Sunland Park Racetrack Wraps Up 2026 Horse Racing Meet

Key performances and highlights from the final weekend of the season.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 2:16am

A vibrant, textured painting in neon colors depicting the powerful movement and motion of racehorses racing down the track, conceptually representing the excitement of the Sunland Park Racetrack season finale.The explosive energy of the Sunland Park horse racing season finale is captured in a dynamic expressionist painting.Sunland Park Today

The 2026 horse racing meet at Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino in New Mexico concluded over the weekend with several stakes races for both quarter horses and thoroughbreds. Highlights included a win by Avery Place in the Mine That Bird Derby, with the horse's trainer Dick Evans praising the animal's continued improvement.

Why it matters

Sunland Park is a major horse racing destination in the Southwest, drawing fans and bettors from across the region. The conclusion of the annual meet marks the end of another successful season for the racetrack and casino complex.

The details

The final weekend of racing at Sunland Park featured several high-profile stakes events. In the Mine That Bird Derby, the horse Avery Place, trained by El Paso's Dick Evans, emerged victorious. Evans commented on Avery Place's progress, saying "Avery Place is really improving."

  • The 2026 Sunland Park horse racing meet wrapped up on Saturday and Sunday, April 4-5, 2026.

The players

Avery Place

A horse that won the Mine That Bird Derby at the Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino meet.

Dick Evans

The trainer of Avery Place, based in El Paso, Texas.

Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino

A major horse racing venue and casino complex located in Sunland Park, New Mexico.

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What they’re saying

“Avery Place is really improving.”

— Dick Evans, Trainer

The takeaway

The conclusion of the Sunland Park racing season marks another successful year for the racetrack and casino, which continues to be a popular destination for horse racing fans and bettors across the Southwest region.