Albuquerque Downs Horseracing
Albuquerque Downs is a horseracing track in Albuquerque, New Mexico that features thoroughbred and quarter horseracing. Albuquerque Downs features live horseracing each spring, plus 17 days of racing during the State Fair in September. The Downs also offers simulcast racing from tracks around the world.
Albuquerque Downs is actually part of the New Mexico State Fair Grounds. It also has an 8,000 square foot casino that features 310 slots.
Albuquerque Downs 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
- Albuquerque Downs Handicap
Albuquerque Downs Facts
- One mile, oval
- Distance from last turn to finish line: 1,117 feet
Albuquerque Downs Track Records
| Distance | Horse | Weight Carried | Lap Time / Record | Date Set |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Furlongs | Prater Cat | 123 lbs | :55.62 | September 21, 2013 |
| 5.5 Furlongs | Shame On Charlie | 120 lbs | 1:01.49 | September 21, 2013 |
| 6 Furlongs | Man Of The Hill | 121 lbs | 1:07.40 | September 28, 2008 |
| 6.5 Furlongs | Rebellious | 121 lbs | 1:14.20 | September 17, 2011 |
| 7 Furlongs | Rangerette | 115 lbs | 1:21.80 | October 2, 2005 |
| 1 Mile | Deep Green | 118 lbs | 1:35.00 | October 3, 2004 |
| 1 1/16 Miles | Pecos | 117 lbs | 1:42.20 | October 4, 1998 |
| 1 1/8 Miles | Isn't He Clever | 118 lbs | 1:48.13 | September 20, 2014 |
| 1 5/8 Miles | Reb | 114 lbs | 2:48.20 | September 30, 1995 |
Albuquerque Downs 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 Señor Futurity and the Señorita Futurity in 1991.
2003 - Early in the year, the Fair Commission scrapped a plan to put the operation of the Downs at Albuquerque 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.
20122013 Following a period of temporary contract extensions, EXPO New Mexico and track management secured a landmark 25-year lease agreement. This pivotal deal boosted annual revenue shares for the State Fairgrounds and mandated extensive private funding to modernize the property, implement independent utility metering, and transfer ongoing maintenance responsibilities away from state taxpayers.
2014 The track celebrated the grand opening of the newly constructed Casino at the Downs. This modern, standalone 65,000-square-foot entertainment pavilion introduced more than 700 slot machines, an upscale lounge, a state-of-the-art simulcast theater, and new dining venues, transforming the property into a premier year-round gaming destination.
2016 A comprehensive multi-million-dollar renovation revitalized the historic grandstand just ahead of the live racing meet. The upgrades featured a complete overhaul of the glass viewing panels, refreshed seating options, and an integrated concourse designed to seamlessly connect the main casino floor to the outdoor trackside viewing areas.
2024 The Downs stepped into the national racing spotlight by stepped up to host the iconic, multi-million dollar All American Futurity (G1)the richest race in Quarter Horse history. After severe summer flooding crippled the track and infrastructure at Ruidoso Downs, Albuquerque successfully absorbed the remainder of Ruidoso's prestigious stakes calendar in a historic logistical triumph.