NM RACING COMMISSION GETS EARFUL FROM TRACKS
At the regular NM Racing Commission meeting held last Thursday, July 18, while hearing testimony on whether or not to issue a new racetrack license, four of the five existing tracks told the commission that a sixth license would hurt racing in New Mexico. The New Mexico Horsemen’s Association, New Mexico Horse Breeders’ Association, the Jockey Guild all were in favor of a sixth license.
We hope the commission remembers that this is the same state industry that has the worst record for killing or maiming racehorses in the U.S. Many of those horses had been given illegal drugs to reduce pain, so that they would run on damaged limbs. It would also help to remember how the Zeta drug cartel infiltrated the state racing industry, and bragged about fixing the 2010 quarter horse All American Futurity race in Ruidoso in 2010.
The tracks were all in favor of reducing the number of races run in the state, regardless of whether or not a new track was opened. Their real money is made on the slots, and the tracks are often a loss-leader for the slots. I picture the day when the racetracks will only have one stuffed horse mounted on a pedestal in front of the casino, but more and more slots. It all points to a casino with an equestrian theme.
