Challenge


B Leaving Dominates Adequan Ruidoso Downs Derby Challenge Trails On Saturday
B Leaving, under jockey Justine Klaiber, sets the fastest qualifying time for the $30,000-adeed Adequan Ruidoso Derby Challenge on Saturday at Ruidoso downs Racetrack & Csino.

© Bailey Ivey / Ruidoso Downs
B Leaving Dominates Adequan Ruidoso Downs Derby Challenge Trails On Saturday

RUIDOSO DOWNS, NM—AUGUST 13, 2022–Heritage Place Derby(G2) runner-up B Leaving romped to a two-length win in the first of three trials Saturday for the $58,905 Adequan Ruidoso Downs Derby Challenge at Ruidoso Downs Racetrack & Casino.

The 10 fastest qualifiers, from the three trials for Challenge enrolled 3-year-olds, will return to the mountain racetrack on Saturday, August 27th to vie for the winner's share of the purse valued at $27,096,  going 400 yards.

In addition the winner of the August 27th final also earns a starting spot in the Grade 3 $150,000-est. Adequan Derby Challenge Championship to be held October 22nd at Horseshoe Indianapolis during the Bank of American Challenge Championships,

Racing as the heavy post time favorite, B Leaving drew off quickly from the field under jockey Justine Klaiber to get the fastest clocking of :19.480 seconds, a 99 speed index with no wind. 

Trainer Eddie D. Willis conditions the son of champion sire Valiant Hero for owner WW Partners.  Bred in Oklahoma by Homer A Hill Estate, B Leaving is out of the Mr Jess Perry mare Jess B Mighty. A graded stakes winner, he has won three of 11 starts and earned $139,042.

Ruidoso Derby(G1) finalist Tommie Eagle was a half-length winner in the second trial to record the second fastest time of :19.688 seconds, a 94 speed index with a 2 mph tailwind.  Trainer Trey Wood named champion jockey Ricky Ramirez to ride the son of world champion sire One Famous Eagle.

Tommie Eagle is a Texas homebred racing for owner-breeders Randy and Sandy Coleman. Out of the Carters Cartel mare Runaway Renata, the brown gelding has won three of 11 starts and earned $49,215.

Trainer M. Heath Taylor sentout Cell Bounce to a 1-3/4 length win in the final trial under jockey Rodrigo Vallejo. The son of leading sire Corona Cartel posted the fifth fastest time of :19.788 seconds, a 91 speed index with a 2 mph tailwind.

A finalist in the Ruidoso QH Juvenile last year and the Heritage Place Derby(G2), Cell Bounce races for owner Victory Farms. McColee Land & Livestock LLC bred the colt in Oklahoma from the One Famous Eagle mare My Famous Lady.  Cell Bonce has earned $52,455 off four wins in 11 starts.

For a complete list Adequan Ruidoso Derby Challenge qualifiers, with times, sires, dams, owners, breeders, trainers and jockeys CLICK HERE.