Horse Racing Story of note

Jones excited about a pair of talented two-year-olds
By Felix Chavez
El Paso Times
RUIDOSO DOWNS – Paul Jones is one of the top quarter horse trainers in the country.
On Labor Day at Ruidoso Downs Racetrack and Casino, Jones hopes two of his horses in particular fare well in the Grade 1, All American Futurity. Runnning Brook Gal, the second-fastest qualifier for the All American and Brooks Midnight, the 10th fastest qualifier, have a history together. The two were raised together on the same pasture in Roosevelt, Utah. They are close to identical in how they look and have many of the same connections. The talented Brookstone Bay sired both and both have similar ownership connections.
Runnning Brook Gal, who ran a :21.213 in the All American Trials on Aug. 20, is owned and was bred by Albert Richard and his son Chad Richard. Chad Richard is the owner and breeder of Brooks Midnight.
“Runnning Brook Gal is a very nice horse,” Jones said. “She is competitive and is getting better all the time. She has been consistent in her career and I wouldn’t be surprised with anything she does. I was fortunate enough to have trained Brookstone Bay and now I have both of these promising fillies. It’ll be interesting to see how everything does work out, but for now I’m really happy with their progress. Hopefully, they both can continue to progress.”
To prove Runnning Brook Gal’s consistency, here is something to think about. She is the only horse to qualify for the Ruidoso, Rainbow and All American Futurities. She finished sixth in the Ruidoso Futurity and second in the Rainbow. She’s won all three of her trials in the quarter horse triple crown. Jockey Ramon Sanchez rode her in the All American trials to fairly easy win over Ragazzo, who won the Grade 1 Heritage Place Futurity earlier this year. Overall, Runnning Brook Gal has won 3 of 5 lifetime.
“I expect the best from her all the time,” said Jones of Runnning Brook Gal. “It would not surprise me if she won the All American.”
Meanwhile, Brooks Midnight ran in the Rainbow Futurity and finished sixth. She won her All American trial in :21.418.
“A very good horse,” said jockey Cody Jensen, who was aboard Brooks Midnight in the All American trials. “She has shown improvement and she ran a great race in the trials. She runs straight and you don’t have to do much with her. I think she has a bright future ahead of her.”
Added Jones of Brooks Midnight: “She’s maturing and learning all the time. She had a good day in the trials and we’ll see if she can improve and take the next step in the All American.”

Felix Chavez can be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes.com; (915) 546-6374