No Racing at Ruidoso Downs in 2026, Track’s Future Uncertain

[Wandering Eyes]

New Mexico's Ruidoso Downs, beleaguered by flooding the last two years, will be unable to host a live meet in 2026 at the facility due to the potential for “life threatening” flooding from even moderate rainfall, according to a press release posted on the track's website. The story was first reported by the Paulick Report.

The somber statement details findings from JE Fuller, an engineering firm, and discussions with state officials. Ruidoso's 2026 racing schedule will be hosted at the Downs at Albuquerque as the track assesses its future, with officials stating “the racetrack is not sustainable now or for many years to come.”

For nearly 80 years, Ruidoso held both Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse meets, but planned to switch to only Quarter Horses in 2025 after 2024 flooding washed out much of the oval. The track has been home to “Quarter Horse Racing's Most Coveted Prize,” the GI All-American Futurity, which was moved to Albuquerque for both 2024 and 2025.

The track's statement appears below in its entirety, while the JE Fuller report can be seen here:

“We have been diligently working with local, state, and federal agencies to evaluate ongoing flooding risks at Ruidoso Downs Racetrack and determine whether flood mitigation measures could be implemented to prevent a repeat of the significant flooding that occurred in July 2024 and July 2025. Both these flooding events were catastrophic for the customers, patrons, employees, horsemen, and horses at Ruidoso Downs Racetrack. Our goal has been to return the Ruidoso Downs Racetrack facilities and operations–if that could be done–with flood mitigation steps needed both on-site and off property upstream of the Racetrack to avoid a future flooding event. For the past several months, we have begged for solutions to no avail.

“Thursday, January 15, 2026, Ruidoso Downs Racetrack owner Johnny Trotter, General Manager Rick Baugh, and Village of Ruidoso Mayor Lynn Crawford traveled to the State Capitol in Santa Fe, NM to meet with numerous state officials to discuss additional flood mitigation efforts, only to find out that the racetrack is not sustainable now or for many years to come. It has now become clear that, even with proposed flood mitigation work done on-site and off-site upstream, Ruidoso Downs Racetrack cannot be adequately protected from future flooding.

“We are sharing the findings of engineering firm JE Fuller, which was retained by and working for the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security, regarding future flood risks at Ruidoso Downs Racetrack. August 5, 2025, JE Fuller analysis shows that the Racetrack faces serious and ongoing flooding risks that cannot be adequately addressed with the mitigation measures proposed.

“According to the JE Fuller Report, even moderate rainfall events–around two inches or more per hour–can overwhelm existing and planned drainage improvements intended to mitigate flooding risks at Ruidoso Downs Racetrack. A rainfall event of two inches per hour over the fire-scarred areas creates a high risk of dangerous flooding at Ruidoso Downs Racetrack that could be life threatening.

“Based on the JE Fuller findings, and our follow-up discussions with governmental agencies, the engineers specializing in hydrology and flooding concluded that the Racetrack is not sustainable as a public venue. We are deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of everyone who attends Ruidoso Downs Racetrack, and our equine athletes. Continuing operations at the current site of Ruidoso Downs Racetrack is not feasible.

“This decision is not taken lightly. It is, without question, the most challenging and emotional choice we have ever made as an organization. The racing schedule will be run at the Downs at Albuquerque and the 2026 NM Bred Sale, and the Super Select sale will be held at the Ruidoso Downs Sales pavilion in their normal time frames. We will continue to communicate openly as we assess our next steps.”

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