Ruidoso Downs Race Track faced severe flooding that caused significant damage, forcing residents near the Rio Ruidoso to evacuate and local officials to close some roads.
Mud and debris had to be cleared from the track area, and excavators were brought in to widen and deepen the river channel on the property as a precaution against future floods.
“Our track crew has done an outstanding job in saving the base of the race track since the flooding began,” said Rick Baugh, General Manager of the casino and racetrack, in a statement over the weekend.
“Today’s additional flooding also came down the river, making track repairs more difficult. We will continue working on the track and preparing for racing next weekend,” he added.
“We’re collaborating with federal, state, and local officials to ensure a proper cleanup of the debris. We remain confident that we’ll be able to race this weekend.”
The New Mexico Racing Commission met on Tuesday to discuss 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 involved,” Baugh stated. “We will keep everyone updated on a final decision about the Rainbow Derby trials as soon as possible.”
According to the El Paso Times, the Grade 1 $800K Rainbow Derby and $482K Rainbow Oaks trials are scheduled for this coming Saturday and Sunday.
The Rainbow Derby is the second leg of the Quarter Horse Triple Crown for three-year-old quarter horses, while the Rainbow Oaks is for three-year-old fillies.
Finals are set to take place during the racetrack’s Zia Festival scheduled for July 20 and 21. It’s still possible that regular races will take place on Thursday.
Trials for the Ruidoso Futurity occurred on Friday and Saturday, but the last two trials had to be canceled due to the floods.
Ruidoso is located in the Sierra Blanca mountain range.
