RUIDOSO DOWNS, NM—JULY 4, 2017—Expect fuller fields, more competitive racing and increased purses starting this weekend at Ruidoso Downs with a racing schedule adjustment.

Starting on Friday, July 7, the racing will be held on a Friday through Sunday schedule. This schedule continues until closing weekend, when racing will be held on Friday, September 1 though Monday, September 4. The Grade 1, $3-million (est.) All American Futurity will be held on closing day with the largest purse in quarter horse racing.

This weekend features trials to the Rainbow Futurity on Friday and Saturday with Rainbow Derby trials on Sunday.

In recent years, smaller “boutique” racing seasons have proven to be very successful at race tracks across America.

“It’s a large step forward for enhancing the racing product in New Mexico. At other race tracks it has proven that quality over quantity is a winning combination,” said Ruidoso Downs’ president and general manger Shaun Hubbard.

This new schedule does not impact the remaining iconic Grade 1 races at Ruidoso Downs. The Grade 1, $1,150,000 Rainbow Derby is on July 22, the Grade 1, $1-million Rainbow Futurity is on July 23, the Grade 1, $200,000 All American Gold Cup will be held on September 3, the Grade 1, $1.5 million (est.) All American Derby is on September 4 and, of course, the All American Futurity is on September 4.

This new lineup should provide racing fans with two things they have shown they desire — larger fields and more competitive fields. This leads to higher payoffs and a more attractive racing product.

There will be eight fewer racing days, which means that horsemen will be running at larger purses in the everyday, overnight races.

“Ruidoso Downs has an iconic stakes schedule and this adjustment should lead to higher quality races from our overnight races through our ever-growing stakes schedule,” said Hubbard.

There will still be simulcast wagering from tracks across the United States seven days a week offered within the Billy The Kid Casino.

For complete Ruidoso Downs’ information, go to www.raceruidoso.com, visit the Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino Facebook page and follow the Ruidoso Press Box (@RuiPressBox) on Twitter.