Don’t Miss the WinStar Derby on Sunday

Don’t Miss the WinStar Derby on Sunday

The WinStar Derby is a relatively new racing event on the horse racing calendar, with its inaugural race being run in 2003. It is an official ungraded stakes race, which is run as a preparation meeting for the Kentucky Derby, and has become a favorite racing event for three year olds. The WinStar Derby is hosted by the Sunland Park Racetrack in New Mexico, and is sponsored by WinStar Farm. This year’s racing event is set to be another nail-biting, adrenalin pumping horse racing meet.

The Sunland Park Racetrack also doubles a casino, but consists only of slot machines and does have specified gaming hours, as dictated by state regulation. Located in the suburb of El Paso, in Texas, it opened its doors for thoroughbred racing in 1959 and has seen many famous jockeys race here, including Pat Valenzuela, Bill Shoemaker, Jerry Baily and Cash Asmussen. Live racing has also benefited the casino, as more people pour in to watch the thoroughbreds perform. The track offers live racing four times a week with allowances being made for other races and is a well known venue for horse racing in New Mexico.

On 16 March 2008, spectators, horses, jockeys, owners and trainers will be getting ready for a day of magnificent horse racing, with the WinStar Derby having a generous purse of $600 000. Other racing that takes place on the same day includes the New Mexico Breeders’ Derby ($100 000), the Sunland Park Oaks ($200 000) and the Harry W. Henson Breeders’ Cup Handicap for mares and fillies ($150 000). The WinStar Derby has secured its place as a premier racing event, as many of the country’s leading horses are brought to this spectacular race to challenge the competition and take home the prize money.

Spectators will not only be spellbound by the beauty of the horses and the thrill of the races, but will find ample refreshments and activities to keep them occupied throughout the day. Of course, if anyone is not having any luck with wagering on the horses, they are always welcome to try their hand at the slot machines of the Sunland Park Racetrack Casino.