Racing


Gold Heart Eagle V Dominates $1,078,098 All American Derby Final
Gold Heart Eagle V, under champion jockey James Flores, winning the Grade 1 $1,078,098 All American Derby Sunday afternoon at Ruidoso Downs.

© Ernesto Salinas / StallioneSearch
Gold Heart Eagle V Dominates $1,078,098 All American Derby Final

RUIDOSO DOWNS, NM—SEPTEMBER 6, 2020—Fastest qualifier Gold Heart Eagle V put in a repeat performance of his derby trial two weeks ago while defeating stablemate Inaugurator by 1-½ lengths to win the Grade 1 $1,078,098 All American Derby Sunday afternoon at Ruidoso Downs.

It was the second Grade 1 win for his connections who also scored in the All American Gold Cup(G1) (see related story) in the previous race on Ruidoso Downs Sunday card.

Gold Eagle Heart V brushed at the start under champion jockey James Flores but quickly took command and completed the 440 yards in :21.042 seconds, equaling a 104 speed index. The 3-year-old colt broke his maiden in the trials with a four-length win in :21.108 seconds.

"He was all business today. I started feeling comfortable about 150 yards in when we were clear, and I knew I had this kind of horse underneath me," said Flores. "I was so thankful to have the opportunity. He’s a super horse, and you have to ride that kind of horse to win a race like this. I wouldn’t trade places with anybody. I want to thank all the owners and trainers who give me the opportunity to live my dreams."

National leading trainer Monty Arrossa saddled the son of leading sire One Famous Eagle for owner Valeriano Racing Stables LLC. The $452,883 winner's All American Derby winner's' purse boosted his bankroll to $530,883. He was third in the Grade 1 Rainbow QH Derby two races back.

Ruidoso Downs General Manager Jeff True (right) presents the winning connections of Gold Heart Eagle V the All American Derby stakes trophy.
© Ernesto Salinas / StallioneSearch
"It just seemed like Gold Heart Eagle V had the most incredible racing luck," said trainer Arrossa. "The break just parted in his favor, and James kept him so clear. It was an amazing win. And then for our other horse to step up for second. It was the Derby of our dreams."

Christine Hudson bred the bay colt in Texas from the multiple stakes producing Strawfly Special mare Ladys Heart Of Gold. Gold Heart V is a brother to All American Futurity(G1) runner-up and 2020 leading first-crop sire One Fabulous Eagle and stakes winner Eagle On The Fly.

Also trained by Arrossa and owned by Valeriano Racing Stables LLC, runner-up Inaugurator earned $194,292 for his second-place effort. Jockey Jesus Ayala rode the Heritage Place Derby(G2) winner who has earned $322,292. Cynthia Dick bred the son of leading sire Apollitical Jess in Texas from the Dash Ta Fame mare Famous Phoebe.

Gold Heart Eagle V, under champion jockey James Flores, returns after his dominating win in the All American Derby(G1) at Ruidoso Downs Sunday.
© Ernesto Salinas / StallioneSearch
"Right now I just feel so blessed to have these horses," Sammy Valerino of Valerino Racing said. "My trainer (Monty Arrossa) and our rider (James Flores) work so hard to prepare them for these races. To run one-two in the Derby is a dream come true. And to win the Gold Cup with Dexxter, I’m not sure we’ll ever have a day like today. I lost my father, Greg, in January, and I feel that somehow, he is watching over us this year. These horses won at Remington Park as well. We feel a sense of gratitude."

Rainbow QH Derby(G1) winner Cers Final Try finished half-a-length back to earn $107,810 for third. Tony Sedillo trains the son of world champion One Dashing Eagle for owner Christina D. Robinson. Alfredo Sigala rode the $660,110 earner. Bred in Oklahoma by the late Charles Robinson, Cers Final Try is out of the Corona Cartel mare Bp Shes All Corona.

Ruidoso QH Derby(G1) winner Hotsempting was a nose back in fourth to earn $86,248. Sergio Ibarra trains the leading 3-year-old earner of 2020 who has banked $609,278 for her $661,668 earnings this year.

Miguel and Mauricio Gallegos own the Tempting Dash daughter of Pandorum by Tres Seis. Esgar Ramirez was riding the Fulton Quein Sabe Ranches LP Texas-bred.

Hes Back, Kj Mucho Macho Man, Jess Sumokin Hot, Love Is Everything V, Kleptomaniac and Elm Creek Khrome completed the field.

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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.