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WELCOME TO SUNLAND PARK RACETRACK
Rich
in history, Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino recently completed its greatest
season since being founded in 1959.
Powered by over 700 slot machines, Sunland Park racing offers
a daily average purse distribution of $250,000. That figure was around $35,000
in the early 1990's.
Sunland Park races are simulcast in approximately 800
simulcast locations throughout North America. Nearly $54 million was wagered on
the Sunland product last season, up over 32% from the previous season. Business
continues to surge, bolstered by full fields and increased racing quality.
A new wagering record was set on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2003 when
$1,701,961 was bet on a 12-race Sunland Park card.
Throughout much of the 1960's and 1970's, Sunland Park
Racetrack was a gateway to the East and West for top racing talent. Stakes stars
like Winsham Lad, Fast Gas, Prince Astro, Nevada Phil and Bold Liz sharpened
their skills in the early days at Sunland Park.
The 1980 Riley Allison Futurity winner Bold Ego went on to
post a close second to Pleasant Colony in the 1981 Preakness Stakes. The 1985
Riley Allison Futurity reached national prominence with an all-time high record
purse of nearly $340,000.
Nationally riding stars Jerry Bailey, Pat Valenzuela, Cash
Asmussen and Mike Smith all began their careers at Sunland Park.
Hall of Fame jockey Bill Shoemaker was born in nearby Fabens,
Texas. "The Shoe" made a series of appearances at Sunland Park during his
career.
Super star trainers Bob Baffert and D. Wayne Lukas each won
Quarter Horse stakes races at Sunland Park at the beginning of their careers. |