FARMINGTON — The future of SunRay Park and Casino will be on the agenda when the San Juan County Commission meets Monday, Nov. 10, in Aztec.
Paul Blanchard, president of SunRay Park and Casino, announced last week plans to move the racing and casino operation to Clovis in Curry County, a decision that surprised local leaders.
“A thorough evaluation of the current status of SunRay Park and Casino was conducted before considering any future plans,” Blanchard wrote in an email to the Tri-City Record. “In addition to the impact caused by the decline of energy-related businesses in the Farmington community, the expansion of tribal casinos in the surrounding area has resulted in an approximate 55% reduction in casino revenues, as well as a decrease in patron attendance at both the casino and the racetrack.”
San Juan County leaders said they were not told about the owner's plan to move to Clovis.
“I think they were hoping that this would just slide through and nobody would know anything,” said New Mexico Sen. Bill Sharer.
Blanchard disclosed his plans to the New Mexico Racing Commission, which regulates horse racing statewide. SunRay Park and Casino has operated for more than 25 years but has seen declining participation from both horsemen and patrons in recent years.
Mike Stark, San Juan County manager, said plans were underway to expand the facility’s use. Proposed additions include recreational areas for a miniature golf course, outdoor markets, a performance stage, and open space for events such as motocross races, monster truck shows and rodeos.
“The racing season is not a huge part of the calendar year at SunRay, so if we could find ways to bring other forms of recreation, economic opportunities for SunRay, we have concepts that show multiple ways to make the facility more viable on a year-round basis,” Stark said.
Blanchard indicated that even with these potential changes, the casino faces challenges from a higher tax structure and declining revenue.
“San Juan County has been an excellent landlord for SunRay Park and Casino. However, the decline in gaming revenues, race purses, gaming days, patron visits and simulcast betting has been substantial – far beyond what could be resolved through a rent reduction or facility improvements,” Blanchard wrote.
The proposed facility would sit on a 200-acre site east of Clovis. Plans include a modern oval racetrack, a grandstand for spectators, a casino and a hotel. Recent design details suggest the track will feature 1,340 stalls for racehorses, a 3,000-seat grandstand and an RV park with 40 full-service hookups for visitors and horse owners.
Stark said expanding the SunRay Park facility would cost less in the long run than building a new one across the state.
“If you took the level of effort and planning they were looking to put into Clovis and put it here, you could build a world-class facility,” Stark said.
Northern Edge Casino, which opened in 2012, along with Sky Ute Casino in Ignacio and Ute Mountain Casino in Towaoc, have presented challenges. Moving the operation to Clovis – which does not have the same level of competition – is the proposed solution.
“New Mexico racetrack casinos pay a substantially higher gaming tax than tribal casinos and are also required to contribute 20% of total revenues to horse purses,” Blanchard wrote. “We believe that this move will result in substantially higher revenues for the State of New Mexico, larger purses for horsemen, and more racing days – all of which will positively impact the horse racing industry across New Mexico.”
Ismael Trejo, executive director of the New Mexico Racing Commission, sees the proposed relocation as a positive step for the industry.
“According to the analysis that we’ve seen, we feel that the Clovis location will outdo the Farmington location, and there’s no competition in Clovis,” Trejo said. “There are no tribal lands or tribal casinos around there, so there is potentially room for growth and sustainability.”
If the move goes through, horse racing is expected to begin at the new track in spring 2027. The proposal is currently in the public comment phase. Residents and industry stakeholders have 45 days to submit feedback to the NMRC. Once the comment period ends, the commission will review all input and issue a final ruling on whether to approve the license transfer.
City, county and state legislators have voiced concern about the economic impact of losing SunRay Park and Casino.
“The Farmington racino, one of just five in New Mexico, is a cornerstone of San Juan County’s economy,” wrote New Mexico state Sen. Steve Lanier. “It sustains approximately 120 families with direct jobs, generates about $1.2 million in annual county revenue and bolsters local small businesses and tourism.”
SunRay Park and Casino’s 2026 racing dates have already been approved by the NMRC, with the 18-day season set to open April 17. By comparison, Sunland Park’s season includes 55 race dates beginning Jan. 2. Ruidoso Downs has the second-longest season at 49 days and is expected to open in late May.
“Transferring this license would eliminate stable employment and revenue, while hindering economic recovery in a region already impacted by the decline of traditional energy sectors,” Lanier wrote.
Curry County Manager Lance Pyle said that while no direct conversations have taken place with Blanchard, there is interest in supporting the move.
Stark said Blanchard’s announcement was surprising, given SunRay’s long-standing presence in the county.
“We’ve had that lease with SunRay Park for 27 years and to have the wool pulled out from under us without coming to us about restructuring or ways to help alleviate some of the increased pressures was disheartening.”
The Nov. 10 meeting will include a presentation of the master plan for expansion and an opportunity to send official comments to the NMRC. The meeting will take place at 4 p.m. in the San Juan County Commission Chambers at 102 S. Oliver Drive and will be open to the public.
