ruidoso downs race track

Parking was TERRIBLE!! I was dressed up and they made us park clear out on the hill by the road. We had to walk about 1/4 mile in the grass then get on a shuttle. I counted SIXTY empty parking places on the way in. If you plan on sitting down ANYwhere, plan on PAYING at least $10. I have been to several race tracks and this one is by far the most run down. My boyfriend used to run horses there in the early 90's and he said it doesn't look like any improvements have been made since he was there last time.

I'll start by saying I've been to nicer tracks. It seemed small. With that being said, prices were average and what I'm used to. Not what I was expecting after stories I was told growing up. Was expecting something a lot nicer. I probably wouldn't come again.

You can enjoy a lot here. Price are reasonable.The race track is attached to a casino and restaurant/bar which I will rate separately.

We enjoyed the show but the entry fee is $25.00 per person. The vendors were good but you are also paying for the music. So if you are not into the bands that are playing it seems over priced. We did really enjoyed the chuckwagon cookoff.

This track has been on my bucket list of places to go. I was SOOOO disappointed. I have been to Remington Park in OKC, Lone Star in Texas and Eureka Downs in Kansas (a VERY SMALL track). All these parks are three times nicer than Ruidoso. It was old and run down, lines were long and you could not get to the window in time to make bets because the tellers were so slow. My fiance' used to run horses there 20 years ago so he thought it would be fun to visit there again. He said it hasn't changed or been updated at all since he was there last in 1980's. I went up to the jockey club and it was unbelievable HOT up there. There is no where in the shade to sit unless you want to pay at least $10-40 per seat. Parking is the WORST!!!! On the second day of the meet we got there a little late and they made us park over 1/2 mile away in a PASTURE and walk (I had on heels), so I was NOT happy. We were told Valet parking was full. The tram picked us up about half way in and I counted around SIXTY empty parking spots between where the tram picked us up and the entrance to the building. The tram was no where to be found when the races were over. If you want to go to a nice track where you can bet on the race that getting ready to run go to Remington Park in OKC. BEAUTIFUL place compared to this track. Weather was beautiful and scenery was great, track was disappointing.

I've been to a racetrack maybe twice before in my life, not being a particular fan of the King of Sports. But in Ruidoso, I had no choice as my lady friend is more of a gambler and at one time was a regular at Emerald Downs in Seattle. It turned out to be a great afternoon, although it won't make me a fan anywhere else. That's because I suspect, Ruidoso Downs is somewhat unique. The first is the quarter horse races, the first four or five races of the day. Blink and its over, but it was fun watching them charge down the track. This is followed by nine or so stakes races. I got talked by my lady friend into waging two dollar bets. Well I had to pick good prospects somehow, so what I did was inspect the horses (tried "whispering" them) in the parade to post. By their demeanor picked out ones that I thought really wanted to win, regardless of odds. I bet on favorites, I bet on long shots, and was in the money seven of nine races. Like a coward, I bet a real long shot to place and he came in a winner. Maybe it was a fluke, but who knows. But like I said, I'm not a gambler nor a horse aficionado, so Ruidoso Downs may be my last visit to a track for some time. But if I'm in Ruidoso again, I definitely will be up for a return visit. One last thing for those on a budget. No entry fee, very informal, that afternoon hot dogs were a buck on special, etc. Ruidoso is a great vacation destination, the Downs, Lincoln City of Billy the Kid notoriety, casinos, lots of tourist shops with semi-reasonable prices, and several golf courses. .

I used to go to this track with my parents and grandparents as a little boy, and this was my first time back at the races in over 30 years. What fun my wife and I had. The only downside to the day we were there was, it rained, hard and so the track was quite sloppy. But, a day spent at the races here was fun, the betting windows were staffed by very nice and helpful people and the people at the vending areas were also very nice. We had a Frito pie for lunch, which was just great! If you are up for a day at the horse races, you cannot go wrong by spending a day here!

This facility was many years ago a nice place to come and watch quality horses with nice seating and food, that has all changed. The management does not repair broken pipes and leaks. The food is not very good, and the seats are overpriced.The quality of horses is weak except for a few special races that the management seems to get quality horses to race. I am disappointed in the way this track is managed.

Went to see the races at Ruidoso Downs. Sat in the Turf Club. Expected a little more than what we got but it was adequate. Food and libations were average and price was reasonable. All in all, a nice afternoon.

My wife took me to Ruidoso Downs Race track for father's day. The race track is attached to a casino and restaurant/bar which I will rate seperately. You need to know that if you want to sit in the shade it will cost between five to fifteen dollars and believe me you want to sit in the shade. The seats are run down and many are missing or held together with duct tape, as were ours. The betting windows are well run and you get in and out quickly form there. The concessions remind me of a little league baseball game with plywood box serving areas. The place is clean and worth an afternoon to watch the ponies run.

The track needs work and seems to be getting it slowly. Horses are not top quality but fun if you are a novice or just go to relax. Seating is good if you purchase it. There is a casino Billy The Kid it is very nice, people will welcome you and I think it is great fun. The have a Sports Bar with excellent sandwiches etc.

In October Ruidoso Downs Race Track is rather low key. You could shoot a cannon off in the casino and not hit anyone. It was a nice quite place to wind down after a very long drive across Texas. I will have to say the people and staff were very friendly. I wanted to visit the track because I used to go there with my parents when I was a kid. Lots had changed and I am older but the fun was still there just a little less chaotic. I put returning during racing season on my bucket list.

Have been racing at Ruidoso Downs for more than thirty years. Love the mountain atmosphere. We always get reservations in the Turf Club which is on the second level. Has a great view of the track, private betting windows and your own waitress for food and refreshment. Races start at 1 pm and there are generally 10 to 12 races. There is usually a good mix of quarter horse and thoroughbred racing. Great fun that I highly recommend!!

This place is a low rent dump. Do not expect any pomp or circumstance. The seating, which is expensive, is of the wal mart variety. They only take cash for food and drink and the staff is rude. Avioid this mess at all costs. Having said all that, the attached casino and sports bar while small, are nice.

Summer racing is popular at this track. Post is at 1 p.m. local with 8-9 races. Track is older but is very spread out, lots of room to roam.. Located just east of Ruidoso, it is in a valley just noth of highway. There is a small casino next to track which I do not recommend (also a sports book) due to heavy smokers in the casino. Better to be outside breathing some mountain air!