Sunland Derby at $800K

Sunland Park in New Mexico has increased the purse and changed the name of its marquee event, the track announced. The Sunland Derby, named the WinStar Derby from 2003 to this year, has had its purse boosted to $800,000 from $600,000. The 1 1/8-mile race for 3-year-olds is scheduled for March 29, 2009.

In addition, a $200,000 bonus will be awarded to a winner who previously had won a Grade 1 stakes and a $100,000 bonus to a horse who had any graded stakes earnings. The base first-place prize is $400,000.

The 2008-09 Sunland Park meet will begin on Dec. 12 and run through April 21, 2009.