Downs at Albuquerque Racetrack and Casino

Downs at Albuquerque is a horseracing track and casino facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It features live thoroughbred and quarter horseracing each spring, plus 17 days of racing during the New Mexico State Fair in September. The Downs also offers simulcast racing from tracks around the world.

The 8,000 square foot casino at The Downs, as the facility is fondly called, features 310 slot and video poker machines. The casino is open year-round, seven days a week and is packed with all the popular penny and nickel slots. The casino also has a brand new electronic, five-seat, blackjack machine.

View Larger Map

The Downs at Albuquerque Racetrack and Casino is actually part of the New Mexico State Fair Grounds.

Downs at Albuquerque Racetrack and Casino 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

Downs at Albuquerque Racetrack and Casino Facts

• One mile, oval
• Distance from last turn to finish line: 1,117 feet
• Casino Area: 8,000 square foot
• Number of Slot Machines: 300

Downs at Albuquerque Racetrack and Casino 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 Racetrack and Casino 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.

Place a bet on your favorite horse or play your favorite casino game now.