Racino license still in limbo

Representatives from Raton, Tucumcari and Lordsburg told New Mexico racing commissioners on Thursday they are interested in applying for the state's sixth racino license, even though discussion of that license had been removed from the meeting agenda.

The long-delayed and still unfinished La Mesa Racetrack in Raton earlier this week appealed the loss of its racing license to the state Supreme Court, putting the availability of that license in limbo.

An unnamed group has also expressed interest in opening a racino in Clovis.

It's still unclear when or if racing commissioners will begin accepting applications.

Commission Chair Robert M. Doughty III said the issue was discussed in executive session with legal counsel, but no decisions were made.

Doughty said Supreme Court action will determine if the license is placed on next month's agenda.

Warren Frost, Quay County Gaming Authority executive director, said it was disappointing the status of the license was not discussed.

However, he said the authority understands the commission must wait for this latest litigation to be completed before it can proceed.