A vacation to Ruidoso, New Mexico, can be filled with golfing, camping, hiking, biking, and possibly renting from among many Ruidoso cabins set against the backdrop of breathtaking mountain scenery. Regarding attractions in the area, the Lincoln National Forest, Ski Apache resort, and the Ruidoso Downs racetrack are among the top things to do in Ruidoso.

The Ruidoso Downs Race Track & Casino features thoroughbred and quarter-horse racing. It is most notably the site of the last leg of the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Triple Crown, the All-American Futurity.

This horse race in Ruidoso is the richest quarter horse race in the U.S., with a $3 million purse as of 2015 (the richest U.S. race for two-year-old horses of any breed).

Ruidoso Downs is the only horse track in the United States and Europe with a separate quarter horse straightaway track and an oval thoroughbred track.

The racetrack owners have a deep history in horse racing, with backgrounds in horse raising, horse race ownership, and directorial positions in the Texas Quarter Horse Association and American Quarter Horse Association.

If you’re visiting this New Mexico area, you’ll likely make Ruidoso Downs one of your must-see attractions. So, once you’ve chosen from among the best Ruidoso cabin rentals, be sure to see what events and festivals are happening and what races are upcoming so you can participate in the legend of the Ruidoso Downs.

Visit

If you’re looking for a day at the races, then Ruidoso Downs is the place for you.

The racetrack/casino attraction is at 26225 U.S. 70 (Billy the Kid Trail) in Ruidoso Downs, NM. The racetrack is not far from many Ruidoso cabins for rent. General admission parking is free. Tickets are sold for turf club seating, grandstand seating, four-, six-, and eight-seat box seating, counter, stadium, and open-air seats. 

If you’re looking for places to eat in Ruidoso, NM, you can grab a bite while at the Ruidoso Downs! From a full-service restaurant (Billy’s Sports Bar and Grill) to multiple concession stands on the ground floor of the Grand Stand Facility, you’ll find a wide variety of food and drinks available. At the same time, you enjoy horse racing or other Ruidoso Downs events. The Ruidoso Jockey Club features three full-service bars!

Two on-site gift shops, The Finishing Line and the Cowboy Latte Coffee and Gift Shop, sell all kinds of track merchandise. You can purchase t-shirts, jewelry, accessories, home décor, picture frames, wind chimes, paintings, and ceramic and wooden plaques.

Coolers, umbrellas, chairs with umbrellas, selfie sticks, grills, drones, firearms, large bags such as suitcases and large backpacks, and pets (excluding service animals, which are not permitted inside the paddock or on the racetrack) are not allowed on the premises. Food or drink purchased off-site, including alcohol, is also not allowed. However, water bottles of up to one liter are permitted. Other permitted items are single-compartment bags, purses, necessary medical supplies, and seat cushions. All bags are subject to inspection at the gate.

Serious and casual horse racing fans 18 years and older can place bets.

Horse Racing

Visiting the Ruidoso Downs is the perfect summertime activity in Ruidoso, as the live horse racing takes place every Friday through Sunday between Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day weekend.

It is the site of the $8 million Quarter Horse Triple Crown, the most sought-after crown for owners, breeders, trainers, and jockeys of quarter horses. In addition to stakes racing, the Downs holds the Triple Crown Futurity Races, Triple Crown Derby Races, and Triple Crown Oaks Races.

Races are simulcast and aired on RTN.tv, and replay races can be seen on the official YouTube Channel.

Want to learn more about the sport of horse racing? The Ruidoso Downs Hall of Fame Museum features interactive kiosks where you can find information about infamous horse races, the history of horse racing, and details about Hall of Fame members (one owner/member, one jockey, one trainer, and one horse are inducted into the Hall.

The Hall of Fame Museum, situated on the second floor near the All American Turf Club entrance, is open from 12:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. daily. There is no admission charge to enter the museum.

Casino

The Billy the Kid Casino is adjacent to the Ruidoso Downs Racetrack and features 300 slot machines, blackjack, keno, and video poker. It also has simulcast wagering from racetracks around the country. Initially opened in 1999, the casino was closed for a year due to the Covid pandemic and state mandates. It held a grand re-opening in March 2022 and is adhering to strict and extensive safety protocols.

Known for its friendly staff, the casino is under new management as of 2021. The casino is open seven days a week, Sunday – Thursday, 10 a.m. – 11 p.m., and Friday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 12 a.m. Ruidoso Downs urges participants to gamble responsibly.

Special Events

From amateur and professional boxing championships and art shows to jewelry shows, wine festivals, and concerts, Ruidoso Downs is about more than its signature horse racing. Both new and traditional events are slated for 2022.

To begin, the Red, Wine & Brews Festival, the top state wine and beer producers waiting to pour in celebration of the July 4th weekend will take place from July 1st – July 3rd.

You can also attend the Summer Concert Series every Saturday in July from 5 p.m. – 11 p.m. Featured acts include Jason Boland and the Stragglers, with Tanner Usrey; Stoney Larue; Josh Abbott Band; and Jake Hooker and the Outsiders, with Will Banister.

Guests can also participate in the Zia Festival Weekend from Friday, August 5th – Sunday, August 7th, starting at 6 p.m. Unique arts, crafts, and over 100 vendors sell other products made in New Mexico at this fun festival.

Some of these events are held inside the newly added Santa Fe Furniture Events Center, next to the Billy the Kid Casino. The Center opened in 2022. 

Some events are scheduled in the Santa Fe Furniture Events Center after horse racing events have ended; for instance, a motorcycle rally is scheduled for Sept. 15th – 18th and an All American Cowboy Fest is to be held September 30th – October 2nd. Vendors also set up shop in the grandstand during the season.

Several events are typically free admission; admission fees apply to the Red, Wine & Brews Festival. Tickets must be purchased for Summer Concert events as well.

Your Ruidoso Cabin Rental

Quality Ruidoso cabin rentals are available from Mountain Air Cabins. From studios to 5-bedroom cabins sleeping up to 12 guests, you’ll find just the suitable accommodations for you and your family or party at Mountain Air.

Among the many amenities, you might enjoy gas fireplaces, outdoor grills, fully stocked kitchens, wrap-around decks, and hot tubs. Other features you could take advantage of, depending on which of our Ruidoso cabin rentals you choose, are private washer/dryer, King- and Queen-sized beds, central air and heating, golf course views, and open floor plans.

In addition to having a wonderful place to stay, Mountain Air Cabins also ensures you have a top-quality team by your side during your trip. Our local team can tell you everything you need to know about the area and the best attractions to experience along the way. Contact Mountain Air Cabins today to learn more.