Public invited to attend noon auction with 300 available horses
A total of 300 quarter horses and thoroughbreds consigned by breeders across the state will be sold at the annual New Mexico-bred Horse Sale at the Ruidoso Horse Sales Pavilion on Saturday, Aug. 15 starting at noon.
“This may be the best sale of New Mexico-bred horses that we’ve put together,” General Manager Walt Wiggins said. “Right now, the New Mexico-bred horses are peaking, primarily from the success of runners like King of the Tide on the racetrack.”
King of the Tide, sired by New Mexico’s current top sire Eye Am King, won the 2025 $3 million All American Futurity at the Downs of Albuquerque. The gelding became the third New Mexico-bred quarter horse to win the breed’s more prestigious race. By By JJ won in 2003 followed by Handsome Jack Flash in 2013.
Despite the recent flooding issues that have sent the quarter horse Triple Crown races to Albuquerque, Wiggins said horse breeders participating in the sale are optimistic that the market for New Mexico-bred race horses remains strong.
“It’s the quality of horses that New Mexico breeders are offering that is making a difference,” Wiggins said. “The number of consignors willing to participate in our sale of thoroughbreds and quarter horses is as high as it’s ever been.”
This year’s sale will take place on one day. The Downs of Albuquerque will not conduct a race card on Aug. 15 in order for owners and trainers to focus their attention on the auction. Admission is free and the public is invited to attend.
The sale will also be broadcast through an online auction service through the website www.dvauction.com. Potential online buyers must complete a bidder application by August 13. For more information, telephone 575-378-4474.
