Fans remain unable to wager on Kentucky Derby at New Mexico racetracks

The way Don Cook sees it, horse racing fans are the ones getting punished. For the third consecutive year, the Kentucky Derby will not be available for simulcast wagering at racetracks around the state (although the race can still be broadcast). It stems from a back-and-forth dispute between the New Mexico Racing Commission, the state’s regulatory body, and the New Mexico Horsemen’s Association, which represents the state’s owners and trainers.

“I feel sorry for horse racing fans,” Cook, the director of racing at the Downs of Albuquerque, said Friday. “They’re the ones who keep this industry alive. They’re the ones being hurt the most.

” They aren’t the only ones. With fans being directed to make their wagers through online platforms such as Twin Spires or to go out of state on the biggest horse racing date on the calendar, the money that would come into the racetracks, NMRC and NMHA on Saturday now goes elsewhere. According to Cook, Albuquerque Downs would normally handle close to $800,000 for the Kentucky Derby.

For the third straight year, it won’t. Same with Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino, Zia Park in Hobbs and SunRay Park in Farmington. Notably, New Mexico native Mike Smith is going for a Derby record as the oldest jockey to win the event.