Ruidoso Downs Stable Area Opens May 1 for Summer Meet

Ruidoso Downs in New Mexico will become one of the first U.S. tracks to open its stable area this spring when it allows entrance beginning May 1. The meet will offer Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred racing that will begin as scheduled May 22 without spectators.

Although some other tracks across the country have permitted training this spring amid the COVID-19 pandemic, most were previously in operation. Many tracks not racing have placed restrictions on ship-ins to their grounds or barred them altogether.

The opening of Ruidoso comes at a time when track officials at Churchill Downs and Canterbury Park have made requests in recent weeks to their state and local governments to open their stable areas in preparation for racing without fans.

Ruidoso will require daily temperature and health screenings to prevent the spread of COVID-19, a practice currently implemented at many tracks with ongoing training. Face coverings will be required and only New Mexico Racing Commission-licensed training staff, jockeys, and NMRC track officials will be allowed on the premises.

Trainers will bring in horses through an appointment calendar in order to throttle the number of horses coming in at one time and to allow for proper social distancing while unloading, the track said. At this time, owners are not permitted to attend the races or be on track premises. 

"We have taken the first step towards a recovery, and we are being very diligent about our protocols. Our first priority is providing a safe environment for everyone, and that will require everyone's cooperation," said Jeff True, Ruidoso Downs president and general manager. "We are very grateful to Gov. Lujan Grisham for the opportunity to get started."

A date has not been set for when fans will be allowed to attend the races as there is currently a public health order in place that limits mass gatherings. This directive will expire May 15, and Ruidoso Downs will work in accordance with both state and local governments on how to re-open to the public.

The Ruidoso meet is scheduled through Sept. 7, the date of the track's signature race, the All American Futurity for 2-year-old Quarter Horses.

Thoroughbred racing last took place in the state March 15 at Sunland Park before it terminated its winter/spring meet prematurely due to COVID-19.

In Texas, Lone Star Park announced April 28 via Twitter that it would open its stable area to horsemen beginning May 4 at 6 a.m. local time. Those horsemen wishing to enter are subject to strict guidelines and biosecurity protocols. The racing office for the track will open May 1.