Ruidoso Downs announces strict new policies to ensure racing integrity

Calling those who attempt to cheat a "cancer to horse racing," Ruidoso Downs Race Track Chairman R.D. Hubbard announced the first steps in a program to deal with those who would attempt to break the rules of racing in "our on-going effort to ensure the integrity and safety of the sport and its participants." All of the rules will be clearly identified to all owners and trainers through the stall applications and condition books. In addition, the current nomination blanks require all owners abide by all rules of the New Mexico Racing Commission and the track. The new rules include: All horses must be on the grounds in the Ruidoso barn area 10 days before running in the trials of each of the Ruidoso Triple Crown futurities and derbies run during the Ruidoso race season. Total estimated purses for the six Grade 1 futurities and derbies is more than $8.5 million. There is also a $4 million bonus to the connections of any horse who can sweep the three futurities. All horses that qualify for the finals of one of the futurities or derbies will be required to stay on the grounds through the running of the finals. All horses will be subject to a "roll call" at any time during these periods. These "spot checks" will be conducted by (but not limited to) the horse identifier and track security. The track will install new surveillance cameras at the stable gate(s), test barn along with barns and stalls of the 20 qualifiers to the futurities and derbies. The new rules will require that any horse not in compliance will be scratched from the trials and/or finals...more