Ruidoso Downs has played host to the All American Futurity since 1959, an event now worth $3m. It has also been the stage of the American Quarter Horse Yearling Sale since 1962. 

A Texas businessman, Trotter said: "Horses have been an important part of my life. Jana and I have enjoyed racing, buying and selling horses here for over 20 years. Ruidoso Downs is important to us.

“Nominations for 2023 futurities and derbies are strong, and we anticipate the yearling sales to continue as strong as ever. We have a great management team in place, and several improvements to the property and our programmes currently are under consideration.”  

Johnny Trotter is also actively involved in banking, car dealerships, real estate, farming, ranching and cattle feeding. He is a former President of the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA), a member of the AQHA Hall of Fame, the Tri-State Western Heritage Hall of Fame, the Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame, the Texas Horse Racing Hall of Fame and the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame.

With five AQHA Champions, five Grade 1 qualifiers and the 2018 AQHA World Champion Bodacious Eagle, Trotter is among horseracing's all-time leading owners and breeders. His wife, Jana, campaigned Devons Signature in the 2004 All-American Futurity and is now a fan of racing thoroughbreds.