Fans remain unable to wager on Kentucky Derby at New Mexico racetracks
For the third consecutive year, fans in New Mexico are unable to place wagers on the Kentucky Derby at local racetracks due to an ongoing dispute between the New Mexico Racing Commission and the New Mexico Horsemen’s Association. While the race is still broadcast, simulcast wagering remains blocked, redirecting potential revenue to out-of-state or online platforms. Longtime fans and racetracks like Albuquerque Downs are feeling the financial and emotional impact of the continued restrictions.
- ▪The Kentucky Derby is not available for simulcast wagering at New Mexico racetracks for the third straight year.
- ▪A dispute between the New Mexico Racing Commission and the New Mexico Horsemen’s Association is responsible for the betting ban.
- ▪Albuquerque Downs typically handles nearly $800,000 in wagers on the Kentucky Derby, but will again see no in-person betting this year.
- ▪New Mexico native Mike Smith is competing in the Derby as the oldest jockey aiming for a record win.
- ▪Fans like 85-year-old Mike Chavez are forced to place bets through friends out of state or online platforms like Twin Spires.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
{"@context":"http://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","mainEntityOfPage":"https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/fans-remain-unable-wager-kentucky-030500880.html","headline":"Fans remain unable to wager on Kentucky Derby at New Mexico racetracks","datePublished":"2026-05-02T03:05:00.000Z","dateModified":"2026-05-02T03:05:00.000Z","keywords":["Kentucky Derby","New Mexico","NMRC","NMHA","horse racing","racetracks","Albuquerque Downs","racing commission","Mike Chavez"],"description":"The way Don Cook sees it, horse racing fans are the ones getting punished.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Yahoo Sports.