Page 50 - May 2018 Speedhorse

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RUIDOSO
Changes are taking place at Ruidoso Downs as the new ownership group implements new policies, addresses security and works to provide an enhanced experience for fans through renovations and improvements.
by Jennifer K. Hancock
As summertime approaches, the Thoroughbreds prepare for a return to the “Spa” while the Quarter Horses head to the “Mountain,” and the similarities between Saratoga Springs and Ruidoso Downs are not lost on Jeff True, who is the new president and general manager at Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino.
An industry veteran, True was tapped for the top Ruidoso management spot by the track’s new ownership team, All American Ruidoso Downs LLC, which includes Texans Stan Sigman, Narciso “Chicho” Flores and Johnny Trotter, and Californian John Andreini.
In October, after almost three decades of ownership, R.D. Hubbard completed the sale
to the new group of businessmen, who wasted no time announcing new rules and beginning much-needed improvements on an aging facility.
Ruidoso Downs put Quarter Horse racing
fifty years later, the sport’s signature race is still making headlines.
“The ownership group came in to Ruidoso Downs with the goal of rejuvenating and reenergizing Ruidoso Downs,” True said.
To that end, Ruidoso Downs is undergoing much-needed infrastructure improvements and revamped marketing efforts. This is Billy the Kid country, and the track’s adjoining casino bears the outlaw’s name. But the new management group is sending a clear message with new rules and increased security measures that they aim to clean up more than the track’s physical plant, they also intend to clean up the image of the sport. Other than Billy the Kid, outlaws and rule breakers are not welcome.
When the track opens for the 2018 season on May 25 for Memorial Day weekend, familiar names in the national training ranks will not be among those listed in the program.
“One of their stated goals was to eliminate the rampant drug use,” True said of the new owners group. “We have all been cognizant of the things
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Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino President and General Manager Jeff True said, “The ownership group c c a a m m e e i i n n t t o o R R u u i i d d o o s s o o D D o ow w n n s s with the goal of rejuvenating and reenergizing Ruidoso Downs.”
Ruidoso Downs has a new ownership group that has implemented new rules, applied increased security measures and launched a multi- year improvement plan to update the facility.
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SPEEDHORSE May 2018