Report: Ruidoso Downs racing could move to Albuquerque

Thoroughbred racing at Ruidoso Downs could move to Albuquerque after weekend floods damaged the track.

Daily Racing Form reported that the New Mexico State Racing Commission asked officials with The Downs at Albuquerque to form a contingency plan.

The upcoming meet at the Albuquerque track is scheduled to run from Aug. 29 to Oct. 27, but the commission asked it to consider opening earlier.

An official with The Downs at Albuquerque said a proposal could be ready Wednesday or Friday, according to the report.

A wildfire that began June 17 burned more than 25,000 acres in the Ruidoso area, according to the report, and the river that runs through Ruidoso Downs's infield flooded over the weekend because of runoff of mud, debris and water from rainstorms Saturday and Sunday.

Ruidoso Downs general manager Rick Baugh said the first turn and the six-furlong chute must be rebuilt, according to the report.

Races at Ruidoso Downs for Thursday through Sunday already were drawn, and overnights had not been revised as of Wednesday morning.