Ruidoso Downs Race Track Takes Another Hit

Ruidoso Downs General Manager Rick Baugh spent time listening to the trainers about their thoughts and he shared information with them as to the rescheduling of trials.

“We will ask the racing commission to approve the plan on Tuesday,” Baugh told the horsemen. “We are doing everything in our power to repair the damage to the race track and we’re in hopes that we can run the Derby and Oaks trials this weekend and get back on schedule.

“The quarter horse portion of our race track is unscathed from the floods,” Baugh said. “The first-turn of the thoroughbred track sustained the flood damage and we are working as fast as we can to make those necessary repairs.

“We remain confident that we’re going to be able to race this weekend,” Baugh said. “We are dealing with never-before seen flooding within this community, so we appreciate the support of our horsemen and racing industry as we all work to get through this crisis together.”

The track crew has been working feverishly getting the track back to racing condition. They have hopes that it will be ready by July 4.

The cancellation has broader implications beyond the immediate disruption of racing schedules. Ruidoso Downs is a significant contributor to the local economy, drawing spectators, trainers, and jockeys from across the region. Local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and retailers, rely heavily on the influx of visitors during racing events. 

"A cancellation like this affects more than just the track," said local business owner Sarah Johnson. "It impacts our entire community, from employees to vendors who depend on these events for their livelihood."

Everyone has the same goal in mind - get the track back in racing condition as soon as possible and let racing resume.  The question just remains as to when that will be.