Ruidoso Downs Racetrack and Casino in Ruidoso, New Mexico, announced a temporary closure due to a faulty culvert damaged by floodwaters last year. The New Mexico Department of Transportation suggested the temporary closure, citing the racetrack’s location in a flood-prone area.

Closure Details

According to Ruidoso Downs General Manager Rick Baugh, the decision to close was made after an inspection of the culvert at the entrance of the racetrack. The inspection revealed numerous areas of bulging and deformation, prompting concerns for public safety.

The New Mexico Gaming Control Board will decide whether to approve the closure. In the meantime, patrons of Billy the Kid Casino and the horse race simulcast area are advised to redeem any cash or mutuel vouchers before the end of business on Sunday.

A mail-in system will be available for redeeming outstanding vouchers within the next 60 days. The address for mailing in vouchers is Ruidoso Downs Racetrack, PO Box 449, Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico, 88346.

Horse racing season will continue on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at Downs of Albuquerque and on Labor Day, September 7. The New Mexico Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred Sale, scheduled for August 15, and the All American Select Sale, scheduled for September 4-5, will also proceed as planned at the Ruidoso Downs Horse Sales Pavilion.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.