First in New Mexico !
If you were asked
where the first million dollar race was run in the world Ruidoso Downs
probably wouldn't come to mind. In 1978 the All American Futurity
Ruidoso's signature Labor Day Gala was run for that amount. The Futurity
may no longer be the worlds richest purse, but it still is the largest for
two year olds.
Ruidoso Downs is located amongst the cool pines of the Lincoln National Forest, on the only piece of flat ground to accommodate a racetrack for miles around. The facility features an open air grandstand, which seats 4,600. The clubhouse and turf club can hold an additional 2,150 race goers, both provide dining rooms. The stable area provides for 1,500 horses and parking is available for 4,000 cars. The racing surface has a dual stretch, one for the main track and a 550 yard straightaway closest to the grandstand for quarter horses. If you feel like a bandit, you can also visit the Billy the Kid casino, located next to the track.
Famous trainers D. Wayne Lukus and Bob Baffert both raced Quarter Horses here before going on to thoroughbreds. If your wondering which came first, the chicken or the egg, the Town of Ruidoso Downs was named after the track.