The All American Futurity is one of the most prestigious events in Quarter Horse racing, offering a $3 million prize. However, four months after the race on September 2, 2024, the winning purse remains unpaid due to ongoing drug-testing investigations. This delay has stirred frustration among owners, trainers, and racing fans alike.
What Happened at the All American Futurity?
On September 2, 2024, Hezgothelook Z, trained by Toby Keeton and owned by Triple One Ranch, made history by becoming the first Quarter Horse Triple Crown winner since 1981. The horse claimed victories in the Ruidoso Futurity, Rainbow Futurity, and the All American Futurity, all major Grade 1 races for 2-year-olds.
However, the purse for this significant win, along with payouts for other races on the same day, has not been distributed. The reason? Officials are waiting for the results of thorough post-race drug testing.
Why Is the Prize Money Delayed?
The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) stated that the delay is tied to an in-depth review of drug test samples. The New Mexico Racing Commission’s official laboratory, Industrial Labs, is conducting detailed tests to ensure compliance with racing regulations.
Janet VanBebber, AQHA’s Chief Racing Officer, explained that the association is waiting on regulators to finalize test results before updating data for the Champions Selection Committee. This delay has also postponed the announcement of the 2024 racing champions indefinitely.
Frustrations Among Trainers and Owners
The ongoing delay has caused frustration for those directly involved in the races. Attorney Clark Brewster, who represents Toby Keeton and several owners, has voiced concerns about the prolonged process. He noted that while no lawsuit has been filed yet, legal action may be considered if the situation isn’t resolved soon.
New Mexico Racing Commission executive director Ismael “Izzy” Trejo defended the process, saying the laboratory is doing a “deep dive” into the samples to ensure accuracy.
Impact on Quarter Horse Racing
This controversy has sparked broader discussions about the challenges of ensuring fairness in horse racing. While drug testing is essential to maintain integrity, delays like these highlight the need for quicker and more efficient testing methods.
Quarter Horse racing has a passionate fan base, and events like the All American Futurity are key to maintaining the sport’s reputation. Resolving these issues swiftly is crucial to keeping trust within the racing community.
The All American Futurity represents the pinnacle of Quarter Horse racing, but the delay in distributing its $3 million purse is a reminder of the complexities of modern sports regulation. While the thoroughness of the drug-testing process is essential, balancing accuracy with efficiency is critical for the industry. Racing fans and stakeholders alike hope for a resolution soon so that the sport can move forward without further setbacks.
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