So what is next for horse racing at Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino?
Racetrack owner Johnny Trotter told the Daily Racing Form that no more racing will held in Ruidoso this summer after Tuesday’s devastating floods.
“We can’t run at Ruidoso again this year,” Trotter told DRF. “We can’t put it back together.”
The Daily Racing Form added that Trotter is weighing options for the $3 million All American Futurity, including relocating the race meet or returning nomination fees to the owners.
Ruidoso Downs will not be functioning for the rest of the season after the race track was damaged during the flooding, Ruidoso mayor Lynn Crawford said during a radio interview on KRUI.
“We might not have the racetrack,” Crawford said. “That’s something that people need to understand, that racetrack, after being here 77 years, it looks like it’s done.”
In 2024, Ruidoso Downs’ summer horse racing meet was moved to Albuquerque after flooding damaged the track, The $3 million all American Futurity and the qualifying trials were held in Albuquerque.
The same could happen this year.
Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino offered this statement on Wednesday morning:
“We want to start out this morning by saying thank you to all those that have reached out and checked in our property, team members and animals. Due to the severity of the flood waters, we are currently assessing all damages to best determine the next steps. Safety is our top priority and what we will focus on today as we work towards a plan. We will continue to post on social media and our website as details come available. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected and serve as a reminder that we are stronger together.”
Track officials have not officially declared they are canceling racing for the rest of this year’s season.
Possible destinations if horse racing is moved
If the management at Ruidoso Downs decides to continue the meet, there are four other racetracks in New Mexico: Sunland Park near El Paso, the Downs at Albuquerque, SunRay Park in Farmington and Zia Park in Hobbs.
“We’re hopeful of getting a place to continue the meet, we’ve heard different scenarios,” trainer Marc Jungers said.
What New Mexico Racing Commission Executive Director Izzy Tejo said
Izzy Trejo, executive director of the state racing commission, said Wednesday that horses still in Ruidoso will be kept in the sales barn, which is on higher ground and more safe from possible future flooding.
Trejo said that more discussions are being held as to whether the meet will be held at another New Mexico track.
“Everyone was regrouping on Wednesday and there are lots of logistics that go into a move to another track,” Trejo said.
Are Rainbow Derby, Rainbow Futurity races canceled?
On Saturday, the Rainbow Oaks and Rainbow Derby for 3-year-old quarter horses were scheduled and on Sunday, the Rainbow Futurity for 2-year-olds was scheduled. All three of the Rainbow races are significant races for young quarter horses.
Trejo said no decision has been made on those races and whether to cancel them at this point.
This weekend, there were five stakes scheduled in the Rainbow series, with purses ranging from $100,000 to $1 million for the Rainbow Futurity.
Will the 2025 All American Futurity be run?
If the Ruidoso meet continues elsewhere in New Mexico, then the All American Futurity is likely to happen. The All American Futurity is the most prestigious quarter horse race in the world.
The All American Futurity is scheduled for Sept. 1, and the trials are scheduled for Aug. 8-9.
Felix F. Chavez can be reached at fchavez at El Pasotimes.com; @Fchavezezeptimes on X
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Where could Ruidoso Downs horse racing season relocate if moved in 2025? Here are options
Reporting by Felix F. Chavez, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
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