New Mexico: Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino celebrates beginning of new racing season

Monday, December 29, 2025 3:14 PM
Image aggregated from KVIA.
  • Paul Schulz, KVIA

Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino will open its 2026 horse racing season Friday with a revised schedule, marquee events and optimism fueled by new ownership and a landmark property sale.

Eric Alwan, Sunland Park Racetrack announcer, said the track continues to defy expectations after decades of change and challenge.

“I have been lucky to be a part of Sunland Park for a very, very long time,” Alwan said. “About 15 years ago, someone quoted me saying Sunland Park was like a rising phoenix, and it turns out that was right. Sunland Park is still rising.”

The operating portion of Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino was sold about three months ago for $301 million.