RUIDOSO DOWNS – JUNE 6, 2020 – After leading the field in the time trials for the Ruidoso Derby, the filly Hotsempting proved once again that she has what it takes to run with the boys in an impressive win in the $900,000 Ruidoso Derby. Running into a stiff headwind, Hotsempting broke clean and never faltered over the 400 yards on her way to her first Grade 1 stakes win with a time of :20.00.

A Texas-bred graduate of the Ruidoso Yearling Sale ($48,000), Hotsempting is owned by Miguel Gallegos and Mauricio Gallegos and is trained by Sergio Ibarra. Jockey Esgar Ramirez is the only jockey to have ever ridden the filly in a race.

“This morning she was bouncing off the walls, and we knew she was ready. She sort of talks to us in the barn—she tells us how she’s doing and that she’s on the muscle,” said trainer Sergio Ibarra. “There was a little disturbance just before they opened the gates, and my heart stopped. I was just hoping that the starter waited until they got settled again, and she finally quit looking around. Then she broke and held up to the finish line.” 

Ibarra plans to race Hotsempting against the open company in the $1 million Rainbow Derby instead of putting her into the first-ever Rainbow Oaks for 3-year-old fillies. 

According to jockey Esgar Ramirez: “The filly always gives me one hundred percent. I thought she left the gate pretty good this time, but she has so much heart that I had faith in her, and I knew she was ready for a big one.” 

Cers Final Try, owned by Christina Robinson and trained by Tony Sedillo finished second. Running Buddy, owned by MRB Racing, LLC and trained by Manuel Rodolfo Rodriguez finished third.

In the other feature of the day, the Ruidoso Invitational Stakes, the 400-yard race for 3-year-old non-qualifiers to the Ruidoso Derby, Apollitical J Wild edged out Dynast C and KJ Mucho Macho Man for the win.

Owned by Jose Soto and trained by Salvador Soto, the sorrel gelding by Apollitical Jess out of Bp Shes Southern by Southern Cartel was bred in Oklahoma. The sorrel gelding was purchased at the Ruidoso Yearling Select Sale for $75,000. 

“We were just so unsure whether the horse was going to be ready, given that we kept him at my ranch in El Paso until we knew the track would open, and we were going to run,” said trainer Soto. “You could tell the horse really needed the trial race just to get going again, and then he showed so much improvement today. We’ll have him ready for the Rainbow and All American trials, so we’re excited about the summer.”

Jockey Paul Garcia guided his horse to the win with a time of :20.06 against a strong headwind. 

“We didn’t get such a great start but then right away my horse kicked it into gear,” said Garcia.  “We were clear on the outside. I didn’t know whether we got there in time, but it worked out.”

Tomorrow, the fastest 2-year-old Quarter Horses will compete for the first jewel in the QH Triple Crown, the $1 Million Ruidoso Futurity. Post time for the 11-race card is scheduled for 1:00 PM. Please visit RaceRuidoso.com for information on how to watch and wager along with information on drive-thru wagering available at the Ruidoso Sale Barn.