The 2021–22 racing season, which features both Thoroughbreds and
Quarter Horses, runs from December 31 through April 3. Live racing is traditionally offered four days each week on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Year-round
Simulcast wagering is also available on racetracks across the country.
Thoroughbreds The live racing season is highlighted by the
Sunland Park Derby, run at miles for three-year-olds on February 18, 2024. The purse is currently $400,000. The race, which was granted grade 3 status in 2010, is included in the
Road to the Kentucky Derby, awarding 20 points to the winner, 10 to second, 6 to third, 4 to fourth, and 2 to fifth. Prior to 2024, the
Sunland Park Derby awarded 50–20–15–10–5 points to the 1st thru 5th place finishers respectively, therefore the winner was essentially guaranteed a spot in the
Kentucky Derby. Also prior to 2024, the race was run about a month later. Other notable races include the $250,000
Sunland Park Oaks, a -mile Kentucky Oaks prep for fillies; the $200,000 Sunland Park Handicap for three-year-olds and up at miles, the $100,000 Harry W. Henson Handicap for fillies and mares at one mile; the $100,000 Riley Allison Derby,
furlongs for three-year-olds, and the $125,000 Mine That Bird Derby, run at miles.
Graded events The following Graded events were held at Sunland Park in 2025.
Listed •
Sunland Park Derby Ungraded Park •
Sunland Park Oaks Quarterhorses Sunlands top quarter horse race is the $350,000 Grade 1 Championship at Sunland Park, run January 2, 2022. The $175,000 added New Mexican Spring Futurity at 300 yards is run April 3, 2022. ==Gallery==