The National Thoroughbred Racing Association’s Safety and Integrity Alliance has fully accredited Sunland Park Racetrack in southern New Mexico, following a complete review of all racing operations at the facility.

Last May, Sunland was granted provisional accreditation after the track was found to be in compliance with the majority of standards set forth in the Safety and Integrity Alliance’s code. The track was in need of upgrades in the specific areas of pre-race veterinary inspections, uniform medication regulations, safety equipment and cushioned riding crops, testing for alkalinizing substances, and independent security assessment and training.

However, all areas previously deemed deficient subsequently have been improved to either meet or exceed parameters set forth in the code.

“Sunland Park should be commended for the sustained effort it made to satisfy the standards necessary for alliance accreditation,” said Mike Ziegler, executive director of the Safety and Integrity Alliance. “Many of the areas in question were addressed very quickly, while others took longer due to necessary regulatory changes.”

“The Sunland Park model is a good illustration of the Alliance operating to its fullest effect,” said NTRA president and chief executive officer Alex Waldrop. “The Alliance’s Code of Standards was an essential agent for change during the time that Sunland Park was working diligently with the State of New Mexico to bring its racing regulations into greater uniformity with those in other states.”

Sunland Park is the 19th racing facility in the U.S. and first in New Mexico to receive full accreditation. The other fully accredited tracks are Churchill Downs, Keeneland, Belmont Park, Delaware Park, Hollywood Park, Monmouth Park, Arlington Park, Saratoga Race Course, Calder Race Course, Turfway Park, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Oak Tree at Santa Anita/Santa Anita Park, Fair Grounds, Aqueduct Racetrack, Golden Gate Fields, Woodbine, Pimlico and Canterbury Park.

Sunland Park opens its 77-day Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse meet on December 10.