The New Mexico Racing Commission has granted ownership approval to Johhny Trotter for the All American Ruidoso Downs race track and its Billy the Kid Casino. Trotter previously jointly owned these properties with other partners and business entities but will now run them with his wife, Jana.
Established in 1959, Ruidoso Downs became home to the All American Futurity, which has evolved into the world's most lucrative race for American quarter horses, boasting a $3m purse. Since 1962, Ruidoso has been home to a reputed American quarter horse yearling sale.
Trotter is a Texan businessman, cowboy and horseman. He commented: “Horses have been an important part of my life. Jana and I have enjoyed racing, buying and selling horses here for over 20 years. Ruidoso Downs is important to us.
“I am excited to be the sole owner, and I look forward to maintaining Ruidoso Downs and the horse sales as the pinnacle of horse racing. Nominations for 2023 futurities and derbies are strong, and we anticipate the yearling sales to continue as strong as ever."
He expects that this ownership approval will lead to new opportunities for the properties, its team and the events they host. Trotter further said: “We have a great management team in place, and several improvements to the property and our programs currently are under consideration.
"We are the home of the nation's best racing and sales, both Ruidoso Select Yearling and New Mexico-Bred quarter horses and thoroughbreds.
"We have the nation's best Racetrack Chaplaincy programs; and the nation's best locations for racing, casino gaming and family fun. We look forward to providing a great venue for everybody at Ruidoso Downs."
