RUIDOSO DOWNS, NM—JULY 2, 2018—Purina Animal Nutrition, the nation's leader in innovation in animal nutrition, in cooperation with their dealers, Finish Line Feeds and Mundell Terminal Service, are the new sponsors of the Trainer of the Week program at Ruidoso Downs.

The winning trainer each week will receive 250 pounds of Purina premium horse feed starting on July 7 and running through August 25. The criteria for winning the Trainer of the Week award include a good week for starts, wins and overall performance; consistently entering horses; having no compliance issues, plus intangibles that demonstrate worthiness.

This award in in conjunction with the Groom of the Week award and the Barn of the Week award given by the track and the New Mexico Horsemen Association.

"I really like Purina feed and the horses like it and do well," Ruidoso Downs' trainer Wes Giles said. "Purina does a lot of research and that is important." Giles has Grade 1 wins at Ruidoso Downs in the All American Derby, Rainbow Futurity, Ruidoso Futurity and All American Gold Cup.

Purina has been a leader in horse feed since before there were automobiles. Their wide array of feeds provides special formulas for any stage of a horse's life and any use of the horse. This includes senior and special needs horses.

Leading thoroughbred trainer Kiaran McLaughlin endorses Purina feed. "The horses love it," he said. "Their weight is great, their energy level is high.

"The race results have been fantastic. Purina is always trying to make a better product for you."

McLaughlin trained 2006 horse of the year Invasor, winner of the Dubai World Cup and Breeders' Cup Classic.

Started in 1894, Purina founder William H. Danforth produced feed for farm animals under the name Purina Mills. The main brand for each animal was called "Chow". This included the venerable Purina Horse Chow. Danforth merged with university professor Webster Edgerly and they formed the Ralston Purina Company. Purina was purchased by Land O' Lakes in 2001.

The internationally recognized checkerboard logo started in 1904.

Purina states, "In the end, we are horse people using our scientific minds to conduct rigorous research to develop the next best feed for your horse, which helps you care for your horses in the best way possible."