The Inside Track by Tim Keithley: Ruidoso Downs Race Track Welcomes New Racing Secretary Matt Crawford

New Racing Secretary Matt Crawford Joins Ruidoso Downs Race Track for the 2020 Racing Season Beginning May 22.

Crawford joins AARD from Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas, where the race track was forced to close to the public mid-season due to the Covid-19 pandemic but kept racing through May 2.

“Oaklawn was fortunate to have full racing cards until the end of the meet because so many trainers were looking for a place to run,” said Crawford . “I believe Ruidoso Downs will be in a similar position when we open with so many other racetracks temporarily closed. We should be able to offer full gates of both quarter horses and thoroughbreds.”

Crawford’s experience at Oaklawn in the spring will be useful in creating races at Ruidoso Downs for the 2020 summer season when the season opens May 22, fan-free. 

“As long as everyone understands and adheres to the guidelines that have been put into place by race track management, there shouldn’t be any issues. Horsemen understand that we are fortunate to be able to continue doing what we love and so almost everyone is willing to take the necessary precautions to be able to continue racing even if it’s only available to the public on the internet for now.”

Like many in the racing industry, Ruidoso Downs has a special place in Crawford’s memory having been raised in Texas. “My father owned racehorses that competed here, and I started as an assistant trainer for Gene Tefertiller back in the 1970s just out of high school,” Crawford said. “Our barn had Hot Idea, who won the All American back in 1975.” His racing experience continued through the years as a trainer himself and then eventually to the racing office at several race tracks. 

“I have found being involved in the racing office is much less stressful than being a horse trainer,” Crawford said. “My job is to build relationships with horsemen and showcase their horses by filling competitive races. I enjoy that aspect of the job very much.”

Crawford believes his experience with thoroughbreds will be important in filling races at Ruidoso Downs. “We always have plenty of quarter horses, but we’re doing as much as possible to bring in quality thoroughbreds as well, “ Crawford said. “I’m aware that is an important aspect to the success of our season.”