New Mexico Race Track Damaged by Flooding, Events Rescheduled

Posted on: July 3, 2024, 07:26h. 

Last updated on: July 3, 2024, 09:33h.

Ed Silverstein @casinoorgedsilv Read More
Expertise: Legal, Tribal Gaming.

New Mexico’s Ruidoso Downs Race Track & Casino was damaged over the weekend by flash floods that were linked to wildfires. Horse races were postponed as a result.

Ruidoso Downs Race Track
Ruidoso Downs Race Track starting gate, pictured above. The property was damaged by floods. (Image: Ruidoso Downs)

Mud and debris needed to be removed from the track area and residents living near Rio Ruidoso were forced to evacuate before flood waters reached the location. Local officials also closed some roads.

As a precaution against future floods, excavators were employed to widen and deepen a river channel on the track property.

“Our track crew has done an outstanding job in saving the base of the race track since the flooding began,” casino and racetrack General Manager Rick Baugh said in a statement over the weekend.

The town experienced additional flooding today which also came down the river and made the track repairs more difficult. We will continue to work on the track and prepare for racing next weekend,” he added.

“We’re working with federal, state, and local officials to make sure the cleanup of the debris is done properly. We remain confident that we’re going to be able to race this weekend.”

State Commission Meets

The New Mexico Racing Commission met on Tuesday about changes to the racing schedule.

We need to discuss the future of this year’s Rainbow Derby trials with members of the New Mexico Racing Commission and listen to our horsemen that are involved,” Baugh said. “We will keep everyone apprised about a final decision about the Rainbow Derby trials as quickly as possible.”

The Graden1 $800K Rainbow Derby and $482K Rainbow Oaks trials are to be held this coming Saturday and Sunday, according to the El Paso Times.

The Rainbow Derby is the second leg of the Quarter Horse Triple Crown for three-year-old quarter horses, according to the news report. The Rainbow Oaks is for three-year-old fillies.

Finals are scheduled to take place during the racetrack’s Zia Festival running on July 20 and July 21. It’s still possible regular races will take place on Thursday.

Trials for the Ruidoso Futurity took place on Friday and Saturday. Floods forced the last two trials to be canceled.

Ruidoso is located in the Sierra Blanca mountain range.

Deadly Wildfires

Last month, two wildfires in New Mexico led thousands of residents to flee from Ruidoso, and race horses were relocated.

Some 1,000 horses were taken to state fairgrounds in Albuquerque, and nearby training centers.

June’s wildfires also led to the death of one person in New Mexico, according to CNN. At least two people were injured and some 1,400 buildings were heavily damaged, the report added.