RUIDOSO DOWNS, NM—MAY 28, 2018—Memorial Day at Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino was a celebration of America with the iconic country western star Red Steagall and the Boys in the Bunkhouse band.

Steagall and band sang the national anthem a capella with the Holliman Air Force Color Guard presentation of the colors in front of the racetrack grandstand. Later, Steagall and the band performed three patriotic songs with full western-style instrumentation while 70+ kids from Lincoln and Otero County area sports teams and 4-H clubs unfurled a 60' X 120' American flag out on the racetrack.

Reacting to the event Steagall said, "It brought a big lump to my throat when we sang the national anthem with the color guard standing there in front of us; it doesn't get any more American than that. And I just loved it with those kids out there participating in something they'll remember the rest of their lives".

Steagall famously celebrates American patriotism the "cowboy way, where we stand for the flag and we kneel to pray". The three songs they performed from the infield winners' circle included God Bless America (written by Irving Berlin), Proud To Be An American (Lee Greenwood), and Stand For The Flag (Ed Montana).

Ruidoso Downs opened its live horse racing season on Friday the 25th with the first of two days of time trials to the $1 million Ruidoso Futurity. Sunday racing was dedicated to time trials for the $750,000 Ruidoso Derby.

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About Red Steagall—Steagall was born Russell Steagall in Gainesville, Texas on December 22, 1938. He became a bull rider at rodeos while he was still a teenager. Steagall entered a career in agricultural chemistry after graduating from West Texas State University. He then spent eight years as a music industry executive in Hollywood and has spent the last 40 years as a recording artist, songwriter, and television and motion picture personality. He currently maintains offices outside of Fort Worth, where he is involved in the production of motion pictures and television shows. More information at Redsteagall.com.

About Ruidoso Downs—Ruidoso Downs Racetrack sits 6900 feet high in the Sacramento Mountains of South Central New Mexico where Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred Racing have been conducted continuously for more than 70 years. Famous for its $3 million All American Futurity run each Labor Day since 1958, the track is open for live racing Friday through Sunday each week through the summer. The Billy The Kid Casino adjacent to the track grandstand is open year-round and features a newly renovated, 300-slot machine casino floor, a simulcast betting facility, and a bar and restaurant with live music each weekend of the summer. More information at raceruidoso.com.