SunRay Park relocation to Clovis blocked by court ruling
Western Gaming’s plan to move its New Mexico racino from Farmington to Clovis has been challenged after a court found the state Racing Commission lacked authority to approve the relocation.
U.S.- Western Gaming’s proposal to move SunRay Park and Casino to Clovis faces a legal challenge that could determine whether the project goes ahead, after District Court Judge Daniel E. Ramczyk ruled that the New Mexico Racing Commission (NMRC) exceeded its authority by approving a relocation licence for the operator earlier this year.
San Juan County commissioners brought the case, arguing that state law does not give the NMRC power to transfer an existing racing licence to another location. Western Gaming President Paul Blanchard said the company will appeal, citing a 60 per cent revenue decline at the Farmington property in recent years.
Under Blanchard’s plans, the Clovis casino would open in September 2027, with live horse racing beginning the following spring. Clovis Mayor Mike Morris has also backed the relocation, arguing that the operator should be able to leave a struggling location.
The move could also change the distribution of racing dates in New Mexico. SunRay Park has held an 18-day meet since 2019, while an NMRC chairman said moving to Clovis could potentially double the number of racing days and substantially increase purse money.
