The New Mexico Gaming Control Board is scheduled to meet to discuss Ruidoso Downs, a popular horse racing track that has been closed for the entire 2026 season due to flooding. For another year, the annual All-American Futurity event will be held in Albuquerque.

Impact on Local Businesses

Meanwhile, the mayor of Ruidoso is fighting to maintain the track’s license to continue horse racing and casino operations. The event typically generates more than $100 million during the regular season and is a critical source of revenue for businesses in the village.

“We have got to exhaust every effort to keep racing here and look at what options, and some of the questions we have can only be answered by the governor and her staff,” Mayor Lynn Crawford said.

Last week, the Department of Transportation recommended the closure of Ruidoso Downs. The track’s entrance remains closed due to a faulty culvert that was damaged by flooding in 2025.

Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.