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Latest Posts

Advance Deposit Wagering

02/04/2021 18:40:32 In NMHA News

Letter to Horsemen

02/04/2021 18:33:31 In NMHA News

Correction of Email Address

01/06/2021 11:16:17 In Zia Park NEWS

Horsemen's Book Keeper

11/17/2020 17:49:48 In Zia Park NEWS

Letter to Horsemen

11/13/2020 20:36:24 In NMHA News

Letter to McErlean

10/04/2020 13:02:20 In Zia Park NEWS

Barn Access and Protocols

09/14/2020 23:21:19 In Zia Park NEWS

Zia Park Update

09/09/2020 22:51:12 In Zia Park NEWS

Simulcast Signal

09/08/2020 21:42:35 In Zia Park NEWS

Proposal for Zia Park 2020 Meet

08/27/2020 12:31:56 In Zia Park NEWS

Downs at Albuquerque Protocols and Guidelines for "In Today"

08/19/2020 15:59:10 In The Downs at ABQ NEWS

NMHA-NMBA Meeting

08/15/2020 15:59:54 In NMHA News

Important Zia Park Status Update

08/12/2020 20:59:32 In Zia Park NEWS

Letter to Horsemen

08/05/2020 19:32:07 In NMHA News

COVID Safe Practices to be Observed

08/05/2020 18:09:36 In The Downs at ABQ NEWS

Jockey - Trainer Protocol

07/24/2020 14:44:40 In NMHA News

Zero Date 07/29/2020

07/17/2020 11:47:11 In The Downs at ABQ NEWS

Letter to Horsemen

07/02/2020 21:25:00 In The Downs at ABQ NEWS

Uncashed Checks

06/15/2020 13:16:19 In Sunland Park NEWS

Reopening of Turf Club and Jockey Club

06/13/2020 00:01:55 In Ruidoso Track NEWS

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New Mexico Horsemen's Association - About us

 

The racing community across the United States and around the world are familiar with horseracing in New Mexico. Although many recognize the horse as an iconic American animal, especially in the Western States, there are probably few who know how long horseracing has been a part of our nation's history. Horsemen in other jurisdictions may boast of the Sport of Kings’ having a long tradition in their States. However, the first recorded horserace in what is now the United States, took place in New Mexico! In 1541, the Spanish explorer Coronado challenged one of his officers to a match race while they were camped near Bernalillo. 

The Spanish brought not only horses, but also horseracing to what is now the United States. Decades before the Pilgrims arrived at Plymouth Rock, Don Juan de Onate crossed into present day New Mexico with Spanish colonists who were not just settlers but caballeros, or “horsemen”. Native American petroglyphs record early encounters with these new arrivals travelling on horseback. Horseracing became a tradition in the Southwest as it later did in Eastern states. The tradition, which began in The Land of Enchantment, continues today at racetracks in New Mexico and many other States across the nation. 

With over 300 days of sunshine annually, the weather for racing in New Mexico is spectacular and today, some of the fastest horses in the world are bred and compete for top purse money. The Grade III Sunland Derby is the only “Graded” thoroughbred stakes race in New Mexico and with a $700,000 total purse, is a point qualifier for the Kentucky Derby. Run over 440 yards every Labor Day, The All American Quarter Horse Futurity, gained its lofty status through unique cooperation between the track and horsemen and now boasts a $3,000,000 purse; the richest race for a two-year old of any breed in North America!. These facts and much more, make New Mexico an amazing place for top level horseracing and a great place to be a horseman.



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New Mexico Horsemen's Association