Treasured Empire will make his maiden debut next weekend in the Ruidoso Futurity trials.

© Ruidoso Downs

By Tim Keithley

RUIDOSO DOWNS, NM–MAY 16, 2026–Ruidoso Downs Racetrack’s summer quarter horse racing season to be held at the Downs of Albuquerque begins Memorial Day weekend with trials for the $1 million Ruidoso Futurity at 350-yards for two-year-olds and $600,000 (est.) Ruidoso Derby for three-year-olds at 400-yards. First post Friday and Saturday will be noon with thirteen races scheduled both days and racing continuing Sunday and Monday in Albuquerque.

Treasured Empire, a two-year-old New Mexico-bred, born and raised at La Feliz Montana Ranch in Hondo, is expected to make his maiden debut during trials for the Ruidoso Futurity. The colt was purchased at the Ruidoso Downs All American Select Sale for $700,000 by Caliche Walls Venture owners Leon Harrell and Katherine Reily. La Feliz Montana Ranch owner Javier Rodriguez retained co-ownership of the colt that shares the same breeding as 2025 AQHA World Champion FDD Dreams (Fdd Dynasty by Treasured Dreams). Treasured Empire is trained by Xavier Rodriguez and will be ridden by Luis Martinez.

“He could look a little like his brother in training, but it’s very early, and it’s not a good idea to compare any horse to a world champion,” Rodriguez said. “He seems to have a lot of potential at this stage so we’ll see what happens on Saturday. The big difference in the two brothers is that Treasured Empire remains a colt while FDD Dreams has succeeded in racing as a gelding.”

Treasured Empire will be number-six in the fifth race on Saturday. A total of 241 two-year-olds entered next weekend’s futurity trials with one supplemental entry, Whyjohnnyringo, an Oklahoma-bred gelding making a second career start for owner Regina Laymon, trainer Dean Frey and jockey Jesus Rios Ayala.

The top-five fastest quarter horses over both days of futurity trials will advance to the final to be held on Sunday, June 7. Ruidoso Downs will offer simulcast wagering on all horse races from the Downs of Albuquerque during the upcoming season that runs through Labor Day, September 7. Racing will be held Fridays through Sundays with a special Monday race card on Memorial Day, May 25.