Flames threatens businesses' along the main highway through the Village.

© Courtesy Facebook

RUIDOSO, NM–JUNE 18, 2024–Two wildfires have prompted the evacuation of most residents in the resort town of Ruidoso, as well as the relocation of several horses from Ruidoso Downs.

The racetrack, located in Ruidoso Downs about five miles east of the Village of Ruidoso, is the summer mecca of high-level Quarter Horse racing, notably the All American Futurity (G1), the world's richest Quarter Horse race.

Evacuation orders are now in effect for the village of Ruidoso and the suburb of Ruidoso Downs.

Ismael "Izzy" Trejo, executive director of the New Mexico Racing Commission, told Bloodhorse.com earlier today that NMRC state veterinarian Dr. Victoria Lowe informed him that "horses are being requested to vacate the Ruidoso grounds."

This morning he said racetracks and a couple of fairgrounds in the state have offered to help stable horses leaving Ruidoso.

According to Trejo's conversation with trainer Jose Gonzalez, about 190 horses left the racetrack Monday evening (June 17).

"I'm told today the State Fairgrounds in Albuquerque is preparing the facility for the potential intake of hundreds and hundreds of horses," Trejo said.

Ruidoso is located about 130 miles southeast of Albuquerque.

The fires cover an estimated 22 square miles, and according to a post on "X" Tuesday morning, they were 0% contained overnight.

Horsemen stayed overnight at the racetrack because they were forced to leave their homes due to evocation orders. Due to the fire emergency, communication in and out of the area has been difficult.

According to a special "Monday Report" published by TRACK Magazine this afternoon (June 18), Ruidoso Downs general manager Rick Baugh had been at the track overnight.

"We had a little smoke last night and first thing this morning. It is clear now, and no smoke," Baugh said. "We can't see any flames or smoke. As far as we know, we are in pretty good shape."

Trainer Todd Fincher, having left the area driving on Tuesday, spoke with Bloodhorse.com.

"I was in Ruidoso all day yesterday, and I was there this morning. We have no (cell service), so I left. Everything looks good at the track," he said. "Big fires on both sides of the track, but I think the track is pretty safe. There’s smoke in the air, but not bad smoke at all, barely any, which is good."

Fincher believes the fires are moving parallel along ridges atop the mountain ranges on the two sides of the track.

He was not among the horsemen who evacuated horses Monday evening.

The weekend's racecard at Ruidoso Downs, which included the $50,000 Vista Distaff for New Mexico-bred QH fillies and mare and the $150,000 Mountain Top TB Futurity, will not run.  Trials for the $1 million Rainbow Futurity (G1) are scheduled for June 28 and 29, with the Oak and Derby trials on June 30.

According to the village of Ruidoso website, approximately 500 structures have been impacted by the latest fires, and all available resources are being utilized to secure the line and protect homes in and around Ruidoso.

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham declared a state of emergency to exist in Lincoln County, where Ruidoso is located, and the Mescalero Apache Reservation.

Rain is predicted for June 19-22, potentially bringing much-needed moisture to the area.