Date Published: January 20, 2026, 11:18h.
Last Update: January 20, 2026, 11:31h.
- Ruidoso Downs Cancels 2026 Racing Season Due to Flood Concerns
- Flash Floods in July 2025 Resulted in Barn and Track Damage; Two Horses Lost Their Lives
- All American Futurity to Remain in Albuquerque as Casino Operations Continue
New Mexico’s Ruidoso Downs has announced it will not host live racing events in 2026 after a thorough assessment concluded the racetrack is at significant and persistent flooding risk that cannot be effectively mitigated.
The facility has been inactive since July 2025, when heavy flash floods wreaked havoc following intense rainfall that caused the Rio Ruidoso to overflow dramatically. The racecourse, barns, infield, and backstretch were inundated, with water levels rising to extraordinary heights, even reaching the jockeys’ room.
While nearly all of the 1,800 horses housed at the venue were successfully relocated, tragically, two animals lost their lives due to the flooding. This catastrophe led to the cancellation of the remaining 2025 racing season, with events transferred to The Downs at Albuquerque.
‘Public Venue Not Viable’
A meeting held on January 15 between racetrack management and state officials assessed an engineering study that determined the flood mitigation strategies proposed would not alleviate the risks.
The report stated, “Even light to moderate rain—about two inches or more per hour—has the potential to overwhelm the existing and planned drainage systems aiming to reduce flooding hazards at Ruidoso Downs.” It concluded that the racetrack is “not viable as a public venue.”
This region is especially vulnerable to flash floods due to its mountainous landscape—a risk heightened by recent wildfires which removed vegetation that usually absorbs rainfall and stabilizes the soil.
When the floods struck in July, the racetrack had just completed repairs costing around $30 million from damages inflicted by the previous year’s flooding.
Consequential flooding over two consecutive summers has compelled the relocation of the All American Futurity, a key quarter-horse race held at the racetrack since 1959, to Albuquerque, where it will remain for this season.
“Our foremost concern is the safety and welfare of everyone associated with Ruidoso Downs Racetrack, including our equine athletes. It is impractical to continue operations at this current racetrack facility,” said the racetrack in a statement, calling this decision “the most difficult and emotional choice we have encountered as an organization.”
The adjacent Billy the Kid Casino and the sales pavilion will continue to operate, even with the suspension of live racing. Track officials are evaluating their forthcoming plans.
Impact on the Racing Industry
This cancellation is anticipated to have a profound effect on the local horse racing economy, which heavily depends on the annual summer racing schedule. Trainers, owners, grooms, and support staff who usually settle in Ruidoso will face increased travel and operational expenses, while local farms, stables, veterinarians, farriers, hotels, and restaurants will miss out on significant seasonal income.
The alteration to the All American Futurity and continued uncertainty regarding the return of racing may adversely affect the perception and stability of the region within the quarter-horse racing community.