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GLPI to Acquire Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino Property

SUN_Entrance_ES
©Elle Summers

According to the El Paso Times, Gaming and Leisure Properties Inc. (GLPI), a Pennsylvania-based company that owns casino properties nationwide, has agreed to purchase the real estate assets of Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino in Sunland Park, New Mexico, for $183.75 million. The deal is expected to close Oct. 15.

The operating assets, including the casino machines, are being acquired separately by Strategic Gaming Management, which has already been managing the facility for the current owners. A GLPI spokesperson confirmed Strategic’s role to the El Paso Times.

The 65-year-old racetrack and casino has been owned for about 25 years by the family of Stan Fulton, a gaming entrepreneur who died in 2018. His children have continued to operate the facility, though the GLPI news release announcing the acquisition did not mention the current ownership.

Peter Carlino, GLPI’s chairman and CEO, said in a statement that the acquisition allows the company to diversify its portfolio while supporting the growth strategy of Strategic Gaming. The property “has underutilized acreage that provides significant expansion and performance uplift opportunities,” Carlino said.

Strategic Gaming, a company founded 15 years ago by CEO Grant Lincoln, entered into partnership with GLPI in May 2024 when GLPI acquired casino real estate in South Dakota and Nevada. Beyond its GLPI-related ventures, little information about Strategic is publicly available, and the company does not appear to have a website, the El Paso Times reported.

The Sunland Park facility, located just west of El Paso near the Texas-New Mexico border, includes a 1-mile thoroughbred and quarter horse racetrack, a 733-seat grandstand, 737 slot machines, 12 electronic table games, and a 600-person ballroom. A 78-room hotel on the property is operated separately.

Sunland Park is set to begin its 55-day live racing meet in early January 2026, running through early April, according to the New Mexico Racing Commission. Its signature event is the Sunland Derby, a high-profile race for 3-year-old thoroughbreds that offers qualifying points toward the Kentucky Derby.

GLPI, headquartered in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, owns 68 gaming properties in 20 states.

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Speedhorse Stake recap
Saturday 11/08/2025 Stakes Recap: Key Results & Highlights

Two racetracks hosted thrilling Stakes Races today! Here’s a sneak peek at the winners. Stay tuned for the full Stakes Results coming soon!

Los Alamitos
WINNER of the 2025 Town Policy Stakes
ASTRONOMICAL 123 (#8)
g. (Flying Cowboy 123-Singles Cruise, Favorite Cartel)
Breeder: Barry And/Or Janice Sather
Owner: Jo Rae Burns
Trainer: Michael Casselman
Jockey: Ruben Lozano
Remaining Order of Finish: Clareets Boy (#1), Autamatic (#5), Cowboy Bolt (#6), Gimy a Reason (#2), Fourstreakingeagle (#3), Nationalist (#4), Firey Eagle (Vet Scratch)

Lone Star Park
WINNER of the 2025 Texas Hero Juvenile Stakes
CHILITOS WAGON (#5)
f. (Chilitos-Miss Sassy Wagon, PYC Paint Your Wagon)
Breeder: Acosta, Juan
Owner: Omar Acosta
Trainer: Omar Acosta
Jockey: Jorge Alberto Mares, Jr.
Remaining Order of Finish: Kj All of the Marbles (#3), Royal Chil (#7), Cholulaa (#9), Wl Post Malone (#2), Just an Eagle (#10), Go Zippalitas (#4), Pt Chrome Spots (#1), Barbs Captain (#8), Fourcrossnews (#6)

Lone Star Park
WINNER of the 2025 Texas Hero Futurity
SET ON CRUISE (#7)
f. (CRM Livewire-Lindys Sign, Second Painted Sign)
Breeder: Jones, Dan Or Kaye
Owner: Jones, Dan Or Kaye
Trainer: Matt Whitekiller
Jockey: Bryan Candanosa
Remaining Order of Finish: Turnpike Jammer (#2), Old Habits New Tricks (#6), Jackson Davis 747 (#1), I Do Not Recall (#8), Miss Nely (#5), Mrs Pyc Painted Nova (#10), Livewires Apollo (#3), Turbulent (#9), Chile Piquin (#4)

Los Alamitos
WINNER of the 2025 Justanold Love Handicap Stakes
SHAKEN GOIN ON (#2)
f. (Freighttrain B-Shaken Pappasito, Pappasito)
Breeder: James Sills & Abel Flores
Owner: James Sills and Abel Flores
Trainer: Eddie Willis
Jockey: Justine Klaiber
Remaining Order of Finish: Ohana Spirit (#9), Vgk Zigfield Follies (#8), Call Her Perfect (#7), Beach Walk (#10), Heartlande (#5), Brown Kat (#1), Competent (#3), Fairlea Flyin (#6), Quick She Is (#4)

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November 8, 2025
ShawneBugLeo
©Don Shugart
Shawne Bug Leo Passes Away

70 Ranch Performance Horses recently shared the heartbreaking news of the passing of Shawne Bug Leo, a stallion whose influence will be felt for generations to come.

A son of Shawne Bug, Shawne Bug Leo carried forward a powerful lineage and left an enduring mark as both an athlete and sire. With only 664 foals registered, his impact was extraordinary, producing Champions across the country, including a two-time NFR qualifier and numerous winners in rodeo and futurity arenas. His progeny have earned more than $2.46 million, a true testament to the athleticism, heart, and consistency he passed on.

More than a producer of winners, Shawne Bug Leo was known for his strength, intelligence, and the kind, wise eyes that reflected his gentle nature. He was a horse whose quiet presence spoke volumes.

While he may have left this world, his story continues. 70 Ranch Performance Horses has shared that frozen semen will remain available, ensuring that Shawne Bug Leo’s legacy, and the bloodlines he so proudly carried, will continue to shape the future of performance horses.

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November 6, 2025
Gate Works at Los Alamitos
©Myriam Maynard, Speedhorse
GRADE 1 FINALISTS AMONG EIGHT IN TOWN POLICY HANDICAP

A first time stakes winner will be crowned in the running of the $30,000 Town Policy Handicap on Saturday night at Los Alamitos. Eight sophomores will compete in this 400-yard race and while no horse in the field has already won a stakes race, there are several Grade 1 stakes finalists in this event.

J. Francisco Diaz’s Cowboy Bolt is one of those with experience in Grade 1 stakes events. The gelding by Flying Cowboy 123 won his trial to the Los Alamitos Two Million Futurity last December, an effort that earned him a spot in the meet’s richest race. After running in that Grade 1 futurity, the Lindolfo Diaz-trainee has made three appearances this season, his best effort being a fifth-place finish against Lethal Cowboy 123 in the Sgt Pepper Feature on August 23. 

Dunn Ranch LLC’s Firey Eagle is another one with Grade 1 experience after running in the Texas Classic Futurity, which was won by FDD Dreams in November 2024 at Lone Star Park. He picked up an allowance win here on September 27.

Juan Moya’s Nationalist competed in the Restricted Grade 1 Spencer Childers California Breeders Championship Handicap at 400 yards on July 26 and has since posted an allowance win at 350 yards and a second-place finish at 550 yards. 

Edward Melzer Revocable Trust’s Clareets Boy, who was second in the Sgt Pepper Feature, is among the others in this event. Astronomical 123, Gimy A Reason, Fourstreakingeagle and Autamatic will also race.

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November 6, 2025

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