New Mexico Racetracks
New Mexico has a wonderful selection of horse racing facilities for racing enthusiasts to enjoy, including the Sunland Park Raceway, Ruidoso Downs Racetrack, Sunray Racecourse and Downs at Albuquerque. It also has a deep rooted horse racing heritage that is evident at tracks such as the Ruidoso Downs Racetrack that has been the venue for live horse racing action since 1947. It later became home to the All American Futurity in 1959, and is a popular venue with horsemen and spectators alike. Sunland Park Racetrack was also established in 1959, and since the 1960s this racetrack has been an important stepping stone in many of the world’s greatest jockeys’ careers.
Charged with overseeing all the racing action and wagering in New Mexico, as well as the promotion of the sport of horse racing, the New Mexico Racing Commission works tirelessly to protect and develop the horse racing industry. Other organizations, such as the New Mexico Horse Breeders’ Association, established in 1961, also assist in their mission, by aiding breeders and horse owners of thoroughbred horses and American quarter horses.
