by Greg Thompson, Stallionesearch.com

RUIDOSO, NM—AUGUST 26, 2016—Jockey Esgar Ramirez, who qualified three into the finals of the All American Futurity(G1) has chosen to ride the fastest qualifier Imperial Eagle in the finals, which allows the all-time winning jockey G.R. Carter to pick up the mount on sixth-fastest qualifier Koolnfamous.

The native of Juarez, Mexico and El Paso, Texas made the decision this morning at Ruidoso Downs after considering his choices with his agent, Kathy Murphy. The Tony Sedillo trained Imperial Eagle, will go postward in his second futurity of 2016. Earlier in 2016, the gelded son of One Famous Eagle qualified into the West Texas Futurity(G2) at Sunland Park. With J.R. Valenzuela aboard in the finals, and with three disqualifications in the race, the Sedillo trained Imperial Eagle was awarded second place in the graded event.

G.R. Carter's Return To The Saddle

With the announcement of his retirement from riding coming only eight-months ago, jockey G.R. Carter has been lured out of retirement for another opportunity to riding in the rich All American Futurity(G1) aboard Toby Keeton trained Koolnfamous.

The forty-eight year old rider was enjoying his retirement from being the sports all-time leader in both wins, and money earned when he received inquiries about possibly coming back to ride in the Labor Day classic.

"This the one we all want to win over and over again," said Carter. "It is the race that makes you famous, and makes you remembered by race fans for years and years. When I was asked to ride again I jumped at the opportunity. I have been getting on horses in Oklahoma prior to coming out to Ruidoso this weekend, and I will continue to get on horses right up until it is Labor Day. I have won the race twice, but it is a race that you could never willfully stop trying to win."

Carter picks up the mount from the Keeton barn after jockey Esgar Ramirez's decision to stay on the fastest qualifier Imperial Eagle for the finals.

Carter has competed in eighteen All American Futurities, and has found the winners circle on two occasion in the Grade 1 event. His first victory was aboard the Jack Brooks trained Falling In Loveagain in 1998, and follow it up with a win aboard M.Heath Taylor trained Stolis Winner in 2008.