LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – Varying statements from racetrack management and village officials have left some confused about the future of Ruidoso Downs Racetrack, after its closure announcement.
Track management announced the closure because of flooding risks, saying continuing operations at the current site isn’t feasible. Racetrack officials said after meeting with state officials last week, they learned the racetrack isn’t sustainable now or for many years to come.
But Village of Ruidoso Mayor Lynn Crawford hasn’t lost hope for 2027.
“I haven’t given up on the racing season. I have not. It’s too dear to too many people. It’s part of the legacy that’s Ruidoso,” Crawford said.
Track faces repeated flood damage
After trying to recover from the South Fork and Salt Fires in the Ruidoso area, Crawford said it was devastating to watch the track flood two years in a row.
“And so, after the ownership’s invested millions of dollars in the last couple of years in rebuilding the track, putting it back in business, and then to get wiped out again, those numbers just didn’t add up this year,” Crawford said.
Racetrack management said engineers found even with proposed flood mitigation work done at the track and upstream, it can’t be protected from future flooding.
But Crawford, who also manages the Jockey Club, remains optimistic. He said the engineering report didn’t account for all possible upstream work.
“That engineering report did not take into account all of the work that can be done up the river, back west up onto the mountain, where the burn scars are, where the floods originate. And that’s where we’re talking about doing alluvial fans, contouring, you know, with trees, Zuni bowls, detention ponds,” Crawford said.
Federal coordination needed for flood mitigation
Crawford said the flood mitigation process began in 2024, and they’ve been working with federal and state agencies to shorten the timeline.
“And quite frankly, it’s just organizing and getting the feds and the state and everybody on the same page as to who’s paying for what and when are we going to get started,” Crawford said.
Relocation option carries hefty price tag
People have suggested online moving the track closer to the airport. Crawford said it’s a possibility but an expensive one.
“You’re talking three to $400 million moving the track, the barns, you’ll have to have, the casino goes with it. So there’ll have to be a casino with it. And so there’s a lot to that. I’m not saying it’s impossible. It’s one of the things that’s being looked at. And then of course, that would be up to track ownership to see if that’s something that they’re interested in,” Crawford said.
Crawford said the village has worked to diversify with changing snow patterns at Ski Apache and now flooding at Ruidoso Downs.
“I mean, the rest of the community’s open. Our businesses downtown are ready and eager,” Crawford said.
Economic impact reaches $160 million
The village expects to lose another $160 million in economic impact with the track closed this year.
“And so, we’re hoping that we can get some other things lined out, get a lot of stuff done that we can work forward and try to have a 2027 season, meet, there because quite frankly, if we don’t get it back pretty soon, then the track could possibly be gone forever. And that track’s been here for 77 plus years,” Crawford said.
Racetrack management declined interview requests, saying they are evaluating their next steps and will communicate those at a later date.
The closure affects horse owners in Lubbock who have already paid fees to race in Ruidoso. One owner said they have no choice but to move with the races to Albuquerque, meaning losing out on smaller races, paying more to haul horses and for hotel bills.
