Sale of Ruidoso Downs completed

The sale of Ruidoso Downs closed Thursday, according to an announcement from the New Mexico track on Friday. The transaction includes the purchase of an onsite casino and the Ruidoso Horse Sale Co.

The new ownership group is comprised of Stan Sigman, John Andreini, Narciso Flores, and Johnny Trotter. The men are all breeders and owners, and they purchased the track from R.D. Hubbard. Hubbard, 82, purchased Ruidoso in a partnership in 1988 but later became its sole owner. He is a longtime breeder and owner and plans to continue to race at Ruidoso.

The new ownership group will operate as All American Ruidoso Downs LLC and All American Ruidoso Horse Sales LLC. Sigman was elected the group’s chairman.

"I’m just a spokesperson for the board of directors," he said. "We all have an equal share in the ownership."

The sale price was not released. There are plans to upgrade the casino, grandstand, barn area and property. The new group also plans to continue the racing integrity campaign in place at Ruidoso.

"Our goal is to make Ruidoso Downs a model for the horse-racing industry," said Jeff True, who has been hired as general manager. "It is imperative that Ruidoso Downs raise our standards of racing above reproach. If someone wants to break the rules, Ruidoso is not for them. We will use every resource in our control to execute this continuous effort."

Ruidoso conducts a mixed meet for Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds from late May to early September. The mountaintop track is home to the $3 million All American Futurity for Quarter Horses.

"We know that Ruidoso Downs is an integral part of the Ruidoso community," Sigman said. "We will move forward not only for our benefit and racing’s advancement, but also to help our neighbors succeed."