Albuquerque Downs Racetrack
The Albuquerque Downs Racetrack is a horse racing track in Albuquerque, New Mexico that features thoroughbred and quarter horse racing. The Albuquerque Downs Racetrack features live horse racing each spring, plus 17 days of racing during the State Fair in September. The Downs also offers simulcast racing from tracks around the world.
The Albuquerque Downs Racetrack is actually part of the New Mexico State Fair Grounds. It also has an 8,000 square foot casino that features 310 slots.
The Albuquerque Downs Racetrack hosts several important stakes events each year. Among them are:
- Manuel Lujan
- La Fiesta
- Charlie Iles Express Handicap
- Chamisa
- Top Deck
- Albuquerque Spring Quarter Horse Futurity
- Spring Thoroughbred Futurity
- John Augustine
- Charles Taylor Derby
- The Albuquerque Downs Racetrack Handicap
The Albuquerque Downs Racetrack Track Facts
- One mile, oval
- Distance from last turn to finish line: 1,117 feet
The Albuquerque Downs Racetrack History
1997 - The New Mexico State Fair Futurity was dedicated with a special marker at The Downs in September. The New Mexico State Fair Futurity is the oldest continuously run American Quarter Horse stakes race. This contest between New Mexico-bred American Quarter Horses has been run at the New Mexico State Fairgrounds track since 1946. It was split into divisions and renamed the New Mexico State Fair Seņor Futurity and the Seņorita Futurity in 1991.
2003 - Early in the year, the Fair Commission scrapped a plan to put the operation of the Albuquerque Downs Racetrack out to competitive bid. Later that year, the state governor vetoed language in a bill that would have allowed the Fair Commission to enter into a lease for up to 25 years with the operator of the Downs.
2004 - The Downs undertook the rebuilding the horse barn at the Fairgrounds.
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