Ruidoso Downs Race Track & Casino — Attraction in Ruidoso Downs

I love going to the races!!! It is SO MUCH fun!!! A few things to keep in mind: Always, always, ALWAYS buy seats underneath the stadium roof. Rent a box, preferably; individual seats are also okay. Just don't leave it to chance - call ahead & reserve your seats. Especially on big race days. Buy a program. It tells you a LOT of info on each horse racing (i.e., good running on mud, if it breaks well, loses steam or rallies late, etc.) Listen to the announcer - he's the one that will inform you about scratches (horses that have been pulled from races due to injury, illness, etc ). He will also slip in tidbits about the horses that, sometimes, can make a huge difference in the betting Be prepared for a long walk between the parking lot & the stands. It's fine on a cool, clear day. But it's not so great when it's pouring rain, which happens pretty often.

The staff there does an excellent job in keeping the restrooms super clean, the floors swept & enough food/beverage concession stands up & running to cater to the large number of race-goers. You will find out which stand makes the best drinks & offers the quickest service. And, if you're lucky, they aren't located in the opposite side of your stadium seats!!

NOTE: Make sure you go down to the finish line during at least one race. There is nothing quite so exhilarating as being feet away from the thundering hooves and brightly- colored jockeys flashing past on their quest to win!! Good times - enjoy...

This place has gone downhill for many, many years.....The place has been rundown to the point that it is an utter embarassment to even mention this track. The restrooms are a health hazard because of thier condition, the toilet tissue despensers are missing in the stalls, the toilets back up, the bathroom floor is always wet with urine and fecal water. It would almost be better if they just set up several 5 gallon buckets along the walls and let people relieve themselves there.

The overall set up for beer vendors is a mess in that they block the public from being able to manuver to and from the ticket windows. The ticket windows are in bad need of upgrades and need more to accomodate the influx of bettors at peak times.

The parking is horrible and the egress out of this track parking area is so unorganized. There are several bottlenecked areas thru out the parking area that it is frustrating. After years of being open they should have a plan developed to get the patrons out in an orderly and efficient process. The Valet parking is a free for all fight to get the attendant to go and retrieve your vehicle...no order what so ever. The Handicapped parking area is not monitored for "Handicapped Tags" hung on rear view mirrors...so anyone can park in the designated Handicapped Parking spots. Which are very limited. All in all, this place is like going out to watch a horse race out in a BRUSH TRACK atmosphere.....no difference...

A day at the races in cool mountain air can be fun for everyone 18 years and older. The race track has been in Ruidoso for many years and is packed most weekends. So, buy tickets online or over the phone (don't just walk up to the booth), arrive early, and have at least $30 to bet. While more expensive than the Sunland Park Racetrack, it is also a nicer experience.

I don't care for the paddock location; it is too far away from the stands. But overall, not a big deal.

The free parking lot is the first lot you see and is dirt or mud, depending on rain. There is a valet for handicapped parking. Of the various seating options, box seats are great as is any seat under the cover. If you can get on the slope in the turf club, do it. But avoid the turf club FLAT as you can't see the live races. The new Cantina has reserved outdoor seating, which is nice too.

Staff are all very friendly and will help you make a bet as small as $2. So, if you are new to this - no worries. Plenty of food options, but expect something other than gourmet. There are also some vendors for gifts or Western wear.

There is a small casino if you want to play a slot machine. Kinda fun.

You can make this a day trip from El Paso, but consider spending the nice at one of many Air B&Bs or hotels. It makes the whole thing just a bit...