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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Corona Cash Cashes In At All American Futurity

Associated Press

Horse racing

Corona Cash, an independent filly with a love for the outdoors, romped to a half-length victory Monday in the All American Futurity, leading a female sweep of the world’s richest quarter horse race at Ruidoso Downs, N.M.

The 2-year-old California-bred led almost the entire race and hit the finish line ahead of the gelding Flys R Droppin. Another filly, Honor Ease, finished third after the initial third place-finisher, Royal N Perfect, was disqualified and placed fifth for interference.

Corona Cash was ridden by Tami Purcell, who became the first female jockey to win the futurity. And the filly’s trainer, Donna McArthur, becomes just the second woman trainer to win the race, joining Connie Hall, who saddled 1993 winner A Classic Dash.

The win in the $1.6 million sprint over 440 yards was worth $869,883.69 for Jaramar Ltd., a Texas-based construction company, headed by Oscar McArthur, who celebrated his 55th birthday Monday.

Corona Cash scored her sixth straight win by outrunning one of the toughest fields in the history of the All American. Four noses separated the next four finishers.

Anet wins Del Mar Derby

At Del Mar, Calif., Anet led all the way to win the $300,000 Del Mar Derby by one length over fastfinishing Brave.

Ridden by Gary Stevens, Anet covered 1-1/8 miles on the turf in 1:48 2-5 and paid $7.40, $4.80 and $3.40.

The win was the sixth in 12 lifetime starts for Anet and was worth $180,000.

First Virginia track opens

Nearly three years after it was awarded a license to operate, Virginia’s first horse track, Colonial Downs at Providence Forge, Va., opened with an accent on history and promises for a better future.

Signs of ongoing construction were at a minimum after a harried last few months of preparation, but there was no hiding the absence of grass on what will be the track’s signature course, or landscaping.

“There’s a few details and polishing up they need to do, but it’s just fine,” Gov. George Allen said. “I think people are going to have a great time.”