Judge: SunRay Can't Move Horse Racing & Casino to Clovis

Monday, August 31, 2026 at 9:02 PM

In February, San Juan County Commissioners voted to seek judicial review of the New Mexico Racing Commission’s decision to authorize Western Gaming to move its racing license to Clovis, NM. The Racing Commission’s decision, at the request of Western Gaming, would have ended San Juan County’s long heritage of horse racing at a county-owned facility.

From San Juan County

August 31, 2026

A New Mexico Judge reversed a decision by the New Mexico Racing Commission to authorize a horse racing license to be relocated today. In a decision by 2nd Judicial District Court Judge Daniel E. Ramczyk, the Racing Commission’s decision to move the Western Gaming racing license to Clovis has been vacated.

Judge Ramczyk agreed with San Juan County Commissioners that the Racing Commission does not have the statutory authority to relocate a racing license.“This is an important win for San Juan County families, horse racing, and the local economy,” said San Juan County Commission Chair Sam Gonzales. “This fight has been about securing a strong future of horse racing and continued economic success for our residents.”

SunRay Park and Casino has leased 92 acres at McGee Park since 1997, in space previously known as San Juan Downs. Horseracing has been taking place there since the 1980s. Western Gaming’s lease of the SunRay Park & Casino portion of McGee Park is set to expire in September of 2027.

McGee Park serves as the County fairgrounds and hosts more than 1,200 events per year, including weddings, rodeos, and meetings for non-profits. Operations of McGee Park will not change, and any standing reservations will continue to be honored. The San Juan County Fair will continue to be held at McGee Park

(Editor's note) There is no word yet if Western Gaming will appeal this decision.

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