Ruidoso Downs denies races were fixed for cartel Ruidoso Downs denies races were fixed for cartel ADVERTISING RUIDOSO, N.M. (AP) — Officials at Ruidoso Downs say there is no evidence behind allegations that drug cartel members paid gatekeepers to hold
Ruidoso Downs denies races were fixed for cartel
RUIDOSO, N.M. (AP) — Officials at Ruidoso Downs say there is no evidence behind allegations that drug cartel members paid gatekeepers to hold back horses competing against their 2010 All American Futurity winner, Mr Piloto.
The allegations were raised in an affidavit supporting a raid this week on Zeta drug gang members accused of laundering millions of dollars through quarter horses. The affidavit says two informants told investigators that a leader of the cartel bragged that he had paid $10,000 for the horses to be held.
Track general manager Shaun Hubbard says officials have reviewed the race from every angle and found no evidence of any horse being denied a fair start.
The affidavit also asserts Mr Piloto was given an illegal performance-enhancing substance 15 days before the race. Hubbard says winning horses are routinely tested by the state.