Arizona Fall Futurity, Derby Nominations Due Thursday

Arizona Quarter Racing & Breeders (AQR&B) is reminding horsemen that nominations for all 2026 Fall Futurities and Derbies are due Thursday, October 1.

The upcoming stakes schedule includes the $75,000-est. Cactus Classic Open Quarter Horse Futurity, the $70,000-est. Cactus Classic Open Quarter Horse Derby, and the $60,000-est. AQRA Futurity.

The Cactus Classic Futurity, which includes $20,000 in added money, will be contested at 350 yards. Trials are scheduled for December 5, with the final set for December 26. The race is open to registered AQHA and APHA foals of 2024.

The Cactus Classic Derby carries an estimated purse of $70,000, including $20,000 added, and will be contested at 400 yards. Trials are scheduled for December 9, with the final on December 31. 2026 Cactus Classic Derby

The $60,000-est. AQRA Futurity is restricted to Arizona Certified Quarter Horses and includes $25,000 added by Turf Paradise and another $10,000 from the Arizona Breeders Fund. The 350-yard race will hold trials on December 8, with the final scheduled for December 30.

The original nomination payment is $500 per race and is due on October 1. A $700 sustaining payment is due November 1. Late nominations will be accepted on November 1 for $2,600, while nomination at the time of entry is listed at $5,200.

CLICK HERE for nomination forms to all three races.

AQR&B Executive Director Krystal Bourdieu said nominations may be submitted by email to krystal@aqrbreeding.com with credit-card payment. Nominations also may be mailed to AQR&B, 18402 N. 19th Ave., PMB 164, Phoenix, AZ 85023, and mailed nominations must be postmarked by October 1.

Horsemen with questions may contact Bourdieu at (623) 208-8250 or krystal@aqrbreeding.com.

The nomination forms also state that OOCH testing is required for nominated horses and that all Quarter Horse stakes will be hair tested.

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