RUIDOSO DOWNS, NM—SEPTEMBER 6, 2020—Ratification, under regular jockey Francisco Calderon, rolled to her fifth consecutive win on Sunday when she defeated Kiss Thru Fire by one-length in the inaugural running of the $421,326 All American Oaks at Ruidoso Downs.

Bobby D. Cox's Texas homebred daughter of leading sire Apollitical Jess completed the 440 yards in :21.345 seconds, equaling a 96 speed index into a 5 mph crosswind. The $176,957 winner's purse boosted her earnings record to $380,446.

Trainer Juan Vazquez saddled the filly for the late John Buchanan who had conditioned the filly all season, including her win in the Rainbow Oaks on July 18th. Buchanan passed away August 28th. Vazquez was his assistant. His wife Iris and daughter Amanda were in the Ruidoso Downs winner's circle today.

"I know he’s here with us today," said Amanda Hamilton of her late father. "We owe so much credit to Juan for all that he’s done. He’s a member of our family and has kept it all together. We’re so proud, and it’s absolutely an honor to have won the inaugural running of the Oaks."

"John was so great with this horse, and she was ready to run," said Vazquez. "She's a great horse, and she gets better every time. He really did a wonderful job with all of his horses, and he would have been so proud of her. This win means so much to me and our team. John was looking over us today, and his spirit was with us."

Ratification's dam, mare Shesa First Ratify by First Down Dash, was runner-up in the 2009 All American Futurity(G1). Ratification has compiled a (13) 7-1-1 record. She was also a finalist in the Rainbow QH Futurity(G1) at 2.

"I know John was with me today," said jockey Calderon. "The filly has sometimes tried to veer out a little, and today she ran straight as an arrow. I knew John was helping me out the whole way." AQHA Racing's champion breeder Bobby Cox has bred earners of more than $30.4 million. He will be represented tomorrow by the Grade-1 placed Jettz in the $3 million All American Futurity(G1). He also bred and sold morning-line favorite Whistle Stop Cafe and Grade 1-placed Instygator for the Labor Day classic.

Bumped at the break, Kentucky homebred Kiss Thru Fire earned $75,957 for owner-breeder Gentry Farms. Trainer Duke Shults named jockey Tanner Thedford to ride the royally bred daughter of champion sire Walk Thru Fire from the champion mare Fredaville by Mr Jess Perry. A finalist in the three Grade 1's at 2, Kiss Thru Fire has earned $314,566.

Kieva finished half-a-length back in third to earn $42,133 for owner MRJ Investments Ltd. Clinton Crawford trains the daughter of Apollitical Jess from the Pyc Paint Your Wagon mare Amg Six Point Three. William E. Smith bred the $58,000 Ruidoso Select Yearling Sale graduate. She has earned $72,246.

Apollitical Snow, Kylee Joy, Valiant Astica, BV Sheslikethewind, Kiss My Lassie and Foxys First Kiss.

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On Monday, the racing season at Ruidoso Downs concludes with the running of the $3 Million GI All American Futurity, the world’s richest Quarter Horse race, the $200,000 All American Juvenile, and the $20,000 Governor’s Handicap.

The Cowboy Channel will broadcast the All American Futurity and the All American Juvenile live from Ruidoso Downs from 4:00-5:30 PM MDT. Post time for the All American Futurity is 5:12 PM. Post time on Monday 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 at the Sale Barn, please visit RaceRuidoso.com.