Ruidiso Downs, which started its meet in late May, will begin the process of reopening its races to patrons on June 19 after receiving clearance from state officials. The track will be reopening to horse owners, members of its club facilties, and season ticketholders, at a 50 percent occupancy rate, it was announced Friday. 

 “This is some good news that we have been waiting to hear,” Jeff True, president and general manager of Ruidoso, said in a press relesae. “Even though we cannot open to 100 percent, it is a start. We can now get our horse owners in to watch their horses run, and this gives us a path forward for getting some of our season ticket holders in to enjoy some racing. However, we have to keep in mind that 50 percent occupancy does not allow us to put fans on the grandstand level." 

According to the press release, owners who have a horse entered on a given day's card will be allowed four seats in the Turf Club. The remainder of the seats that are available for that day will then be allocated for use by all season ticketholders that have paid for their seat in full for 2020. The seats will be assigned in a random-number lottery draw among eligible season ticketholders, according to the press release.

Masks will be required and temperatures will be taken through camera technology at the entrance of the track. There are a number of other new safety and sanitary protocols in place.  

“Obviously, we wish that we could open up the gates and welcome all of our fans back,” said True. “However, we understand that we must exercise an abundance of caution. We will continue our strict operational protocols with our employees, jockeys and trainers. We will also expect that our owners and season ticket holders will do their part to ensure everyone’s safety.”

 Ruidoso will be contacting owners season ticketholders with details on the spectator process. The track's casino remains closed at this time.