Many racetracks around the world are continuing live racing, despite the coronavirus outbreak. Racetracks in New Mexico are urging that Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham allow them too, although most other sporting events have halted in this state and the rest of the U.S.
Kirk Robison, a horse owner in El Paso, had this message for the governor when he was interviewed by the El Paso Times: “I would ask of the governor of New Mexico is to look at what the other tracks are doing to remain open in those states that have live racing. The governor should open New Mexico racetracks immediately as Florida has done with its tracks. It’s a tough situation for so many.”
Grisham, working with the state health department has issued directives designed to slow the spread of the virus. Among them were orders closing casinos and racetracks, with no option for live racing without an audience.
There have been no live races in the state since March 15, when Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino near El Paso cut short its 68-day well before the scheduled April 21. Since then two prep races for the Kentucky Derby were postponed.
Ismael “Izzy” Trejo, executive director of the New Mexico Racing Commission, said they are abiding by those orders. He commented, “It’s a tough time for all of our industry right now. I’ve been in racing for 48 years and have been through lots of ups and downs. This is one of the worst times we’ve been through. We’re trying to help our owners, our trainers, our jockeys as best we can.”
One facility, Sunland Park, is allowing horses to stay there until April 21 and may extend that deadline. The remaining racetracks in New Mexico include SunRay Park in Farmington, Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino in Ruidoso, Zia Park in Hobbs and the Downs in Albuquerque.
Ruidoso is scheduled to begin races May 22, but won’t allow anyone on the grounds before May 1.
One of the horsemen staying at Sunland Park, Todd Fincher, said that one can understand the seriousness of the pandemic and still support running while providing for the safety of everyone. “We are being safe here on the backside at Sunland. I think we should be able to race. Even without spectators, people have the ability to wager on a race and provide some income into the sport. It’s been hard on a lot of owners, a lot of trainers, a lot of workers and also the agriculture business. I understand the governor has to make decisions, I understand she has to watch out for the safety of the citizens, but I don’t know if she has all the facts that she needs to have. I’m hopeful we can get back to racing as soon as we can.”
Horseracing in New Mexico has been a relatively successful industry compared to other states where it is struggling. In March 24, 2019 Sunland Derby set a state record for the size its handle, $4.8 million.
Another trainer commented, “Without racing, owners will not be able to pay their bills and they make take their horses out of the care of the trainers.” Jockeys are in a similar fix: They only get paid when they ride.
