A trip to Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino is an adventure many people love when visiting the mountains. Ruidoso Downs is home to the most famed and richest race for Quarter Horses, the All American Futurity, but you can catch thoroughbred racing there as well.
While you’re there, you can bet on the races, try your luck with other games of chance, and enjoy a delicious meal. Best of all, Ruidoso Downs is located in the beautiful Sierra Blanca mountains, an area that draws visitors from throughout the region, some of whom decide to call Ruidoso home.
What To Know About Ruidoso Downs
1. What Types Of Races Are Held At Ruidoso Downs?
As mentioned, the star in the crown at Ruidoso Downs All American Futurity, which experts consider to be the richest race in the American Quarter Horse realm and the richest race for two-year-olds of any breed. Ruidoso Downs bills itself as “The Home of the $8 Million Quarter Horse Triple Crown.” Quarter Horses earned their names by being the fastest horse around for the quarter-mile sprint. However, you can enjoy Thoroughbred racing at Ruidoso Downs as well.
2. When Is The Racing Season At Ruidoso Downs?
Summer weekends are when to visit Ruidoso Downs for live horse racing, from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The season comes to an exciting climax with the All American Futurity on Labor Day weekend. But don’t let that stop you from coming at other times of the year, because you can place your bets on races from all around the country at the Race Book during the Downs’ off-season.
3. Can You Gamble At Ruidoso Downs?
Yes, you can gamble at Ruidoso Downs! Billy the Kid Casino is open daily in the Ruidoso Downs Racetrack and Casino complex. With more than 300 gaming machines, there are plenty from which to choose. It also offers electronic gaming, ranging from low-stakes to high-limit slots.
You can try Billy’s Shootout Six Handicapping Contest every Thursday at the Race Book, which has a different selection of tracks and races each month. The Race Book is a more intimate space with food and bar service within Ruidoso Downs. If you’re 21 or older, you can join the free casino rewards club, which allows you to earn points for free play opportunities and discounts at the track.
4. What Terminology Do You Need To Know To Bet On Horse Races?
Here are the phrases you should know when placing your bet.
- Win: Your horse must come in the first position.
- Place: Your horse must come in first or second position.
- Show: Your horse must come in first, second, or third position.
- Across the board: Win, place, or show for a single horse on one ticket.
- Exacta: First two horses in the exact order.
- Exacta box: First two horses in any order.
- Trifecta: First three horses in exact order.
- Trifecta box: First three horses in any order.
- Superfecta: First four horses in exact order.
Note that all these designations are according to the official results of the order of finish.
Note that, at Ruidoso Downs, live race betting offers what is called a “pool bet.” This means the betting stakes on a given race are pooled and paid out similar to a lottery, with winnings shared among all customers with winning tickets.
5. What’s The Most Luxurious Way To Enjoy The Races At The Downs?
Looking for a luxury experience? A private membership to the Jockey Club guarantees, according to the website, “exclusive viewing at the heart of the action with premium drinks and dining.” You can join or even get single-day passes (limitations apply).
6. What Else Happens At Ruidoso Downs?
There’s more than horse races and gambling at Ruidoso Downs! The Downs is a popular venue for concerts and events like the Zia Festival and the Chile the Kid Festival. There’s weekend dining at 440 Smokehouse and Anejo Cantina. Friday and Saturday nights September through May, even non-members can experience fine dining at Brendan’s at the Jockey Club.
What to wear? Other than at the exclusive Jockey Club, weekend casual is just fine.
Love Ruidoso
If you’re thinking of moving to Ruidoso, either all year or seasonally, Pinnacle Real Estate and Development, Your Club Pro in Real Estate, would love to help you. We’re ready to tell you more about what there is to love about Ruidoso!
