$400 sustaining payments are due Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, for the 2026 Mountain Top Futurity and Derby and Zia Futurity and Derby at Ruidoso Downs.

© NMHBA

RUIDOSO DOWNS, NM–NOVEMBER 24, 2025–The New Mexico Horse Breeders’ Association sent out a reminder that a $400 sustaining payment is due Monday, December 1, 2025, to stay eligible for four key New Mexico-bred stakes at Ruidoso Downs in 2026: the Mountain Top Futurity, Mountain Top Derby, Zia Futurity, and Zia Derby.

The Mountain Top Futurity trials, held on May 29, 2026, and the final on June 14, 2026, are worth an estimated $350,000, with an additional $40,000 added. Plus, it includes a $50,000 guaranteed Mountain Top Juvenile on finals weekend for the top ten horses that did not make the finals.

The Mountain Top Derby follows with trials on May 30 and the final on June 13, offering an estimated purse of $150,000 with $25,000 added.

The Zia Futurity trials are July 3, 2026, with the final on July 19, carrying an estimated $375,000 with $45,000 added and a $50,000 guaranteed Zia Juvenile for top ten non-qualifiers to the final.

The Zia Derby is set with trials on July 4 and the final on July 18, with an estimated $175,000 and $45,000 added.

Click the links below to access the form
2026 Mountain Top NM Bred QH Futurity
2026 Mountain Top NM Bred QH Derby
2026 Zia Futurity
2026 Zia Derby

All four races require horses to be registered New Mexico-breds from the correct foal crops according to race. Missed sustaining payments may be rectified by paying double within 30 days of the deadline. Each payment includes a 10% administrative deduction; credit cards are accepted with a 3% fee if arranged before the due date. Owners must also hold valid NMRC licenses and be financially current with the horsemen’s bookkeeper before entry time.

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