Flood waters began to breech Ruidoso Downs Racetrack on Saturday prior to the eighth race.

© Ruidoso Downs

RUIDOSO DOWNS, NM–JULY 20, 2024–Stakes races scheduled for Saturday, including the Grade-1 Rainbow Derby and several New Mexico-bred stakes events, were canceled Saturday at Ruidoso Downs Race Track when floodwaters once again damaged the race track.

Two thunderstorm cells hit the mountain burn areas earlier in the day, causing additional flooding that breached the racetrack around 3:15 p.m. (MDT).

The $50,000 Zia QH Stakes (race 6) was completed (see related story), as well as the $50,000 Land Of Enchantment Stakes (race 7). 

Canceled stakes races remaining on today's card included the Grade 1 $796,229 Rainbow QH Derby, restricted Grade 2 $167,171 Zia QH Derby, the $100,000 Rainbow QH Invitational, and the $50,000 Sierra Starlet Handicap.

Sunday's race card including the Grade 1 $483,394 Rainbow QH Oaks, restricted Grade 1 $368,451 Zia QH Futurity, $50,000 Zia QH Juvenile, $50,000 Lincoln Stakes, and the $50,000 Zia 870 Championship are also canceled while repair and clean up continue.

Management will determine on Sunday whether the stakes races missed this weekend can be rescheduled.