HORSE RACING
Ruidoso Downs has agreement to move top races to Texas
Quarter Horse Triple Crown Series currently being run in Albuquerque
New Mexico鈥檚 richest horse races 鈥� and some of the state鈥檚 most prominent 鈥� are lined up to move to Texas next year.
Ruidoso Downs Race Track owners Johnny and Jana Trotter, and Global Gaming Solutions have an agreement in place for the Quarter Horse Triple Crown Series to run at Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie, Texas, in 2027, it was . The All-American Super Select Sale and the Ruidoso Downs Hall of Fame will also be part of the move.
A deal is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks.
Global Gaming Solutions is an investment company run by the Chickasaw Nation in Oklahoma that focuses on the gaming, racing and entertainment industries.
鈥淭his was not an easy decision, but we believe it is the right one,鈥� Ruidoso Downs general manager Rick Baugh said in a statement. 鈥淟one 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.鈥�
The Quarter Horse Triple Crown Series consists of the $1 million Ruidoso Futurity, the $1 million Rainbow Futurity and the $3 million All-American Futurity, known as the richest quarter horse race in the world.
The first two legs of the Triple Crown took place in June and July, respectively, at the Downs at Albuquerque. The All-American is set for Monday at the same track. All three have historically been run at Ruidoso Downs.
It鈥檚 the third straight year the Downs at Albuquerque will hold the All-American and the first year the track will have hosted Ruidoso Downs' entire slate of races.
Ruidoso鈥檚 facilities remain closed following the South Fork and Salt fires in 2024 and the ensuing flash floods that engulfed the track both that same year and in 2025. There is currently no timetable for the track to reopen.
鈥淭he 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,鈥� Global Gaming Solutions President/CEO Skip Seeley said in a statement. 鈥淲e 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.鈥�
David Glovach covers New Mexico 近距离内射合集 and other sports for the Journal. Reach him at dglovach@abqjournal.com or via X .
