logo

THE NEW ERA IS HERE →HOW-TO VIDEOS

carousel image 1 of 8
carousel image 2 of 8
carousel image 3 of 8
carousel image 4 of 8
carousel image 5 of 8
carousel image 6 of 8
carousel image 7 of 8
carousel image 8 of 8
2026 Horse Racing Season Wraps with Historic Meet at Sweetwater Downs
ROCK SPRINGS, WY — October 13, 2026

Sweetwater Downs closed out the 2026 Wyoming racing season with record-setting prize money highlighted by the richest race in Wyoming history, the $300,000 Sweetwater Downs Futurity.

Wyoming Horse Racing (WHR) distributed $3,510,125 in purse money, including $1,164,550 in purses on closing weekend. Wyoming-bred horses continued to play a major role in the racing this year, making up 45 percent of the horses that raced.

“This season proved yet again the strength of Wyoming racing with its continued growth in racing opportunities for Cowboy State horsemen and women,” said Eugene Joyce, partner and Sweetwater Downs president of racing. “The increase in purse money has led to greater participation from Wyoming-bred horses. We are excited to build on this strong year and continue Wyoming’s horse industry growth and economic revival.”

Wyoming-bred horses competed in 55 restricted races during the meet, with those races offering a combined $1,044,100 in prize money.

Over the 18-day meet, Sweetwater Downs averaged 8.66 starters per race, reflecting strong competition. The total wagering handle also increased 11.76 percent compared with 2025.

The season’s biggest day was Sept. 26, when Sweetwater Downs hosted the richest race in Wyoming history.

Ojd Tempt Me Not won the $300,000 Sweetwater Downs Quarter Horse Futurity, taking control early and winning by one length. The horse, owned by Oscar Diaz and Karla Gomez Diaz, trained by Oscar Diaz and ridden by Nestor Duran, completed the 350-yard race in 17.160 seconds.

Earlier on the card, Mysterious Blues won the $273,500 Wyoming All Breeds Racing Association (WABRA) Wyoming Bred Quarter Horse Futurity. Owned by Leanne Christensen, trained by Ryan Christensen and ridden by Victor Dominguez, the horse covered 330 yards in 16.534 seconds and won by one-half length.

The 2026 Sweetwater Downs Quarter Horse riding title went to Cesar Moreno, who finished the season with 14 wins and $272,540 in purse earnings. Joe Davis earned top Quarter Horse trainer honors with seven wins and $193,960 in purses, while Eddie Jensen was named top owner for the second straight year with four wins and $140,989 in purse earnings, including a 1-2 finish in the $175,400 WABRA Wyoming Bred Quarter Horse Derby on Sept. 19.

On the Thoroughbred side, Jimmy Ray Coates led all riders with 19 wins from 65 starts and $301,422 in purses earned. Coates recorded five wins on Sept. 20 and added 12 victories across both breeds during the final four days of racing. Mark Hibdon and Dru Hall tied for top trainer honors with eight wins apiece. Hibdon also captured the owners title with 8 wins and $150,957 in purses.

WHR’s historical horse racing revenue, simulcast wagering and live racing is reinvested into Wyoming’s horse racing industry by supporting larger purses, stronger race fields, statewide economic activity and continued opportunities for horsemen, breeders and businesses tied to the sport.

For more information on live racing at Sweetwater Downs, visit horsepalace.win/live-racing.

About Wyoming Horse Racing
Wyoming Horse Racing LLC has deep roots in the West and operates Horse Palace locations throughout Wyoming and live racing at Sweetwater Downs in Rock Springs. The company is owned by industry stalwarts Nick Hughes, John Sheldon and Pete Liguori, who have decades of experience in the horse racing, hospitality, and gaming industries. WHR spearheaded the foundation of HHR terminals in Wyoming, which have significantly grown the state’s horse industry and meaningfully contribute to Wyoming tax revenues since the Joyce family revived racing in 1989 and 2011. The company prioritizes responsible play, a dedication to horse racing and continued stewardship and investment in the hospitality and agribusiness sectors in Wyoming.

For media inquiries, contact Hayley McKee at communications@wyominghorseracing.com.

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

Would you like more industry news delivered directly to your inbox? Click here to sign up.

Read more >
GRANTS PASS, OR — October 12, 2026

Fastest qualifier Miss Royal Hawk continued her impressive 2-year-old campaign Monday afternoon at Grants Pass, capturing the $79,540 Far West Futurity for her third consecutive victory and seventh win in eight career starts.

Ridden by Jaime Lopez, Miss Royal Hawk brushed at the start but quickly recovered to challenge for the lead. The filly battled with Big Kixx Cartel throughout the 400-yard contest before digging in late to prevail by a head. She stopped the clock in :19.658 over a fast track, earning a 96 speed index.

Miss Royal Hawk is a homebred for owner Ismael Villarreal and is trained by Jose Rosales Gomez. The Oregon-bred sorrel filly is sired by The Cartel Hawk and out of the Royal Shake Em mare Miss Royal Rumble.

Monday's victory added another major stakes title to her outstanding freshman season. Miss Royal Hawk previously captured the Firecracker Futurity and Pocatello Downs Spring Futurity and has now won seven of her eight career starts. Her record stands at 8-7-1-0 with earnings of $100,144.

Third-fastest qualifier Big Kixx Cartel overcame bumping at the start to battle for the lead before being narrowly denied at the wire, finishing second by three-quarters of a length over Tomatito. Ridden by Oscar Peinado, the colt races for owner Rancho AA LLC and trainer Adrian Gonzalez.

Bred by Belinda Pustka, Big Kixx Cartel is a $32,000 TQHA Yearling Sale graduate sired by Kiss My Hocks and out of the Big Daddy Cartel mare Fame In Rio. He now has a career record of 3-1-1-1 with earnings of $17,188.

Tomatito recovered from early bumping to rally into third under jockey Erick De Luna. The gelding races for owner Leobardo Bernal and trainer Mario Portillo.

Bred by Brazos and Sarah Wilfong, Tomatito is sired by One Famous Man and out of the Five Bar Cartel mare Sister Showtime. Earlier this season, he finished second in the Emerald Downs Juvenile Challenge. He now has a career record of 7-3-3-1 with earnings of $35,757.

Ima Flyin Fool finished fourth, followed by Winter Hawk Cartel, Iza Diva, One Fabulous Cartel, Kvn Popped Off and La Chata Jg. Fast Fly was scratched by the veterinarian.

The Far West Futurity carried a race value of $79,540, with Miss Royal Hawk earning the $32,800 winner's share.

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

Would you like more industry news delivered directly to your inbox? Click here to sign up.

Read more >
TULAROSA, NM — October 13, 2026

Two-time AQHA Racing Champion and multiple stakes sire Prospect To The Top is now standing at Crystal Springs Farm and Racing in Tularosa, New Mexico. The multi-millionaire sire added two more black type performances to his progeny record Sunday at The Downs at Albuquerque.

Pour Me A Drinkk captured the $430,627 New Mexico State Fair Quarter Horse Derby (R), while Imma Dandy earned his second stakes placing of the season with a third-place finish in the $100,000 New Mexico State Fair Quarter Horse Juvenile.

POUR ME A DRINKK ADDS ANOTHER MAJOR STAKES WIN

Pour Me A Drinkk delivered a three-quarter-length victory in the 400-yard derby, completing the distance in 19.610 seconds for an 89 speed index over a fast track while facing an 18-mph headwind.

Champion jockey James Flores guided the three-year-old brown gelding to victory. Donald Guynes trains the New Mexico-bred, who broke well, took command early and held his advantage through the finish to collect the $215,314 winner’s share.

Bob McClure and Sandra K. Barrett own Pour Me A Drinkk. Fred Danley bred him in New Mexico out of First Cowgirl Flash, by First Moonflash.

The victory improved his record to seven wins, two seconds and two thirds from 14 starts, with earnings of $478,658.

Pour Me A Drinkk previously won the New Mexico Classic Futurity (RG2) in 2025 and finished second in this year’s Shue Fly Stakes (RG2). He was also a finalist in the Zia Derby (RG2).

IMMA DANDY EARNS SECOND STAKES PLACING

Imma Dandy finished third in the New Mexico State Fair Quarter Horse Juvenile, a neck ahead of Acrylic, after contesting the early lead before giving way late.

Oscar Andrade Jr. rode the two-year-old gelding, who earned $10,000 to increase his career earnings to $113,543. David Gomez-Barraza trains him.

Imma Dandy races for Scott Branson and Jimmy Vasquez. Jimmy and Angela Vasquez bred the son of Prospect To The Top in New Mexico out of Jess Saying, by Mr Jess Perry.

The gelding entered the juvenile following a runner-up finish in the Mountain Top New Mexico-Bred Futurity (RG2) and a finalist appearance in the Zia Futurity (RG1). His record now stands at three wins, one second and three thirds from eight starts.

EIGHT $100,000-PLUS EARNERS FROM LIMITED STARTERS

From limited starters, Prospect To The Top has sired 67 winners and 13 black type performers, representing 12 percent of his starters. His progeny have earned $3 million, with average earnings per starter exceeding $23,000.

His eight earners of more than $100,000 include:

  • Dicecapades SI 99, $276,941 — 1st-Speedhorse Futurity (G3); 1st-Iowa Double Gold Derby; 1st-Laico Bird Stakes; 1st-Lady Bug Stakes
  • Pour Me A Drinkk SI 99, $478,658 — 1st-New Mexico Classic Futurity (RG2); 1st-New Mexico State Fair Quarter Horse Derby (R)
  • Mr Crawfish SI 107, $160,968 — 1st-Louisiana Champions Day Classic Stakes (G2)
  • Tarish SI 101, $147,451 — 1st-Speedhorse Quarter Horse Derby
  • Carneros SI 113, $142,835 — 1st-QROOI Sprint Series 1 Stakes, three times
  • Tac N Dale SI 97, $123,173 — 1st-Rocky Heinzig Stakes
  • Imma Dandy SI 106, $113,543 — 2nd-Mountain Top New Mexico-Bred Futurity (RG2); 3rd-New Mexico State Fair Quarter Horse Juvenile Stakes
  • Featured Prospect SI 102, $108,395 — 1st-Winners Circle Church Stakes

A TWO-TIME CHAMPION WITH EIGHT GRADED STAKES WINS

Prospect To The Top raced through age five, earning $992,670 from 26 starts. He finished in the money 19 times, recording 12 wins, five seconds and two thirds.

His eight graded stakes victories included the Championship at Sunland Park (G1), Zia Park Championship (G1), Hobbs America Futurity (G2), Hobbs America Derby (G2), James Isaac Hobbs Stakes (G2), West Texas Derby (G3) and two editions of the All American Gold Cup (G3).

He also finished second in the All American Derby (G1) and Mr Jet Moore Handicap (G3), and third in the Southwest Juvenile Championship (G1).

Prospect To The Top was a finalist in eight additional graded stakes events, including the All American Futurity (G1), Ruidoso Derby (G1), Refrigerator Handicap (G1) and Higheasterjet Handicap (G3), along with two editions each of the Championship at Sunland Park (G1) and Zia Park Championship (G1).

His honors include AQHA Racing Champion Three-Year-Old Colt, AQHA Racing Champion Aged Stallion, AQHA Supreme Race Horse and New Mexico Hi-Point Three-Year-Old Colt. He also set a 400-yard track record at Zia Park when winning the Hobbs America Futurity (G2) in 18.967 seconds.

A PEDIGREE BACKED BY STAKES SUCCESS

Prospect To The Top is the highest-earning son of Coronas Prospect SI 105, a Grade 3 winner and track record setter who earned $164,559. Coronas Prospect is a champion sire whose progeny have earned more than $4 million.

Prospect To The Top is out of Cream To The Top SI 97, a Grade 3-placed daughter of Easily Smashed who earned $55,506.

His second dam, Hey Sailor SI 85, is a stakes-winning daughter of All American Futurity winner Savannah Jr. She produced nine ROM earners and six black type performers, including multiple stakes winner Saloon SI 102, an earner of $229,761.

For additional information or breeding contracts on Prospect To The Top, contact Crystal Springs Farm and Racing at 575-361-2164 or 432-413-5460.

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

Would you like more industry news delivered directly to your inbox? Click here to sign up.

Read more >
carousel image 1 of 7
Hoosier Racing Community Invites Fans to 2026 ITOBA & QHRAI Sale Preview

Potential owners, breeders, and fans of horse racing are invited to gather at the Hoosier Horse Park in Edinburgh on Friday, October 16, for the 2026 ITOBA & QHRAI Yearling & Mixed Sale Preview Night.

From 5 to 8 pm EDT, guests can enjoy complimentary food provided by Latitude 39, meet members of Indiana's racing community, network with owners and breeders, and get an up-close look at horses being offered in the sale ahead of Saturday's auction. The auction will go live on Saturday, October 17, at 1 pm EDT in Dunn Arena at the Hoosier Horse Park (7105 South Kern Street, Edinburgh, Indiana).

For a sport with such a storied history, horse racing is built on the people—owners, breeders, trainers, jockeys, fans and newcomers who share a passion for the horse. And Hoosiers know a thing or two about hard work, horsepower and speed. Preview Night offers an opportunity to bring that spirit together while introducing attendees to the people and horses that make Indiana's racing industry special.

The Preview Night is sponsored by the Indiana Thoroughbred Alliance, Breakway Farm, Burger Racing Stables, LLC, Ledgerwood Farm, Wolfe Veterinary Services and Springcliff Farm. The Friday evening event is designed to welcome everyone, whether you're considering becoming a racehorse owner, looking to learn more about breeding and the sale process, a longtime racing fan or simply someone who loves horses and wants to experience the sport from a different perspective.

You don't have to be a current horse owner—or an expert in racing—to attend. Preview Night is open to anyone interested in learning more about Indiana horse racing, meeting the people behind the industry and getting a closer look at the horses that could soon be competing on the track.

For inquiries about the 2026 ITOBA/QHRAI Yearling & Mixed Sale, contact Nicks Auction Service, LLC (502-648-0538). Online bidding is available for the sale. Register online: https://bid.horseauctionsusa.com/ui/auctions/170639.

To review the 2026 ITOBA/QHRAI Yearling & Mixed Sale Catalog, you can view it online: https://www.itoba.com/yearling-sale.

Looking for a place to stay after the Preview Night? Hotels local to the Hoosier Horse Park include the Hampton Inn and Comfort Inn. Group rates are available at both hotels.

To learn more about the Indiana Horse Racing industry, visit the Indiana Horse Racing Commission: http://hrc.in.gov.

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

Never miss a story! CLICK HERE to sign up for StallioneSearch.com's free email newsletter.

Read more >

Sales Highlights


ITOBA/QHRAI YEARLING & MIXED SALE

DateOctober 17, 2026CodeINDMLocation
Shelbyville, INCatalog

FASTRACK OCTOBER MIXED SALE

DateOctober 25, 2026CodeFTOMSLocation
Gainesville, TXCatalog

HERITAGE PLACE FALL MIXED

DateNovember 5–7, 2026CodeHPFMLocation
Oklahoma City, OKCatalog

HERITAGE PLACE CHAMPIONS OF THE FUTURE ONLINE SALE

DateDecember 8–10, 2026CodeHPFIULocation
Oklahoma City, OK

FASTRACK DECEMBER MIXED SALE

DateDecember 13, 2026CodeFTDMSLocation
Gainesville, TX

FASTRACK NEW YEARS FOAL-IN-UTERO AND FROZEN EMBRYO SALE

DateDecember 31, 2026CodeFTFIUFESLocation
Gainesville, TX

HERITAGE PLACE WINTER MIXED SALE

DateJanuary 14–16, 2027CodeHPWMLocation
HPWM

HERITAGE PLACE SUMMER MIXED ONLINE SALE

DateJune 1–3, 2027CodeHPSMLocation
Oklahoma City, OK

Sales Search


CLAREMORE, OK — September 28, 2026

Js Freightrain took command in mid-stretch and held sway to win the $28,143 Cox Ranch AQHA Distaff Challenge (G3) Sunday afternoon at Will Rogers Downs.

Ridden by Ruben Castro, Js Freightrain completed the 400 yards in :19.516, earning a 104 speed index. The 4-year-old filly defeated Flying Bandida by 1 1/2 lengths, with Carpe Diem Baby another 1 3/4 lengths back in third.

Js Freightrain is trained by Samuel Mendoza for owner Marisol Alvarado. Bred in Oklahoma by Leonardo Alcala, she is by Freighttrain B and out of champion As And Js, by Apollitical Jess. She is a half-sister to Js On Fire ($265,454), winner of the Boyd Morris Stakes (RG2), and As Moonflash ($135,859), winner of the Retama Championship Challenge (G3).

The victory improved Js Freightrain's record to nine wins, two seconds and two thirds from 18 starts. The $13,790 winner's share boosted her career earnings to $297,843.

Earlier this season, Js Freightrain scored back-to-back stakes victories in the Easy Date Stakes (G2) and Rocky Heinzig Stakes.

Flying Bandida and jockey Ramiro Garcia finished second for owners Shari Burger and Vickie McBee and trainer Jason Olmstead. The 4-year-old filly chased the winner and gained ground late but could not close the gap.

Bred by Shari Burger, Flying Bandida is by Flying Cowboy 123 and out of the PYC Paint Your Wagon mare Meaningful Memories. Coming off a runner-up finish in the Prairie Meadows Distaff Challenge (G3), she now has a record of 26-6-8-3 with earnings of $220,581. She opened her 2026 campaign with a victory in the Decketta Stakes (G2).

Carpe Diem Baby, a $9,000 TQHA Yearling Sale graduate, finished third under Ruben Delarosa Jr. for owner/breeders Shane and Brooke Snow and trainer Janessa Muniz. The 3-year-old filly broke alertly and vied along the inside before yielding to the top two.

By Buzzinga and out of the Separatist Baby mare Baby Separatist, Carpe Diem Baby now has a record of 13-1-3-2 with earnings of $25,703. Still in search of her first stakes victory, she was a finalist in the Sam Houston Oaks earlier this season.

Aj Gold Player, Alliekat Dynasty, Fly N Cowgirl and Socially Fun completed the order of finish.

Would you like more industry news delivered directly to your inbox? Click here to sign up.

Read more >
ALBUQUERQUE, NM. — October 10, 2026

An exciting afternoon of championship racing awaits at Albuquerque Downs on Sunday, with New Mexico-bred Quarter Horses taking center stage in a nine-race program featuring three major stakes events totaling $850,000.

The afternoon will be highlighted by the Grade 1 $1.2 million-est. New Mexico State Fair Quarter Horse Futurity, the $425,000-est. New Mexico State Fair Quarter Horse Derby, and the $100,000-est. New Mexico State Fair Q.H. Juvenile Stakes.

The ninth and final race will bring together ten talented 2-year-olds competing for Grade 1 honors in the $1.2 million-est. New Mexico State Fair Quarter Horse Futurity. The finalists earned their spots in the September 24 trial heats and will return to battle over 400 yards at approximately 5:10 p.m.

Big Ted enters the championship finale as the 5-2 morning-line favorite, carrying a three-race winning streak and the fastest qualifying time into the highly anticipated showdown. The gelding delivered a commanding gate-to-wire performance in his trial, drawing clear by 3 1/4 lengths and establishing himself as the one to beat.

Big Ted has already put together an impressive juvenile campaign, highlighted by a win in the $50,000 Zia Juvenile Stakes, a runner-up finish in the Grade 2 New Mexico Breeders Futurity, and a third-place finish in the Grade 2 New Mexico Spring Futurity. In seven career starts, he has recorded five victories, one second, and one third, earning $129,789 for Tungsten Racing Partnership.

Bred in New Mexico by Jaime Cervantes, Big Ted is a son of Tf Im That Guy and out of the Heza Motor Scooter mare Shez Jessa Scooter. Trainer Omar Vargas will saddle the gelding from post six, with jockey Sergio Becerra, Jr., aboard as the pair aims to add a Grade 1 championship to his growing résumé.

The excitement continues in the eighth race with the $425,000-est. New Mexico State Fair Quarter Horse Derby, where ten 3-year-olds will compete over 400 yards at approximately 4:40 p.m. The finalists secured their spots in the September 19 trials, setting the stage for a competitive championship featuring some of the state's leading sophomore runners.

King Estate leads the Derby field as the 5-2 morning-line favorite, returning after a determined trial victory that showcased his ability to overcome adversity. Despite a slow start, the gelding rallied with a strong late run to prevail by a head, posting the third-fastest qualifying time.

King Estate has been remarkably consistent throughout his sophomore campaign, finishing in the top three in all five starts this season and recording three victories, including the Grade 2 $204,000 Zia Derby. His career record now stands at four wins and $150,127 in earnings for owners Lifes A Dream Farm and Racing, LLC, who purchased him for $43,000 at the Ruidoso New Mexico-Bred Yearling Sale.

The New Mexico-bred gelding is by Eye Am King and out of the First Down Dash mare Curlie Cue. Bred by MJ Farms, King Estate is trained by Rodolfo G. Valles and will break from post two, with regular rider Christian Cardenas returning to the saddle. The pair will aim to continue their successful partnership with another major Derby victory.

The championship action kicks off in the seventh race with the $100,000 New Mexico State Fair Q.H. Juvenile Stakes, scheduled for approximately 4:10 p.m. The 400-yard event features ten 2-year-olds who competed in the Futurity trials but finished outside the top ten qualifying positions, giving them another chance to compete for a significant stakes title.

Bridger headlines the Juvenile Stakes as the 3-1 morning-line favorite, returning after a strong runner-up finish in his trial. Despite being bumped during the race, the gelding battled gamely before being outfinished by Bogarts Brown Sugar, and he earned the fastest qualifying time among the Juvenile Stakes entrants.

Bridger has already established himself as an accomplished stakes performer this season, winning the Grade 2 $389,000 New Mexico Spring Futurity. The gelding has finished in the top three in all five of his career starts and has earned $222,164 for Tungsten Racing Partnership, which purchased him for $155,000 at the Ruidoso Select Yearling Sale.

Bred in New Mexico by MJ Farms, Bridger is a son of Eye Am King and a Blushing Bug mare, Bridgette Bordeaux. Trainer Omar Vargas will send the talented juvenile from post four, with jockey Jose E. Ortiz taking the reins as Bridger seeks another major stakes victory.

With $850,000 in stakes purses on the line, Sunday afternoon promises an outstanding showcase of New Mexico's homegrown racing talent. From promising juveniles looking to establish themselves among the state's elite to accomplished sophomores seeking another championship, the New Mexico State Fair Quarter Horse Stakes program will bring together some of the season's most competitive runners for an exciting afternoon at Albuquerque Downs.

The races at Albuquerque Downs can be watched on Q-Racing Video.

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

Would you like more industry news delivered directly to your inbox? Click here to sign up.

Read more >
Type
Name
Starts
1st
2nd
3rd
Earnings
Cowboys Flying
6
6
0
0
$2,062,793
Gf Shes Sinful
7
4
2
1
$708,275
Big Ted
8
6
1
1
$665,792
El Huracano V
5
3
1
1
$632,670
Ask Her To Fly
8
3
2
1
$610,175
By North American Race LeadersView Top 50 HORSES