ALBUQUERQUE, NM — As a 2-year-old quarter horse, Gf Shes Sinful was solid, winning three of four starts in 2025.
But Saturday, June 6, she served notice that her campaign as a 3-year-old this year could be even better with a thrilling one length win in the 400-yard, $750,000 Ruidoso Derby at the Downs At Albuquerque.
The Ruidoso Derby is the first leg of the Triple Crown for 3-year-old quarter horses. The winning trainer was Wesley T. Giles, the winning jockey was Noe Garcia, Jr. and the winning owner was All In Partners (Ezra Lee et al).
Gf Shes Sinful, who won her qualifying trial for the Ruidoso Derby trial of 18.987 seconds, has now won five of six starts.
She is an Oklahoma-bred sired by Dulce Sin Tacha out of the mare Bf Fooserageous Foose. Gf Shes Sinful could run later in the summer in the Rainbow and All American Derby qualifying trials or she could stay in the fillies own division and run in the Rainbow and All American Oaks qualifying trials.
How Gf Shes Sinful won the Ruidoso Derby
The race was never really in doubt as Gf Shes Sinful broke fast and clean and led the entire way in winning the race in 18.925 seconds.
Jarvis V and Midnite Smokin ran well, but finished second and third respectively.
Gf Shes Sinful, who started from the No. 1 post, was the 6-5 post time favorite.
What Gf Shes Sinful jockey Noe Garcia, Jr. said
“I knew that as a two-year-old her problem was leaving the gates,” jockey Noe Garcia Jr. said in the winner’s circle. “I knew that if I could get along with her, she could get the hang of it.”
What Gf Shes Sinful trainer Wesley T. Giles said
“She’s been training good all year, I’m really proud of her,” Giles said. “She’s consistent.”
History made on Saturday
The Ruidoso Derby was the first ever Ruidoso Triple Crown race that took place at night. The race started at 10:11 p.m.
Ruidoso Quarter Horse Invitational Stakes
Famous N Relentless won the 400-yard Ruidoso QH Invitational Stakes for trainer Jason L. Olmstead with jockey Ramiro Haro Garcia aboard. Famous N Relentless has won 6 of 13 career starts. The winning time was 19.260 seconds and was for horses who did not qualify for the Ruidoso Derby.
The Diesel Train was second and Apolitical Valor was third.
Why is the 2026 Ruidoso meet being held in Albuquerque?
Devastating floods caused the 2024 and 2025 All American Futurity, along with other Ruidoso races, to be moved to Albuquerque.
JE Fuller was retained by and working for the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security regarding future flood risks at Ruidoso Downs racetrack.
JE Fuller’s analysis shows that the racetrack faces serious and ongoing flooding risks that cannot be adequately addressed with the mitigation measures proposed.
Even moderate rainfall — around two inches or more per hour — can overwhelm existing and planned drainage improvements intended to mitigate flooding at Ruidoso Downs racetrack, according to the JE Fuller report. A rainfall event of two inches per hour over the fire-scarred areas creates a high risk of dangerous flooding at Ruidoso Downs racetrack that could be life threatening.
Felix F. Chavez can be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes.com; @Fchavezeptimes on X
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Gf Shes Sinful wins 400-yard, Grade 1 Ruidoso Derby
Reporting by Felix F. Chavez, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
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By Felix F. Chavez, El Paso Times | USA TODAY Network
