Black Ruby, Taz Set for Two-Mule Del Mar Battle

Mule racing moves to the big stage Sept. 8 when Del Mar hosts a match race between Black Ruby, a winner of 47 races, and Taz, who upset her last time out at the California State Fair in Sacramento.

The match race is scheduled as a non-wagering event following the regular Del Mar program.

The TV Games Network will cover the race live from 6-6:30 p.m. (PDT). There will be an expanded edition of the TVG-produced racing show on FOX Sports Net 2, which runs from 4-6 p.m. Pacific time.

Black Ruby will be ridden by her regular jockey, Jim Burns. "Cowboy" Jack Kaenel has the call aboard Taz. The race is at 400 yards.

"Black Ruby has become somewhat of a national celebrity both in and out of racing circles," TVG vice president/executive producer Tony Allevato said. "Because of the amount of attention this race has received, we felt compelled to devote a special telecast to it. TVG and FOX Sports Net 2 has followed this close rivalry, and we're delighted to bring our viewers the match race that will determine who has the best ass in the country."

Mule racing has become quite popular at the Northern California fairs. Mules are among the "emerging breeds" that compete at the tracks in the summer and fall.