Albuquerque Sets 2016 Stakes Schedule
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Ol Winedrinker Who wins 2015 Downs at Albuquerque Handicap
The Downs at Albuquerque Racetrack and Casino will offer $1 million in total for 12 Thoroughbred stakes at the meet that begins June 25.
The stakes schedule is headed by the $200,000 New Mexico State Fair Futurity for state-bred 2-year-olds at six furlongs Sept. 25 and the $175,000 Downs at Albuquerque Handicap for 3-year-olds and up at 1 1/18 miles Aug. 6.
Don Cook, director of racing at the New Mexico track, said $25,000 was added to the Downs at Albuquerque Handicap, which officials hope eventually achieves graded status.
Other major Thoroughbred stakes during the upcoming meet include the $125,000 Casino at the Downs Derby for New Mexico-bred 3-year-olds at 6 1/2 furlongs.
Cook said purses are expected to average about $170,000 a day for the 60-day mixed meet. There will be $1.3 million in purses for eight Quarter Horse stakes highlighted by the inaugural $350,000 La Fiesta Futurity for state-bred 2-year-olds Sept. 25.