Amarillo, Texas, September 1, 2006 – Del Rae Driggers would much rather talk about All American Futurity (G1) qualifier Gun Battle and her family’s involvement in American Quarter Horse racing than about herself. Driggers races Gun Battle with her husband, Robert, who bred the New Mexico-bred son of Dash Ta Fame. Gun Battle enters the $1.9 million All American final on Labor Day as the second-fastest qualifier off a five-length victory in his trial on August 17.

“It is so enjoyable to watch a horse that you’ve raised run down the racetrack like he does,” said Driggers, who with her husband manages Mike Weatherly’s Weatherly Horse Farm – Breeding Division in Anthony, New Mexico. “He just takes your breath away.”

Yet, Driggers has her own remarkable tale of victory. A year ago, at the same time Gun Battle was scheduled to be sold at the Ruidoso Select Quarter Horse Yearling Sale, Driggers found a lump in her breast. Mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiation followed.

“It was a long year, but it’s been worth it,” she said.

Gun Battle went unsold in the Ruidoso sale, perhaps a sign that he wanted to help give Driggers an extra shot of encouragement in the coming year. The gelding now has five wins in seven starts, including Ruidoso’s Zia Futurity (RG1) on July 30, and earnings of $214,235. He will be one of the favorites in the All American.

“He’s super to mess with; he’s got a good mind,” said his trainer, Fred Danley. “When he leaves (the starting gate), it’s a straight shot. He tries to do everything right. He wants to be a racehorse.”

Gun Battle is from the same family as the Driggerses’ first All American Futurity starter, Major Rime, the fastest qualifier in 1994. The second dam of both Gun Battle and Major Rime is the Bunny Bid mare Ester’s Bunny, who is also the dam of two-time AQHA Champion Aged Stallion Six To Five. Ester’s Bunny is the first foal out of Esters Little Klu, a Thoroughbred the Driggerses bought in the mid-1980s.

Gun Battle shares another connection to Major Rime. He will be ridden in the All American for the first time by Freddie Martinez, whose father-in-law, Bobby Harmon, rode Major Rime. Gun Battle will break from the two post, the same as Major Rime.

The approximate post time for the All American Derby on Labor Day is 4:40 MDT. The race will be televised live on TVG and Fox regional networks.

In addition, the American Quarter Horse Racing Journal is providing daily updates of the contenders and their connections throughout All American week at /aqharacing.com .