RUIDOSO DOWNS, NM—AUGUST 25, 2015—Calling it the “honor of a lifetime,” First Valiant Sign’s co-owner Derrol Hubbard has given half of part-ownership of probable Grade 1, $3 million All American Futurity favorite First Valiant Sign to his father R.D. Hubbard, owner of Ruidoso Downs.

R.D. Hubbard, 80, has won many major Grade 1 quarter horse stakes, but has never won the All American Futurity. It is the number-one item on his ‘bucket list.’

First Valiant Sign is also owned by Scott Bryant, Joe Dee Brooks and Lee Lewis.

“I couldn’t be more proud to do this for my father,” Derrol Hubbard said. “He has done so much for me and our entire family. I love him and am so thankful.

“He has done so much for racing. We adore the sport and without him Ruidoso Downs probably wouldn’t exist and we wouldn’t be racing for $3 million in the All American Futurity. Just think of it, with his guidance, the All American Futurity is the richest two-year-old race in the world.

“Also, I just want to say, his philanthropy is often overlooked. He helps so many people and that is never revealed.

“I’m so honored to give him a part of First Valiant Sign. I really can’t express it in words. It’s from my heart.”

First Valiant Sign has been the star two-year-old at Ruidoso Downs this summer. The Mike Joiner-trained gelding won the Grade 1, $750,000 Ruidoso Futurity. He was second by a neck in the Grade 1, $1 million Rainbow Futurity after he brushed against rivals at the start. The Valiant Hero son then set the fastest-qualifying time of :21.582 for 440 yards on the second of two days of All American Futurity trials.

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