Sunland Park cancels 2020-21 meet

The Sunland Park meet is officially canceled.

The New Mexico Racing Commission on Thursday approved the cancellation of the 2020-21 meet at Sunland Park, according Izzy Trejo, the agency’s executive director.

The track, located across the border from El Paso, Texas, is the home of the Grade 3 Sunland Park Derby. The race annually awarded its winner 50 points for the Kentucky Derby. It was scheduled for March 30, according to the list of points races posted by Churchill Downs.

New Mexico’s tracks have been unable to operate their casinos under the state’s Department of Health orders. The gaming revenues are key to purses. The casinos have been closed since the early stages of the pandemic in 2020.

The status of the Sunland Park meet had been addressed month to month by the commission as parties awaited any movement on orders. The Sunland meet typically runs from late December into May, but under the pandemic circumstances was granted a shorter, 42-date meet through March 30.

There were no races conducted at the track this meet.

Also during Thursday’s meeting, Sam Bregman was elected chairman of the New Mexico Racing Commission, Trejo said. Bregman is an attorney based in Albuquerque.

“He has a great love and passion for the horse racing industry, especially in his home state,” Trejo said.

◗ There is a bill in the state legislature seeking to provide for account wagering in New Mexico.