Ruidoso Downs under evacuation order due to wildfire

With a wildfire that began Monday burning in the area of Ruidoso, N.M., a mandatory evacuation directive has been issued for horses stabled at Ruidoso Downs, the state’s racing commission was informed Tuesday morning.

The commission was made aware of the directive by one of its veterinarians and several horse owners. The track is located in the Village of Ruidoso, which is under a mandatory evacuation notice, according to an NBC News report. The outlet reported that a fire at a nearby Indian reservation had impacted 13,921 acres as of Tuesday morning.

Ruidoso Downs, which is in the midst of a meet for Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds, can house more than 1,500 horses.

Izzy Trejo, the executive director of the New Mexico Racing Commission, said he was told Tuesday by an onsite trainer that about 190 horses left Ruidoso Downs on Monday night. There is currently limited road access in and out of the track and phone lines serving the plant are believed to be down.

The horsemen and horses that remained on the grounds as of Tuesday morning were said to be safe, but the air quality was diminishing. Trejo talked to trainer Jose A. Gonzalez around 11 a.m. Eastern on Tuesday.

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“He said horsemen who had to leave housing relocated to the racetrack,” Trejo said. “Everyone’s safe at the racetrack right now, other than the air quality is diminishing rapidly. Obviously, there’s no training. There’s a lot of praying, trying to stay upbeat.”

Following the conversation, the commission was informed about the mandatory evacuation.

Trejo said the Downs at Albuquerque will accept horses from Ruidoso.

“The state fair grounds in Albuquerque is preparing to receive horses,” Trejo said. “That’s special thanks to the Downs at Albuquerque management and the state fair commission.”

Trejo said the Albuquerque facility, which is conducting training, can take about 1,000 horses.

The Ruidoso Downs racing schedule for this week and beyond is yet to be determined. On Tuesday, Trejo was making initial calls with commissioners to be ready to take whatever action is needed. All parties want to preserve the meet, which is highlighted by the All American Futurity.

“The commission does want to continue racing here in New Mexico, whether at Ruidoso or an alternative location,” he said.

Trejo said before any decisions of that nature are made, the commission will wait to see the impact of the fires. The winds were forecast to be up Tuesday, while there is a forecast for rain Thursday through Sunday.

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