October 9, 1959
A ribbon cutting ceremony today officially opened a fall and winter racing season at the new Sunland Park horse track in the Upper Valley.
Several thousand El Paso residents and visitors watched – and many wagered on – 10 thoroughbred and quarter horse races on the inaugural card.
Gates were opened at 9 a.m. at the $3 million plant. The ribbon cutting ceremony took place just before post time, 1 p.m., in front of the big grand stand. A clergyman delivered the invocation.
Paul Woofter of Socorro, chairman of the New Mexico Racing Commission, cut the ribbon to inaugurate the plant. Former Governor Edwin L. Mechem, numerous state officials, and more than 70 out of town press representatives were present.
“We are proud to welcome the people of the Southwest and visitors from many parts of the nation,” President John C. McCormack of Fortuna, Inc., owning and operating company, said. “It looks as if we are getting off to a fine start.”
U.S. Senator Clinton P. Anderson and family were to arrive late today for the inaugural weekend.
Sunland, six miles from El Paso, is in New Mexico.
Two former El Paso County jockeys, who have won national fame, rode at Sunland today. They are Milo Valenzuela, 24, and Angel Valenzuela, 30. Both were introduced to a crowd of 100 press representatives at an “Inaugural Steaks” breakfast today t the Hilton Hotel.
“We think Sunland is a fine track,” Angel Valenzuela said. “We hope to come back and race here from time to time. Milo and I take part in the same races, but we’re out to beat each other.”
Milo, who won the Kentucky derby and the Preakness on Tim Tam in 1958 and ran second in the Belmont Stakes, recalled that he and his older brother got their first experience at Cowboy Park in the Lower Valley in 1946.
Races will be held on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Jan. 17.
Great ! Congratulations for the successful Ribbon Cutting Opening of Inaugural Sunland Racing Season. Thanks for sharing. I like your post, very informative and keep posting !
Posted by: Death Race | May 25, 2011 at 08:57 PM