Ruidoso Downs will kick off its 2025 season on Friday with the first of two days of trials for the Graded 1 $1,000,000 Ruidoso QH Futurity.

© Ruidoso Downs Race Track

RUIDOSO DOWNS, NM—MAY 20, 2025—The 2025 racing season at Ruidoso Downs Race Track kicks off this Memorial Day weekend with the highly anticipated Ruidoso Quarter Horse Futurity Trials, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, May 23–24.

These trials mark the beginning of a 46-day meet that runs through September 1, featuring live racing every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, along with special holiday events on Memorial Day and Labor Day.

The Ruidoso QH Futurity Trials (see related story) will showcase two-year-old Quarter Horses sprinting 350 yards, each vying for a $10,000 purse. The fastest qualifiers from these trials will advance to the prestigious $1 million Ruidoso Futurity (G1) finals, set for Sunday, June 8 .

This weekend's events are part of the Ruidoso Triple Crown series, which includes the Ruidoso Futurity, the Rainbow Futurity, and the All American Futurity. A two-year-old horse winning all three races would achieve a rare and remarkable feat in Quarter Horse racing.

Ruidoso Downs has made significant preparations for the 2025 season, including infrastructure enhancements to mitigate potential floodwaters from the Rio Ruidoso . These improvements aim to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for both participants and spectators.

Fans can look forward to an exciting opening weekend, with live racing from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM each day. In addition to the Ruidoso QH Futurity Trials, the weekend will feature the Ruidoso QH Derby Trials on Sunday, May 25, and the $45,000 John Andreini Memorial Stakes on Monday, May 26 .

For more information on the racing schedule and to purchase tickets, visit raceruidoso.com.

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