Clovis may soon welcome a racino of its own as the New Mexico Racing Commission (NMRC) moves forward with supporting a proposal to transfer the SunRay Park racino license from Farmington to the eastern New Mexico city. The decision represents a significant step in the regulatory process, though not final approval. NMRC Executive Director Ismael “Izzy” Trejo explained that Thursday’s meeting marked only one stage in a lengthy procedure leading to a potential relocation.

Plans for a 200-Acre Racino Complex

Trejo reportedly told EverythingLubbock.com that the next step involves a formal public hearing in Clovis. The exact date has not been set, though NMRC Chair Billy Smith has indicated it is likely to take place within the next few weeks. The hearing will provide residents and stakeholders a chance to weigh in before the commission makes its final determination.

The proposed facility would sit on a 200-acre site east of Clovis, just off U.S. 60/84. Plans for the project 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.

“What’s proposed is a big improvement for racing,” said Paul Blanchard, President of SunRay Park and Casino. He emphasized that the decision to relocate is driven by racing economics, not dissatisfaction with Farmington. “I like Farmington, it has nothing to do with Farmington. It has to do with the fact that we’re down 17 days. We have days up there where we literally have zero amount bet.”

According to Blanchard, moving operations to Clovis provides a stronger market opportunity and the potential to revitalize the state’s racing calendar. He estimated that the project could generate around $14 million annually in state tax revenue, significantly boosting local and regional tourism.

The NMRC acknowledged that Farmington has faced headwinds, including stiff competition from nearby tribal casinos, which has reduced wagering activity at SunRay Park. “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. There are no tribal lands or tribal casinos around there, whereas at SunRay Park in Farmington there are, I believe, two tribal casinos close by,” said Trejo.

He added, “So, it’ll give the industry, as far as the horse racing industry goes, potentially room for growth and sustainability.” The commission believes the relocation could also increase purse money and allow for more race days each season. If approved, racing at the new Clovis racetrack is projected to begin in spring 2027.

However, the potential move has sparked concern in San Juan County. County Manager Mike Stark expressed frustration over the late notice about the relocation plans, warning that Farmington could lose approximately 120 jobs. “It would have an extremely huge economic impact. The loss of 120 jobs and the families that would be affected by that job loss, first and foremost,” Stark said.

Local Response in Clovis and Beyond

In Clovis, the proposal has been met with enthusiasm. Mayor Mike Morris welcomed the potential development, describing it as a sign of investor confidence in the city’s growing market. “I’m a free market guy. I’m pro business,” Morris said. Reflecting on the NMRC’s previous debates over a sixth racino license years ago, he criticized the commission’s past handling but praised the professionalism behind the current effort.

“(T)his is a seasoned professional New Mexican businessman seeing Clovis as somewhere he wants to invest and grow,” Morris wrote in a message. “The gentleman knows his business, knows the proper ways to approach moving his license, and how to handle all of this. I’m happy that he’s assessed Clovis as a great opportunity. We’re working to make Clovis a community that attracts investment and it’s working.”

While excitement builds in Clovis, not all share the optimism. Attorney Warren Frost, who previously represented Tucumcari in its unsuccessful push for a new racino license, called the development “disappointing.” “It doesn’t surprise me,” Frost said. “We worked for 20 years … to get a racetrack in Tucumcari.”

Currently, the proposal is in the public comment phase. Residents and industry stakeholders have 45 days to submit their views to the NMR. Once the comment period ends, the commission will review all feedback and issue a final ruling on whether to approve the license transfer.

The Farmington-to-Clovis transition would mark a major restructuring of New Mexico’s horse racing industry. The state currently has five racinos, and the Clovis project would relocate—rather than add—a license. For the NMRC, the focus remains on long-term industry sustainability, market balance, and opportunities for economic development across the state.

If approved, Clovis could become New Mexico’s newest hub for gaming and horse racing, opening its track to the public in 2027 and potentially redefining the landscape of racing in the state.