Throughout much of the 1960's and 1970's, Sunland Park Racetrack was a gateway to the East and West for top racing talent. Stakes stars like Winsham Lad, Fast Gas, Prince Astro, Nevada Phil and Bold Liz sharpened their skills in the early days at Sunland Park.

The 1980 Riley Allison Futurity winner Bold Ego went on to post a close second to Pleasant Colony in the 1981 Preakness Stakes. The 1985 Riley Allison Futurity reached national prominence with an all-time high record purse of nearly $340,000.

Nationally riding stars Jerry Bailey, Pat Valenzuela, Cash Asmussen and Mike Smith all began their careers at Sunland Park.

Hall of Fame jockey Bill Shoemaker was born in nearby Fabens, Texas. "The Shoe" made a series of appearances at Sunland Park during his career.

Super star trainers Bob Baffert and D. Wayne Lukas each won Quarter Horse stakes races at Sunland Park at the beginning of their careers.