Ruidoso Downs will no longer offer Thoroughbred racing due to damage from wildfires and flooding in 2024. The track will focus on Quarter Horse racing instead, ending nearly 80 years of dual-breed competition. Reconstruction is underway to prepare for the upcoming season.

Simulcasting in New Mexico has been disrupted since January 2024, impacting Thoroughbred tracks’ income. Without Thoroughbred racing at Ruidoso Downs, there will be no Thoroughbred racing in New Mexico until Albuquerque Downs’ meet begins. Graded stakes-winning trainer Todd Fincher suggests transferring summer Thoroughbred racing to Albuquerque Downs.

The decision to focus on Quarter Horse racing at Ruidoso Downs has been met with understanding from the New Mexico Racing Commission. The hope is to keep the Thoroughbred racing industry going in New Mexico, with discussions about opening Albuquerque’s meet early and restoring simulcast signals to support the state’s Thoroughbred tracks.