SALLISAW, Okla.- Blue Ribbon Downs in Sallisaw, Okla., hosted a 350-yard race for 3-year-old Appaloosas and Paint Horses Oct. 31. In an exciting allowance race, pitting the world’s most colorful equine breeds against one another for a piece of the $8,910 purse, Appaloosa Open Range proved to have the fastest legs on the track.

The 5-year-old Appaloosa crossed the finish line, with Randy Wilson aboard, in 15.804 seconds to win. Open Range (Mr Eye Opener, AQHA x Go Raney Cloud) won $5,288, bringing the mare’s lifetime race earnings to $32,159. The Oklahoma-bred Appaloosa is proudly owned by Jeff Adams of Durant, Okla., trained by Angie Jones and was bred by Kay and Kin Pirtle.

Following in second was Appaloosa Jim Marble with Cody Worst aboard. The 4-year-old gelding crossed the finish line in 15.867 seconds. Jim Marble (My Designated Driver, AQHA x All The Marbles) won $1,546, bringing his lifetime race earnings to $15,340. The Kansas-bred Appaloosa is proudly owned by Militza Elliott of Sallisaw, Okla., trained by Hubert Blankenship and was bred by G & G Partnership.

Filling the card was Flashem Betty (APHA), Flashnmystuff (APHA), Double Dare Comment (APHA), Hez Showin Off (APHA), Patchskid (ApHC) and Mr Moneybags (APHA).

Appaloosa Racing

Appaloosas have long been an integral part of one of America’s most popular spectator sports-horse racing. The Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) officially recognized the sport in 1962, beginning Appaloosa racing history with four races and 23 starters competing for $12,000 in total purses. In 2008, 186 Appaloosas competed in 399 races for $3.1 million in total purses.

Racing fans can find Appaloosas crossing the finish line in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Washington and Wyoming.

For more information on Appaloosa racing, contact Alexcia Livingstone, Racing Coordinator, at (208) 882-5578 ext. 280 or [email protected].