Quarantine Lifted at Sunland Park

The outbreak of equine herpesvirus that closed Sunland Park and eventually led to the decision to revamp its racing program was pronounced officially over March 9 after all facilities at the New Mexico track were cleared from quarantine.



The track began quarantine procedures Jan. 21 and canceled racing from Jan. 22-Feb. 26.



As a result of the racing disruption caused by the disease outbreak, in which 73 horses tested positive for EHV-1, Sunland Park has effectively canceled this year's editions of the Sunland Derby (gr. III) and the Sunland Park Oaks, both significant points races for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) and the Longines Kentucky Oaks (gr. I).

BALAN: Sunland Park Cancels Derby, Oaks



Sunland Park director of racing Dustin Dix said earlier this week two 3-year-old races will still be run March 20 at the New Mexico track, but they will be under a different name. The race for males will have its purse dropped from $800,000 to $415,000—and won't run as a graded event—and the race for fillies will stay steady with a purse of $200,000. Niether race will offer points toward qualifying for the Kentucky Derby or Kentucky Oaks.