Ruidoso Downs Walkthrough
On Wednesday, May 13, members
of the New Mexico Racing Commission, Ruidoso Track Management, and the Ruidoso
Horsemen’s Committee completed a walkthrough of the Ruidoso Downs
backside.
During the walkthrough we
inspected restroom and shower facilities (it was confirmed that the basins and
showers have hot water), starting gates and backup, test barn facility, ambulances,
muck bunkers, jockey’s room and the general barn area. We commend the staff at Ruidoso
Downs for their efforts in making the backside area ready for racing.
Ruidoso management asked the
Horsemen for help with 3 crucial items of concern:
First: During the walkthrough
we noticed that there is a practice of dumping muck near but not inside the
muck bunkers. This practice is causing extra work on the part of track
personnel to manage the muck. In addition this practice is not sanitary and
will draw flies to the backside. Horsemen, PLEASE, dump your muck inside of
the muck bunkers. This will save
time and trouble down the road for all involved. Track management will be
issuing warnings to trainers and grooms who are in the vicinity of muck bunkers
that are being misused.
Second: Only clean fill can
be used on the walker paths. Don’t use
muck to build up the paths. Ruidoso
Downs is located in an environmentally sensitive area. Horsemen who use muck to
build up walker paths will be warned and possibly fined.
Third: WE NEED TO DO
WHATEVER IT TAKES TO STOP THE PRACTICE OF REMOVING TOILET PAPER FROM THE
RESTROOMS. Track management has assured us that there will be
enough toilet paper to go around. There is no longer any need to take toilet
paper from the stalls. Please explain to your personnel that they must leave
the toilet paper in the stalls where it belongs for the next person to
use.
Finally, we are in the final
stages of having Donna Wellborn at the Ruidoso Horsemen’s Office certified to
do brand inspections for the New Mexico Livestock Board. Within about week, she
should be able to issue the brand inspection certificates.
As always, the NMHA wishes
you successful racing during the upcoming Ruidoso race meet.
Call me with any questions or comments. 505.266.7056 (office) 505.205.6650 (cell phone) . Go to our blog at www.blog.newmexicohorsemen.com for the latest information about racing in New Mexico.


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