Ruidoso Downs Race Track to Run Ruidoso Futurity and Derby Trials Over Memorial Day Weekend
LIVE RACING TO BEGIN MAY 22ND WITHOUT FANS
Ruidoso Downs Race Track will open its summer meet as scheduled on Friday, May 22nd, with the trials for the first leg of the Quarter Horse Triple Crown – the Ruidoso Futurity and Derby.
The Grade 1, $1-million Ruidoso Futurity Trials will run on Friday, May 22, and Saturday, May 23. There are 277 two-year-olds entered in the trials with 14 350-yard trials each day. The post time is noon on Friday and Saturday. The horses with the five-fastest times from each day of Ruidoso Futurity trials qualify to advance to the Ruidoso Futurity on June 7. The two-year-olds with the next five-fastest times may race on the $100,000 Ruidoso Juvenile on June 7.
Memorial Day Weekend racing continues on Sunday with the Grade 1, $950,000 Ruidoso Derby trials, and concludes on Memorial Day with the $40,000 John Andreini Memorial Stakes. Post time is 1 p.m. on Sunday and Monday. The horses with the 10-fastest times from the trials earn a spot in the 400-yard Ruidoso Derby and the horses with the next 10-fastest times are eligible to race in the $100,000 Ruidoso Sophomore Stakes. Both races are on June 6.
Ruidoso Downs will begin racing without fans in attendance. Simulcast broadcasts and online betting will be available for fans. Visit your favorite advanced wagering provider to wager on the trials all weekend. A date has not been set for when fans and owners will be allowed to attend the races as there is currently a Public Health Order in place that limits mass gatherings due to COVID-19.
Until further notice, only NMRC licensed training staff, jockeys and track officials will be allowed on the premises. Ruidoso Downs has developed an operational protocol for barn area occupants and will enforce those efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by requiring daily temperature and health screenings. Everyone will also be required to wear a face covering.
“Our first priority is providing a safe environment for horsemen, horses, guests, and employees, and that will require everyone’s cooperation,” said Jeff True, Ruidoso Downs president, and general manager. “As the State of New Mexico moves into Phase 2 and beyond, we are hopeful that we will be able to invite guests in a limited way. We expect to update our public attendance plans in early June.”
Once a date has been established for live attendance at the races, Ruidoso Downs will inform season ticket holders and make credits or adjustments to their season seat accounts.
“We understand that our season ticket holders likely have questions,” said True. “We are planning on and looking forward to welcoming you at some point soon for the 2020 season, but should anything be confirmed otherwise, we will reach out to you immediately.”