The New Mexico Racing Commission recently approved the transfer of ownership of All American Ruidoso Downs LLC; All American Ruidoso Horse Sales LLC; and Billy the Kid Casino to Texas businessman, horseman and cowboy Johnny Trotter.
Previously he shared ownership of the Albuquerque property and affiliated businesses with other partners. The New Mexico Gaming Control Board has final approval of the transfer.
Trotter said, “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 All American Futurity and derbies are strong, and we anticipate the yearling sales to continue as strong as ever.”
Ruidoso Downs has hosted since 1959 the All American Futurity, which has evolved into the world’s richest race for American Quarter Horses at $3 million. Ruidoso also has hosted since 1962 the nation’s leading American Quarter Horse Yearling Sale.
Trotter is a former president of the American Quarter Horse Association and a member of the AQHA Hall of Fame, Tri-State Western Heritage Hall of Fame, Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame, Texas Horse Racing Hall of Fame and Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame.
He ranks among the Quarter Horse breed’s all-time owners and breeders, and has raced in several Grade 1 qualifiers, five AQHA Champions and 2018 AQHA World Champion Bodacious Eagle. His wife, Jana, who races Thoroughbreds, was a member of “The Girls” who campaigned Devons Signature in the 2004 All American Futurity.
Trotter also is actively involved in farming, ranching, cattle feeding, banking, automobile dealerships, real estate and other businesses.
He 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.”
