A number of important dates are coming up in anticipation of the 2018 Ruidoso Downs meet.

© Ruidoso Downs

The season begins on May 25 with the first of two days of trials to the $1-million (est.) Ruidoso Futurity.

• On April 16, the stable area opens for barn setup.
• On April 23, the barn area is open for horses to arrive.
• On April 27, the track opens for training.
• On April 30, entries are taken for training races.
• On May 7-9, training races are contested. Many of these horses will race in the Ruidoso Futurity trials.

Additionally, festivities will be held in conjunction with the Kentucky Derby on May 5. The New Mexico-based Runaway Ghost is expected to compete after winning the Sunland Derby. He is owned by 85-year-old Joe Peacock and trained by top New Mexico trainer Todd Fincher.

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.