about Us
Whether it is Quarter Horse or Thoroughbred Racing, Ruidoso Downs is the most exciting ticket in town.
Horse Racing in Ruidoso has a long and vibrant history. As early as the 1840s, ranchers held Rodeos and Horse Races to entertain hands and locals alike. Thus, Ruidoso contributed in a large way to what has been today termed, "The Old West."
Today, the Spirit of the Old West lives on at Ruidoso Downs Racetrack, where people from around the nation come to compete. Starting in the 1930s in Mr. Miller’s cornfields, racing in the Ruidoso Downs has had a long tradition of firsts and record breaking. It is the only horse track in the United States and Europe that has a separate quarter horse straightaway and oval thoroughbred tracks giving our spectators a unique venue.
All American Ruidoso Downs, LLC celebrates both the legacy of local horse racing and those who continue to make it a favorite local sport.
Nestled in the cool pines of Lincoln County, the track offers world class racing in a down home environment. During the live racing season spectators are treated to races Fridays thru Sundays.
Ruidoso Downs is Home of The All American Futurity™ The World’s Richest Quarter Horse Race™.
Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino is a Responsible Gambling organization.
Meet The Ruidoso Downs Race Track Owner
Johnny Trotter, Owner, Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino.
Johnny Trotter
An avid horseman and roper, Trotter has served as director of First National Bank Shares, Inc., and is President of Livestock Investors, ltd., one of the largest cattle feeders in the United States. He is an officer in Deaf Smith Enterprises, a privately owned real estate company, and is President of Whiteface Ford dealership in Hereford, Texas. Trotter is past-president of the American Quarter Horse Association and has owned many champion race horses.