6-30-2024 1:28am

Ruidoso Downs Horse Racing Is a Go for Sunday with Recovery from Saturday Flooding

Chris Edwards Editor

Parts of Ruidoso were under a flash flood emergency on Saturday as heavy rain fell on burn scars in the area. According to the National Weather Service, flooding was observed in many parts of Ruidoso.

Ruidoso area fire containment is now South Fork is at 77% and Salt Fire is at 77% containment.

The crew still fighting the fire includes 789 individuals working on 18 crews with 4 helicopters, 31 engines, 4 bulldozers and 10 water tenders per New Mexico Fire.

Specific to horse racing at the Downs, even with flooding on Saturday the Sunday races will proceed…

Flash flooding from the recent burn scars damaged the race track Saturday afternoon during trials for the $1 million Rainbow Futurity at Ruidoso Downs Race Track.

The damage occurred from debris that was carried down the Rio Ruidoso into the Ruidoso Downs community from flooding that occurred in midtown Ruidoso and other areas. Track officials are clearing mud and debris from the river that runs underneath the turn that leads into the backstretch.

All but two of the trials were completed before the flooding occurred on the race track. According to the nomination rules for the Rainbow Futurity, horses that were entered in the two cancelled races will receive a refund on their entry fees and will remain eligible for the Rainbow Derby as three-year-olds.

“Our track crew is working to protect the integrity of the track,” General Manager Rick Baugh said. “That is our priority right now. Every effort will be made to conduct racing on Sunday for the Rainbow Derby trials.”

Fdd Dreams and jockey Luis Martinez was the top qualifying horse today winning the seventh trial race in a time of 19.356 seconds for 400-yards. Other horses that qualified include Hezgotthelook Z, Candy Going Viral, Just Dulce and Highly Regarded V. The finals for the Rainbow Futurity will be held on Sunday, July 14.

Racing is scheduled to resume on Sunday with thirteen trials for the $800,000 Rainbow Derby for three-year-old quarter horses at 400-yards. First post time is schedule at 12:30 p.m. pending approval of track conditions by the New Mexico Racing Commission. Further information about Sunday’s races can be found at www.raceruidoso.com.