Culverts are being placed in the ground to mitigate potential flooding at Ruidoso Downs Racetrack & Casino.

© Ruidoso Downs Race Track & Casino

RUIDOSO DOWNS, NM–MARCH 17, 2024–Significant progress has been made in the infield area at Ruidoso Downs Racetrack as culverts are being placed in the ground to mitigate potential flooding.

"We remain on track for the work to be completed in time for opening," General Manager Rick Baugh said. "Crews are working seven days a week to install the culverts which are designed to contain any potential floodwaters this summer."

While the Rio Ruidoso is being diverted across the property by pumps and temporary pipeline, construction crews are laying a concrete floor to keep the culverts in place underground.

"The government agencies that are doing this work, primarily Department of Transportation, and FEMA, are doing a tremendous job and are ahead of schedule right now," Baugh said. "It is important to remember that the racetrack cannot be involved any work associated with the river. The agencies have done all of this work to mitigate potential flooding this summer. That includes all of the engineering and decisions that were made regarding the size and length of the culverts being installed."

Meanwhile, earthwork continues to dig a retention pond in the infield to catch any potential floodwaters to help catch and slow the tempo of the river flowing past the racetrack in the event of expected heavy rains. Crews are expected to remove 250,000 cubic yards of dirt from the infield.

Baugh said the track is on schedule to start bringing in horses next month for the 46-day meet that begins on May 23. "We will continue to keep everyone advised as to the progress," Rick said.