Ruidoso Downs racetrack in New Mexico will not host live racing in 2026 after an engineer’s report found the venue faces serious, ongoing flood risks that cannot be effectively mitigated. The track has been closed since July 2025 when flash floods submerged the facility, killing two horses and forcing the cancellation of the remainder of the 2025 meet. The report highlighted that even moderate rainfall could overwhelm drainage systems, and the area’s susceptibility to flash flooding has worsened due to recent wildfires removing vegetation that stabilizes soil.

As a result, the flagship All American Futurity race will remain in Albuquerque for 2026, and while the adjoining Billy the Kid Casino and sales pavilion will continue operating, live racing at Ruidoso Downs is suspended indefinitely. This decision is expected to significantly impact the local horse-racing economy, affecting trainers, owners, and regional businesses that rely on the summer meet, and raising concerns about the long-term viability of Ruidoso’s role in the quarter-horse racing industry.