Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
As expected because of a pending lawsuit, the New Mexico Racing Commission during its regular meeting Thursday declined to take action on whether to award a sixth racetrack license.
A court hearing is scheduled for April 4 on an injunction request from the Lordsburg license applicant.
Principals for the proposed Hildalgo Downs racetrack in Lordsburg filed the request in late November, days before the racing commission was scheduled to award a license to applicants from Tucumcari, Clovis or Lordsburg vying to build a horse-racing track and casino at their respective sites.
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.
Coronado Partners proposes building a nearly $80 million facility between Interstate 40 and Route 66 on Tucumcari’s east side.
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 racing commission’s next regular meeting is scheduled for March 21. The first regularly scheduled meeting after the court date is April 18.