Due to continued flash flooding from the burn-scarred areas in the Ruidoso, N.M., area, Ruidoso Downs canceled Quarter Horse racing July 1, meant to be a make-up day for the Rainbow Derby trials that were canceled June 30.
COLLINS: After Wildfires, Ruidoso Cancels Racing Due to Flooding
"Our track crew has done an outstanding job in saving the base of the racetrack since the flooding began," general manager Rick Baugh said. "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."
Thank you @jbrown0076 for sharing the video, with thoughts and continued prayers for those in harms way in New Mexico. 🙏
— Nick J. Hines “Sarge” 🇺🇸 (@Hinesite) July 1, 2024
📌 @RuidosoDowns | pic.twitter.com/fQSBL5a4PT
The track announced Monday afternoon that the trials for the Rainbow Derby and the Rainbow Oaks will be held July 6 and July 7, respectively, pending approval by the New Mexico Racing Commission. Eight trials for the Rainbow Derby will be added to Saturday's card, and five Rainbow Oaks trials will be run Sunday. The finals for both stakes events will be staged two weeks later during the Zia Festival July 20-21.
"We will ask the Racing Commission to approve the plan on Tuesday," Baugh said.
Meanwhile, the track crew will continue to repair the racetrack around the turn in hopes that regular racing continues July 4, a card scheduled to start at 1 p.m. MT and feature several Thoroughbred races.
"We appreciate that everyone has been patient and supportive of our efforts," Baugh said. "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."
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
