For Immediate Release

San Juan County Commission Moves to Request Review of NM Gaming Commission Decision

Petition to be filed in District Court

Aztec, NM—Following Tuesday’s San Juan County Commission meeting, Commissioners have directed staff to seek judicial review of the New Mexico Gaming Commission’s decision to relocate Western Gaming’s horse racing and casino license to Clovis, NM.

On February 10, 2026, the New Mexico Gaming Commission approved a requested relocation of the racing license issued to Western Gaming to operate SunRay Park & Casino. The request by Western Gaming would end San Juan County’s long heritage of horse racing at a county-owned facility.

San Juan County Commissioners believe there was not a full and fair opportunity to participate in the proceedings before the decision. As a result, the proceedings were fatally flawed.

“We intend to continue to fight for the families of San Juan County by keeping jobs, families, and a positive economic impact here,” said San Juan County Commission Chair Sam Gonzales.

San Juan County will file a petition to ask a district court judge to review the decision to approve the relocation of the Western Gaming racing license.

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. San Juan County is committed to continuing to honor the terms of the lease until it expires.

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.

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