Complete guide to thoroughbred and quarter horse racing venues in New Mexico
Operating thoroughbred & quarter horse racing venues
Thoroughbred & quarter horse racing
Employed in racing & related sectors
Annual economic contribution (2023)
New Mexico has established itself as a major center for both thoroughbred and quarter horse racing in the American West. The state operates five modern racing facilities strategically located across the region, offering year-round racing opportunities and diverse betting options. From the iconic All American Futurity at Ruidoso Downs to the championship races at Sunland Park, New Mexico racetracks feature some of the richest purses and most prestigious races in quarter horse and thoroughbred racing.
The New Mexico horse racing industry generates significant economic impact, contributing over $810 million annually to the state economy and supporting more than 4,000 direct jobs. The racing industry attracts visitors from across the Southwest, creating a vibrant racing community and preserving important equestrian traditions. New Mexico's racing venues combine world-class facilities with casino entertainment, dining, and hospitality options, making them premier destinations for racing enthusiasts.
Horse racing has deep roots in New Mexico's culture and economy, beginning informally in the 1930s when races were held in cornfields. Following the legalization of parimutuel wagering in 1947, the racing industry expanded rapidly. An informal track along the Rio Ruidoso was formalized and named Hollywood Park, with a canvas-covered grandstand built by 1949. By 1953, the facility became known as Ruidoso Downs and established itself as a premier racing destination.
The creation of the All American Futurity in 1959 by Gene Hensley, Carl Mercer, and Ray Reed marked a revolutionary moment in quarter horse racing. When inaugurated with a purse of $129,686, it became the richest race ever held in Quarter Horse racing. The race reached the historic $1,000,000 purse milestone in 1979—the first horse race for any breed with a million-dollar purse. Today, the All American Futurity carries a $3 million purse, making it the richest race for two-year-olds of any breed in North America.
Sunland Park opened in 1959 as another major New Mexico racing venue, and has operated continuously for over 65 seasons. The Downs at Albuquerque became integrated with the New Mexico State Fair in the 1940s, establishing the State Fair Futurity as the oldest continuously run American Quarter Horse stakes race dating back to 1946. Modern racing venues at Zia Park (opened 2005 in Hobbs) and SunRay Park & Casino (Farmington) expanded racing access throughout the state.
26225 US Highway 70, Ruidoso Downs, NM 88346
Racing Types: Thoroughbred & Quarter Horse racing
Founded: 1953 (as Ruidoso Downs)
Track Configuration: Unique dual-track facility with separate quarter horse straightaway and thoroughbred oval
Notable Feature: Only track in US and Europe with separate quarter horse straightaway and thoroughbred oval
Ruidoso Downs is the flagship horse racing facility in New Mexico and home to the world's richest race for two-year-old quarter horses. Located at 7,000 feet elevation in the picturesque Ruidoso Valley, the track combines racing excellence with casino entertainment and resort amenities. The facility features easy admission with no lines or turnstiles, ample free parking, and complimentary shuttles throughout the grounds.
Important Note: Due to flooding damage in July 2024 and 2025, Ruidoso Downs has suspended live racing for 2025. The All American Futurity, Derby, and Oaks races were relocated to The Downs at Albuquerque. Year-round simulcast racing continues at The Racebook inside Ruidoso Downs facility.
1200 Futurity Drive, Sunland Park, NM 88063
Racing Types: Thoroughbred & Quarter Horse racing
Founded: 1959
Location: Southwest New Mexico near El Paso, Texas
Track Size: One-mile oval track with modern facilities
Sunland Park is a historic New Mexico racing venue offering a 55-day live racing season with mixed thoroughbred and quarter horse racing. The facility combines racing action with full casino gaming, restaurants, and hospitality amenities. Sunland Park's racing schedule alternates between thoroughbred racing on Thursday and Friday, and quarter horse racing on Saturday and Sunday, allowing enthusiasts to experience both racing types.
145 Louisiana Boulevard NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108
Racing Types: Thoroughbred & Quarter Horse racing
Founded: 1946 (as State Fair grounds track)
Track Size: Approximately 1-mile oval track with 1,114-foot homestretch
Location: Part of the New Mexico State Fairgrounds
The Downs at Albuquerque is home to America's oldest continuously run quarter horse stakes race—the New Mexico State Fair Futurity, dating back to 1946. Located at the New Mexico State Fairgrounds, the track offers live racing each spring and fall, plus 17 days during the September New Mexico State Fair. The facility features modern racing facilities, mixed thoroughbred and quarter horse racing, and year-round simulcast wagering.
3901 West Millen Drive, Hobbs, NM 88240
Racing Types: Thoroughbred & Quarter Horse racing
Founded: 2005
Track Configuration: One-mile oval dirt track with chutes
Location: Hobbs, New Mexico near Texas border, 100+ miles from Roswell, 240 miles from El Paso
Zia Park is a modern racino (racetrack and casino combination) located in Hobbs, New Mexico, just 5 miles from downtown. The facility offers a mixed breed meet of thoroughbred and quarter horse racing held annually beginning in September. The track features live teller betting, casino gaming with over 650 slot machines, restaurants, and entertainment venues, making it a comprehensive racing and entertainment destination.
39 Road 5568, Farmington, NM 87401
Racing Types: Thoroughbred & Quarter Horse racing
Location: Farmington, New Mexico in the Four Corners region
Track Size: Approximately 6-furlong oval track with 990-foot homestretch
Specialization: Primarily quarter horse racing
SunRay Park & Casino is a modern racino in Farmington, New Mexico serving the Four Corners region. The facility operates live racing annually from April through May, featuring thoroughbred and quarter horse racing every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. With free admission and gaming, restaurants, and year-round simulcast racing, SunRay Park provides accessible racing entertainment for northern New Mexico.
Quarter horse racing is a specialty of New Mexico, with multiple facilities offering competitive racing schedules. Quarter horses are sprinters bred for their explosive speed over short distances, typically 220 to 870 yards. Major quarter horse races in New Mexico include the All American Futurity ($3 million purse at Ruidoso), the Grade 1 Championship at Sunland Park ($400,000), and the New Mexico State Fair Futurity, the oldest continuously run quarter horse stakes race in America. Quarter horse racing is deeply rooted in Western culture and tradition, with enthusiasts traveling from across the region to watch these athletic competitors.
Thoroughbred racing in New Mexico offers racing at various distances and competition levels. Tracks like Ruidoso Downs, Sunland Park, The Downs at Albuquerque, and Zia Park feature thoroughbred racing alongside quarter horse competitions. Thoroughbred races range from sprints to middle distances to longer endurance races, attracting professional racing circuits and local competitors. New Mexico's climate and elevation make it an attractive location for year-round horse racing and training operations.
The New Mexico Racing Commission regulates all horse racing activities in the state, including live racing, simulcasting, and advance deposit wagering. The commission enforces compliance with the Horse Racing Act and federal Interstate Horseracing Act of 1978. All racing activities must comply with state regulations regarding animal welfare, track safety, and betting integrity.
Pari-mutuel wagering on simulcast horse races is available at licensed racetrack locations and through advance deposit wagering. All simulcasting must occur at licensed racetrack facilities during their operating race meets. Racetrack licensees may exclusively offer advance deposit wagering (ADW) to state residents through approved platforms. At least 17 days per year of live racing must be held to maintain simulcasting rights.
Quarter horses are sprinters bred for explosive speed over short distances (typically 220-870 yards), while thoroughbreds race over varied distances from 5 furlongs to 2+ miles. Quarter horses are known for their quick acceleration and athleticism, while thoroughbreds are bred for stamina and sustained speed. Quarter horse racing emphasizes rapid-fire speed and excitement, while thoroughbred racing features longer races with more strategic elements. New Mexico excels in both disciplines with premier races like the All American Futurity for quarter horses and traditional stakes races for thoroughbreds.
The All American Futurity is the world's richest race for two-year-old quarter horses, with a purse of $3 million. First run in 1959 with a purse of only $129,686, it became the richest quarter horse race ever held. In 1979, it reached the historic milestone of becoming the first horse race of any breed with a $1 million purse. The All American Futurity is held annually at Ruidoso Downs and represents the pinnacle of quarter horse racing achievement in North America.
Ruidoso Downs typically operates live racing from May through September. However, due to flooding damage in 2024 and 2025, live racing has been suspended through 2025. The All American Futurity and other signature races were relocated to The Downs at Albuquerque for 2025. Year-round simulcast racing continues at The Racebook inside the Ruidoso Downs facility. Check the official website for current racing status and schedule updates.
The New Mexico State Fair Futurity, held at The Downs at Albuquerque, is the oldest continuously run American Quarter Horse stakes race in the United States. First run in 1946, this historic race is exclusively for New Mexico-bred quarter horses and has been a fixture of the State Fair for nearly 80 years. The race represents an important tradition in quarter horse racing and celebrates New Mexico's equestrian heritage.
Sunland Park operates a 55-day racing season from January 3 through April 6, 2025. Post time is 12:25 p.m. The track schedules thoroughbred racing Thursday and Friday, while quarter horse racing is featured Saturday and Sunday (with certain exceptions). This alternating schedule allows racing enthusiasts to experience both thoroughbred and quarter horse racing at the same venue. Check their website for the most current schedule and any updates.
Admission to Ruidoso Downs is free with no entry fees. The facility offers easy access with no lines or turnstiles. Parking is also free with ample spaces throughout the grounds. Free shuttle service is available throughout parking lots in the afternoon hours. Those seeking valet parking can pay a fee for that convenience. The racebook simulcast facility operates year-round with food, drinks, and comfortable viewing atmospheres.
SunRay Park & Casino in Farmington operates live horse racing seasonally in spring. For 2025, live racing runs from April 18 through May 25 on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with post time at 1:15 p.m. For 2026, live racing is scheduled for April 17 through May 24. The facility offers year-round simulcast racing and casino gaming all year long. Admission is free to the racetrack.
Zia Park Casino Hotel & Racetrack in Hobbs charges $10 daily cover charge for the Turf Club, with children 12 and under charged $5. The facility features over 650 gaming machines in the Black Gold Casino, restaurants, live music entertainment, and simulcast racing year-round. The track is located just 5 miles from downtown Hobbs and operates within easy driving distance from El Paso, Lubbock, and Odessa, Texas.
New Mexico's horse racing industry generates $810.5 million in annual economic impact and supports more than 4,000 direct jobs. The broader horse industry, including non-racing operations, generates additional economic value. The racing industry employs approximately 10,000 individuals including owners, breeders, trainers, track managers, and related workers. Horse racing operations and breeding activities are vital components of New Mexico's economy and preserve important agricultural traditions.
Yes, all five New Mexico racetracks offer pari-mutuel wagering during their live racing meets. Betting options include win, place, show, exacta, trifecta, superfecta, and other exotic wagers. Minimum age for betting is 18 years old. Additionally, advance deposit wagering (ADW) is available through licensed platforms for remote betting. Year-round simulcast wagering is available at all racetracks on races from across North America.
Last updated on November 27, 2025