Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino officials announce a $310,000 increase in stakes purses and a 10-race minimum daily schedule for the remainder of the 2026 meet.

© Sunland Park

By Eric Alwan

SUNLAND PARK, NM–MARCH 2, 2026–Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino officials announced today a significant boost to its remaining racing season, including a $310,000 increase in stakes purses and an expanded daily race schedule beginning Friday, March 6.

Driven by stronger-than-predicted casino performance and available purse funds, the track will now card a minimum of 10 races per day through the conclusion of the current meet.

The purse increases impact several of the meet’s most prestigious events. Both the New Mexico Breeders’ Oaks and the New Mexico Breeders’ Derby will see jumps from $130,000 to $175,000. Additionally, the Casa Ford Sunland Stakes—a key fixture on the local calendar—has been raised to $250,000.

The schedule of increases includes:
Casa Ford Sunland Stakes: Increased to $250,000 (from $200,000)
Mine That Bird Derby: Increased to $175,000 (from $125,000)
NM Breeders’ Oaks & Derby: Increased to $175,000 (from $130,000)
NM State University Stakes: Increased to $100,000 (from $80,000)
NM Spring Fling & West Texas Juvenile (Consolations): Increased to $100,000 (from $50,000)

The expanded 10-race minimum schedule ensures more opportunities for owners and trainers to compete for the enriched prize money during the final month of the season.

For more information on the upcoming stakes schedule or to view daily entries, visit the Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino website.

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