EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — For the second year straight, Ruidoso Downs Race Track will run the 2025 All American Futurity, Derby and Oaks on Labor Day at Albuquerque Downs due to the significant damage the property suffered from the flooding on Tuesday, July 8.
The track owner, Johnny Trotter, made the announcement on Thursday, July 10, in a news release.
“Under our current circumstances we are grateful to Albuquerque Downs owner Paul Blanchard that he has graciously offered to host the All American again,” Trotter said. “The recent events are unfortunate for everyone associated with Ruidoso Downs, but we are happy to announce that our signature race will have the opportunity to move forward this year.”
This situation marks the second straight year that the All American races have been moved from their home at Ruidoso Downs, according to the news release.
“After having met with Governor Michelle Luhan Grisham today, we remain confident that there we will be horse racing again at Ruidoso Downs in 2026,” Trotter said. “We have been assured that corrective measures will be taken by the state of New Mexico to improve flood control. However, we did need to make an immediate decision about this year’s All American on behalf of our horse owners and trainers and that’s what we are announcing today.”
According to the news release, Ruidoso Downs crews have begun cleaning up the “massive mud and debris” caused by the flooding on Tuesday.
The infield at Ruidoso Downs sustained over ten feet of water, destroying the jockey’s quarters, scoreboard, timing mechanisms and other necessary equipment needed to operate horse racing, according to the news release.
However, no race horses died as a result of the flash flooding.
Important dates are as follows, according to the news release:
- Trials for the $1 million All American Futurity for 2-year-olds at 440 yards will be held Monday and Tuesday, August 4 and 5
- Trials for the $750,000 (est.) All American Derby and $500,000 (est.) All American Oaks for the 3-year-olds at 440 yards will be on Wednesday, August 6.
- The fastest times in those trial races will advance to the finals on Labor Day, Sept. 1, at Albuquerque Downs.
Along with a full race card, there will be five stakes races on Labor Day, including: All American Futurity, All American Derby, All American Oaks, All American Invitational and All American Juvenile, according to the news release.
Nonetheless, Ruidoso Downs will continue to host the two major horse sales at the Ruidoso Downs Sales Pavilion:
- New Mexico Breed Sale on August 8 and 9
- All American Select Sale on August 29 and 30
In addition, the Casey Donahue concert scheduled for Saturday, July 26, will continue at Ruidoso Downs as scheduled, according to the news release.
The annual Ruidoso Downs Hall of Fame Banquet will be held on Thursday, Aug. 7, in the Turf Club at Ruidoso Downs.
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