Sunland Derby & Sunland Park Oaks are Canceled
Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino has announced that the entire facility will be closed to the public for three weeks beginning Monday, March 16, at 1 a.m. This decision was made after high-level discussions between Sunland Park management, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, the New Mexico Racing Commission, and the state’s Gaming Control Board. Today’s decision also means that next weekend’s Sunland Derby and Sunland Park Oaks horse races will not take place as scheduled.
“Although there have been no known cases of the COVID-19 at the property, we are suspending operations out of an abundance of caution and to promote social distancing,” said Director of Marketing for Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino, Ethan Linder.
During the closure, Sunland Park management will work with the New Mexico Health Department to implement additional protocols to protect guests prior to the reopening of the facility.
“For 60 years, Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino has provided non-stop entertainment for the local community,” said Linder. “We have always promised great customer service, world-class horse racing, and a drive to be good partners with our local community as well as the horse racing world. It’s that promise that guides us as we face this difficult challenge of responding to the coronavirus.”
Linder added that, “Our hearts go out to the people who have been affected by these unprecedented events. We appreciate the healthcare workers, local community officials, and governments around the world who are working on the front lines.”