March 2, 2021

Dear Chairman Bregman,

Around the world, the closure of businesses as a result of Covid-19 has disrupted society as we know it. Obviously, this includes racetracks, casinos and all associated industries in New Mexico. 

This past year has worsened the economic conditions that were already causing instability in the racing industry. While the latest health order has allowed us to reopen and begin the important task of purse accumulation, the scale of need across our industry is large. 

The work of the New Mexico Racing Commission has been vital in responding to this need. I would like to express my thanks to yourself, the Racing Commission, staff and industry leaders for demonstrating your commitment to the racing in our state. I especially appreciate your foresight in not focusing on simply getting a race meet open, but instead creating a sustainable racing circuit by ensuring SunRay Park and Ruidoso Downs have an opportunity to produce a well-run, successful meet in the coming months. As you know, our purse account currently sits near zero and with limited occupancy levels across the state, our opportunity to produce purse money is limited. Your willingness and that of Sunland Park to supplemental our meet with Sunland Park purse money is the only reason Ruidoso Downs will be able to host a meet this year. 

As we reopen the racetracks in a phased manner, the support of the Racing Commission and Gaming Control Board will become even more important than ever. The commissions continued commitment to the health of our overall industry is welcome news, and greatly appreciated. 

This is a difficult time for us all, but working together, we will get through it. 

Regards, 

Johnny Trotter