Flash Flooding Brings More Devastation to Ruidoso Downs

Ruidoso Downs is notably home to the world's richest quarter horse race. The Rainbow Derby Trials is the second leg of the Ruidoso Derby Triple Crown series hosted by the Ruidoso Downs. The racing action was quickly halted due to the flooding. Floodwaters had crossed the track. The major concerns were the muddy track conditions and the debris in the river that runs just below the turn that leads back the stretch. 

With the safety of the equine athletes and jockeys, they postponed the rest of the races until they could ensure that the track was in top shape. A handful of the races were cancelled and fees were refunded. Before any racing resumed, the track conditions were approved by the New Mexico racing commission.      

The general manager of Ruidoso Downs and Casino gave much appreciation and thanks to all of the employees, contractors, the track crew, and the community as a whole for helping them through not one, but two tragedies very close together. 

Though there were damages to the track and facilities, Ruidoso is expected to begin normal operations beginning this weekend as the crew continues with repairs and such. 

Baugh told Alamogordo News, "Our track crew has done an outstanding job in saving the base of the race track since the flooding began. The town experienced additional flooding that came down the river and made the track repairs more difficult. We will continue to work on the track and prepare for racing this next weekend.”