Mule set to become racing legend
A record-breaking mule in America is establishing herself as a legend in the world of mule racing
Black Ruby is North California’s most successful racing mule holding three worldrecords and having won over $186,000 in prize-money in USA.
Bought in 1996, Black Ruby has proved a sound investment for owners Mary and Sonny McPherson from Healdsburg, California.
To date the 10-year-old has won an impressive 59 races and prize-money totalling more than $186,000.
Black Ruby also holds three world records and numerous track records over various distances.
Ridden by her regular jockey Jim Burns, “Ruby” as she is known at home, competes in 350yard, 400 yard and 440yard races.
Bred in Utah, her mother was a Quarter Horse/Thoroughbred and her father was a Jack.
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
“Mules are a challenge” says Mary “and it is nowhere near as expensive as horseracing.”
Mary and Sonny first became interested in mule racing in 1993 and now have nine mules in training, as well as two riding mules and some potential racing youngstock.
Mules can race up to the age of 16 and the couple say they plan to race Ruby as long she remains sound.
All about mule racing
- Mule races are generally held over distances of 350, 400 and 440 yards
- Races are also occasionally held over 220, 660 and 870 yards
- The American Mule Racing Association (AMRA) is the equivalent of Britain’s Jockey Club. It aims to establish and maintain uniform standards for the sport
- Mules run under the same rules as Thoroughbreds, Arabs and Quarter Horses
For more information on mule racing visit: www.muleracing.org
Read more about usual equines:
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
