RUIDOSO DOWNS, NM—APRIL 12, 2017—Improvements to both the grandstand and the track will be ready for the opening of Ruidoso Downs’ summer season on May 26.

Opening day features the first of two days of trials to the Grade 1, $1-million (est.) Ruidoso Futurity and the season concludes on Labor Day with the traditional running of the Grade 1, $3-million (est.) All American Futurity.

Grandstand improvements include new box seats on the lower level along with painting in the box seat area and the All American Turf Club.

"We’re always looking for ways to improve the Ruidoso Downs’ experience," said vice president of operations Leonard Turano. "These improvements will be well received by our patrons. It’s for them."

Additional material has been added to the Ruidoso Downs racing surface and the safety rail between the quarter horse track and the thoroughbred tracks has been replaced.

"Safety for the jockeys and horses is always the highest of priorities at Ruidoso Downs," said vice president of for the race track and maintenance Les Nichols. "These upgrades speak to the dedication of everybody at Ruidoso Downs for safe racing."

The schedule of events before the season starts:

• April 17 Barn area open for stall setup
• April 22 Job fair
• April 24 Barn area open for horses
• April 28 Track open
• May 1 Quarter horse gates set
• May 1 Entries for training races
• May 5-6 Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby simulcasts
• May 8-10 Training races
• May 15Thoroughbred gate set
• May 19Entries for Ruidoso Futurity trials
• May 20Preakness Stakes simulcast
• May 21Entries for Ruidoso Derby

For a complete list of important dates at Ruidoso Downs, go to http://www.raceruidoso.com/important-dates/.

For complete Ruidoso Downs’ information, go to www.raceruidoso.com