Challenge


Luchador Surprises In $56,474 Adequan Ruidoso Derby Challenge
Luchador (#2 obscured), under jockey Raul Valenzuela, gets the nod over Silk And Stilettos (#3) and Cherokee Senator (#1) in the$56,474 Adequan Ruidoso Downs Derby Challenge on Saturday.

© Jake Rogers / Ruidoso Downs
Luchador Surprises In $56,474 Adequan Ruidoso Derby Challenge

RUIDOSO DOWNS, NM—AUGUST 15, 2020—Luchador (15-1) hit the wire 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 at Ruidoso Downs Saturday.

The sorrel gelding by champion sire 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.

Luchador has compiled a (10) 3-0-2 record and today's $25,979 purse swelled his bankroll to $42,712. Luchador also picked up an invite to the $150,000-est. Adequan Derby Challenge Championship (G3) to be contested October 24th during the Bank of America Challenge Championship Night at The Downs at Albuquerque.

G. Blane Wood saddled runner-up Silk And Stilettos for owner-breeder Fulton Quien Sabe Ranches LP. The daughter of 2020 leading sire of money earners Favorite Cartel is out of the stakes winning Corona Cartel mare the Tallulah Moon. Champion jockey was aboard to earn $11,295 to more than double the brown filly's earnings to $24,554.

Wootan Racing's Cherokee Senator earned $5,647 for his third-place effort. Michael Joiner trains with Raul Ramirez, Jr., getting the riding call aboard the son of multiple stakes sire Louisiana Senator from the Lil Bit Cuervo mare Eyesa Lil Bit Cuervo.

Rrelentless, The Legend Stone, A Valiant Zoomer, Apollitical B Birdie, Regards To Cartel, Tempting Money and Invader completed the field.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

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.