In a significant development for horse racing enthusiasts, Ruidoso Downs Race Track in New Mexico is set to transfer its premier racing events to Texas. This move, announced on Thursday, will see the prestigious Quarter Horse Triple Crown Series take place at Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie starting in 2027.
The agreement involves Ruidoso Downs owners Johnny and Jana Trotter, along with Global Gaming Solutions, an investment firm managed by the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma, which specializes in the gaming, racing, and entertainment sectors. In addition to the Triple Crown Series, the All-American Super Select Sale and the Ruidoso Downs Hall of Fame will also relocate to Texas as part of this transition.
Rick Baugh, the general manager of Ruidoso Downs, expressed the difficulty of this decision but emphasized that it was made with the future in mind. "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," he stated.
The Quarter Horse Triple Crown Series is comprised of three major races: the $1 million Ruidoso Futurity, the $1 million Rainbow Futurity, and the $3 million All-American Futurity, which is renowned as the richest quarter horse race in the world. Historically, these races have been held at Ruidoso Downs, with the first two legs of the Triple Crown taking place at the Downs at Albuquerque this year. The All-American Futurity is scheduled for Monday at the same venue, marking the third consecutive year that the Albuquerque track has hosted this prestigious event.
Ruidoso Downs has faced challenges in recent years, particularly following the South Fork and Salt fires in 2024, which led to significant damage and subsequent flash floods affecting the track in both 2024 and 2025. As a result, the facilities at Ruidoso remain closed, and there is currently no timeline for their reopening.
Global Gaming Solutions President and CEO Skip Seeley shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming transition, stating, "The All-American Triple Crown Series, Super Select Sale, and Hall of Fame have a treasured history among owners, trainers, jockeys, and the countless racing fans who love the horse racing experience. 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." This move marks a new chapter for these iconic racing events and aims to broaden their reach and impact within the horse racing community.
Leave a Comment