After A Mountain Of Money

In the $500,000 dash the 10 colts broke out of the gate bouncing off each other like marbles in a pinball machine. The winner, Mr. Kid Charge, came out on top and stayed there, just as he had in his six previous outings. Johnny Cox, who rode the colt, was glad enough for his stick, using it to belt the Kid smartly when he attempted to lug in. The winner finished half a length in front in record time, 19.65. After watching the TV replay several times it was generally agreed that the 1971 Futurity had been the most explosive of all. Attention then returned to the real excitement, the money. Cox, who has ridden since he was 14 and paid his way through Texas A&M with his earnings, declared he was going to buy a few head of cattle to add to his stock in Spicewood, Texas. The successful owner, Will Whitehead, a 39-year-old, medium-grade (45,000 acres) rancher from Del Rio, Texas, said he was going to invest in horses. He had picked up Mr. Kid Charge for only $4,100 at the Ruidoso yearling sale. "I bought him because I couldn't afford the horse I really wanted, Duplicate Bid," said Whitehead. Duplicate Bid sold for $42,000 and placed sixth behind Mr. Kid Charge in the Futurity.

So most of the money is headed back to Texas. And the high rollers will not be seen back in Ruidoso Downs until next year.

You might stop for a Tastee Freez on your way out of town.