Grand Prairie, Texas – In a move that will reshape the future of quarter horse racing in the Southwest, Ruidoso Downs Race Track General Manager Rick Baugh confirmed that the All American Futurity and the entire Quarter Horse Racing Triple Crown Series will relocate to Lone Star Park beginning in 2027. The decision follows years of flood damage that forced the 2026 meet to be held in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Agreement framework with Global Gaming Solutions
Owners Johnny and Jana Trotter have reached a framework agreement with Global Gaming Solutions to transfer three key institutions: the Triple Crown Series, the All‑American Super Select Sale, and the Ruidoso Downs Hall of Fame. Both parties expect to finalize the contract in the coming weeks.
What the Triple Crown includes
The Triple Crown Series consists of three premier races for two‑year‑old quarter horses: the $1 million Ruidoso Futurity, the $1 million Rainbow Futurity, and the $3 million All‑American Futurity. These races draw the top quarter horses from around the world and are considered the pinnacle of the sport.
Why the move is necessary
Repeated flooding in the Ruidoso area, including a faulty culvert that forced the closure of the track’s entrance in July 2026, has made it increasingly difficult to guarantee a safe and reliable venue. The 2025 floods forced the entire 2026 meet to be moved to Albuquerque, where the 2026 All American Futurity is scheduled for Labor Day, September 7.
“For generations, Ruidoso Downs has been the home of the Quarter Horse Racing Triple Crown Series,” Baugh said. “Our responsibility has always been to protect not just a place but a legacy. This was not an easy decision, but we believe it is the right one. Lone Star Park has the leadership, the facilities and the visibility to ensure these institutions continue to grow, thrive and reach new racing fans for generations to come.”
What Lone Star Park brings
Lone Star Park, located in the Dallas‑Fort Worth metroplex, offers a modern facility with ample seating, state‑of‑the‑art racing surfaces, and a growing fan base for horse racing and other sporting events. While Texas does not permit casino gaming outside of three tribally‑operated casinos, the park’s focus on racing and related sales events aligns with the sport’s traditions.
Global Gaming Solutions echoed the optimism, stating, “We are excited about the opportunity to continue these storied traditions at Lone Star Park and introduce them to racing fans across North Texas and beyond.”
Impact on the local community
The relocation promises economic benefits for Grand Prairie and the surrounding Dallas‑Fort Worth area, including increased tourism, job creation, and heightened visibility for local businesses during race weekends. For the quarter horse community, the move ensures that the historic races will have a stable home with the infrastructure needed to support future growth.
Fans in New Mexico will still enjoy the 2026 All American Futurity in Albuquerque, but the long‑term home of the Triple Crown will now be in Texas, where the sport can continue to flourish.
Looking ahead
As the agreement moves toward finalization, stakeholders on both sides are preparing for a seamless transition. The racing calendar for 2027 will feature the first Texas‑based Triple Crown events, marking a new chapter for one of the sport’s most revered traditions.
Original reporting: Las Cruces Sun News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
