Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
There may be light at the end of the tunnel regarding the New Mexico Racing Commission awarding a sixth racing license.
The possibility of awarding a sixth license is on the commission’s agenda for the regular meeting Thursday, but it remains unlikely it will take action on that item while a legal matter against it is pending.
However, commission executive director Ismael “Izzy” Trejo said in an email Monday a court hearing is scheduled for April 4 on an injunction request from a Lordsburg license applicant.
Applicants from Tucumcari, Clovis and Lordsburg are vying for the license so a horsetrack and casino can be built at their respective sites. Coronado Partners proposes building a nearly $80 million facility between Interstate 40 and Route 66 on Tucumcari’s east side.
Principals for the proposed Hildalgo Downs racetrack in Lordsburg filed the request in late November, days before the racing commission was to award a license. Hidalgo alleged a feasibility study of the applicants by a New Orleans gaming consultant was flawed and that one of the commissioners had a conflict of interest with one of the Clovis applicants.
Commissioners in December expressed their desire to award a license, but an assistant attorney general admonished them to not do so until the legal matter was resolved.
The meeting Thursday is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. at the commission’s boardroom at 4900 Alameda Blvd. in Albuquerque. About 20 other items are on the commission’s final agenda, released Monday.