorse.”

The California-bred 2-year-old was ridden to victory today by jockey Benito Baca. Baca gave Bad Monkey a clean trip on the fast track and finished ahead of Isa Super Freak and Jess The Lady by a neck.

“We got outbroke at the start, but I remained confident that we could pick those horses up,” said jockey Baca. “This horse keeps improving every time, and I’m especially impressed with his talent as a young horse. Bad Monkey has a tremendous future ahead of him.” 

Luchador hit the wire hit just ahead of race-time favorite Silk And Stilettos and Cherokee Senator in the $56,474 Adequan Ruidoso Downs Derby Challenge for 3-year-olds. The sorrel gelding by Valiant Hero out of Madresita by Pappasito is owned by D.P. Cattle Co. and hails from the barn of John Stinebaugh. Raul Valenzuela guided Luchador the 400 yards to the win in :20.05. 

Lynnder 16 did not disappoint in her return to Ruidoso Downs as the sorrel mare won the $31,136 Ruidoso Downs Distaff Challenge by a ½-length over Graceisagoodreason and Jess B Glory with a time of :19.810. Owned by Tom Maher and Richard Tobin, the Oklahoma-bred horse by Apollitical Jess out of Tinys Corona by Corona Cartel is trained by Jason Olmstead and was ridden by Berkley Packer. 

Racing continues on Sunday with the finals of the $134,667 Rio Grande Senor Futurity and the $133,828 Rio Grande Senorita Futurity. Post time is 1:00 PM. At this time, the Turf Club and the Jockey Club are limited to 50% capacity due to the Public Health Order from the State of New Mexico. For more information on how to watch online, place your bet with your favorite online wagering provider, or conduct drive-thru wagering, please visit RaceRuidoso.com.