The Rio Ruidoso flooded the racetrack on Saturday, entering the infield, jockey quarters, saddling paddock, and tote board.

© Ruidoso Downs Race Track

RUIDOSO DOWNS, NM–JULY 21, 2024–Ruidoso Downs Race Track has made an agreement with state racing officials and Downs of Albuquerque Owner Paul Blachard to move the remainder of the 2024 racing meet to Albuquerque.

"We are grateful to Chairman Billy Smith and Mr. Blanchard for working with us," General Manager Rick Baugh said. "We are all working in coordination to do what is best for the New Mexico racing industry."

Ruidoso Downs was forced to cancel five races on Saturday and the entire race card today when flash flooding caused major damage to the race track and two bridges located near the entrance of the facility and in the barn area. The race track and casino are currently closed until temporary bridges are put in place.       

"The safety of our customers, employees and animals are most important," Baugh said. "Ruidoso Downs will take the necessary steps over the course of the offseason to make the necessary repairs. We look forward to our visitors coming back in 2025."

Final preparations to continue the race meeting including when the first races will be held in Albuquerque are being finalized.

"There are plenty of moving parts to this decision," Baugh said. "We intend to reschedule the Rainbow Derby and Rainbow Oaks along with the New Mexico-bred races that were missed this weekend, and the triple crown trial races will go on as scheduled.

Baugh said that the New Mexico-bred Horse Sale scheduled for August 9-10 with the All American Futurity, Derby and Oaks trials, and the Ruidoso Downs Select Sale and All American Futurity, Derby, Oaks and Gold Cup scheduled for Labor Day weekend, will also move to Albuquerque. Plans are for the horse sales to be held in Tingley Coliseum.

"We understand the tremendous economic impact of moving the remander of the racing season will have on the Ruidoso community," Baugh said. "We are left with little choice based on the current condition of our track, bridges and barn area. We have suffered a setback but are determined to build back Ruidoso Downs and make it a beautiful facility and return racing here in 2025."

Click below to watch an interview with Ruidoso Downs General Manager Rick Baugh .