The problems continue for Ruidoso Downs Racetrack and Casino.
The District 2 bridge manager for the New Mexico Department of Transportation recommended closing the racetrack’s entrance due to a faulty culvert damaged by floodwaters in 2025, Ruidoso Downs General Manager Rick Baugh said in a news release Thursday, July 16.
“We requested that the New Mexico Department of Transportation inspect the condition of the culvert located at the entrance,” Baugh said. “The results of the investigation have confirmed our decision to temporarily close the casino and horse race simulcast operations to the public.”
The racetrack remains located within a flood-prone area, and the compromised culvert at the facility’s main entrance has created concerns regarding the entry and exit of guests, employees, horsemen, and emergency responders should significant rainfall and flooding occur.
The closure is subject to approval of the New Mexico Gaming Control Board. There will be an emergency meeting of the board concerning Ruidoso Downs Racetrack on Wednesday, July 22, in Albuquerque.
Horse racing in Ruidoso has had major issues in 2024, 2025 and 2026. In 2024 and 2025, portions of the racing season were held in Ruidoso, but flooding forced the meet to move to Albuquerque.
Ruidoso Race Track and Casino announced in January of 2026 that the entire horse racing meet would be held in Albuquerque. The 2026 meet began on May 23 and ends on Sept. 7.
The Ruidoso Downs horse racing season will continue to be held on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at the Downs At Albuquerque, along with Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7. The New Mexico Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred Sale (Aug. 15) and All American Select Sale (Sept. 4-5) will continue as scheduled at the Ruidoso Downs Horse Sales Pavilion.
Customers of the casino and the horse race simulcast area are being asked to visit the casino before the end of business on Sunday, July 18 and redeem cash or mutuel vouchers. There will also be a mail-in system available to redeem any outstanding vouchers within the next 60 days. Patrons who wish to mail in vouchers may do so at the following address: Ruidoso Downs Racetrack, PO Box 449, Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico, 88346
Felix F. Chavez can be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes.com; @Fchavezeptimes on X
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Ruidoso Downs Racetrack and Casino to close over flood concerns
Reporting by Felix F. Chavez, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
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By Felix F. Chavez, El Paso Times | USA TODAY Network
