New Mexico Racing Commission
Ruling #: 2025-RUI-46
Date Issued: July 23, 2025
Location: Ruidoso Downs
Licensee: Cristian Leonardo Alcala
License Types:
- 2023 3-Year Trainer (License #308894)
- 2025 3-Year Owner (License #315538)
Applicant ID: 163821
Summary of Action
The New Mexico Racing Commission (NMRC), under Ruling #2025-RUI-46, has issued an immediate summary suspension to Cristian Leonardo Alcala, a licensed trainer and owner, due to conduct deemed detrimental to the best interests of horse racing. The ruling follows multiple equine health incidents involving horses under his care at the 2025 Ruidoso Downs meet.
Basis for Suspension
Cristian Alcala’s summary suspension is enforced under NMAC 15.2.1.9 A.(3)(a)(b)(c) and NMAC 16.47.1.8 L.(1)(o)(0), which authorize immediate action in situations threatening the health, safety, and integrity of the racing industry.
The basis includes:
- Four horses under Alcala’s care displayed post-race medical distress.
- One horse died, while three others required urgent veterinary attention, including equine ambulance transportation and emergency hospital admission.
- These incidents occurred following participation in official races during the 2025 Ruidoso Downs meet.
- These events collectively raised serious concerns about the care, condition, and supervision of horses trained or owned by Alcala.
Exclusion and Restrictions
Effective immediately:
- Cristian Alcala is excluded from all NMRC-sanctioned premises.
- All horses owned, trained, or under the care of Cristian Alcala are barred from competition at New Mexico racetracks.
- All horse transfers and sales involving Alcala must comply with NMAC 15.2.6.9 A.(13)(a)(b)(c)(d).
Hearing Details
A formal hearing is scheduled to review the suspension:
- Date: August 1, 2025
- Time: 9:00 AM
- Location: Board of Stewards Office, The Downs at Albuquerque (145 Louisiana Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108)
- Virtual Access: Microsoft Teams
- Meeting ID: 273 228 840 289
- Passcode: MX9Le9Yi
The hearing will determine whether the summary suspension should be upheld, modified, or revoked. Medical records of all involved horses must be submitted to the Stewards before the hearing.
Applicable Regulations
Relevant rules cited in the ruling:
- NMAC 16.47.1.8 U. (2): Protection of horses from abuse, neglect, or harm.
- NMAC 16.47.1.10 B. (1): Trainer as absolute insurer of horse condition.
- NMAC 16.47.1.10 C. (5)(19): Trainer responsibilities for horse safety and performance.
- NMAC 15.2.6.11 A.: Trainer responsibility for horses in races/workouts.
- NMAC 15.2.1.9 B.(21)(a)(b): Authority to exclude a licensee from participation due to conduct detrimental to racing.
