Ruidoso Race Track horse action in New Mexico

Jockeys try to position themselves in the last run of the 870 yard race at Ruidoso Down Race Track on July 24, 2021.

Sights and scenes at the Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino on July 24, 2021 as crowds enjoyed the first day of racing in New Mexico.

Tanner Thedford, jockey for Whistle Stop Cafe gets of the horse after winning the Rainbow Oaks at Ruidoso Down Race Track on July 24, 2021.
Omar Ornelas/ El Paso Times
Caption Override

Sights and scenes at the Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino on July 24, 2021 as crowds enjoyed the first day of racing in New Mexico.

Sights and scenes at the Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino on July 24, 2021 as crowds enjoyed the first day of racing in New Mexico.

Sights and scenes at the Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino on July 24, 2021 as crowds enjoyed the first day of racing in New Mexico.

Sights and scenes at the Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino on July 24, 2021 as crowds enjoyed the first day of racing in New Mexico.

Sights and scenes at the Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino on July 24, 2021 as crowds enjoyed the first day of racing in New Mexico.

Sights and scenes at the Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino on July 24, 2021 as crowds enjoyed the first day of racing in New Mexico.

Sights and scenes at the Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino on July 24, 2021 as crowds enjoyed the first day of racing in New Mexico.

Sights and scenes at the Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino on July 24, 2021 as crowds enjoyed the first day of racing in New Mexico.

Sights and scenes at the Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino on July 24, 2021 as crowds enjoyed the first day of racing in New Mexico.

Jockeys and horses compete in races during the first of two days of racing at the Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino.

Jockeys and horses compete in races during the first of two days of racing at the Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino.

Jockeys and horses compete in races during the first of two days of racing at the Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino.

Jockeys and horses compete in races during the first of two days of racing at the Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino.

Jockeys and horses compete in races during the first of two days of racing at the Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino.

Jockeys and horses compete in races during the first of two days of racing at the Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino.

Jockeys and horses compete in races during the first of two days of racing at the Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino.

Jockeys and horses compete in races during the first of two days of racing at the Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino.

Jockeys and horses compete in races during the first of two days of racing at the Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino.

Jockeys and horses compete in races during the first of two days of racing at the Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino.

Jockeys and horses compete in races during the first of two days of racing at the Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino.

Eduardo Nicasio, of Guanajuato, Mexico, prepares to ride on the first race of the day at the Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino on July 24, 2021.
Omar Ornelas/USA Today Network
Caption Override

Javier Rodriguez, 6, shakes hands with a jockey at the Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino on July 24, 2021.

Kellsi Purcell, one of the few female jockeys at the Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino on July 24, 2021 gets ready to compete in the 8th race of the day. She won the race.