Race Dates and Raton Updates
The Horsemen attended the NMRC meeting in Raton yesterday, June 24th. The groundbreaking was a success, due to the excellent crowds, as well as the attendance of Governor Bill Richardson.The Governor commended all involved in efforts to approve and construct the new Racetrack in Raton.
Race Dates were tabled until the next meeting, which will be held on July 15th in Ruidoso.
Race Dates were tabled until the next meeting, which will be held on July 15th in Ruidoso.



I would just like to comment on race dates. It does not seem to matter on how long a meet really is as long as the number of races is not impacted drastically. If New Mexico goes to 3 days FRI/SAT/SUN racing, please make the number of races each day 12-14 to make up for the lost day. We can do that. Weekends only might really be a good thing to go to. Horses can get some rest that way as well. I think that the Horsemen and the Breeders Associations need to get together to find a way to get more interest in racing and expand slots. There has to be something we can do. But I think a 3 day week with more races each day may work. As it is now it is hard enough to get into a race without cutting the number of races. Look at Japan, weekends only works really well for them. The yearling sale was up 15% this past week. Also how can we get more buyers to our sales? Is there an answer out there? Pretty soon we wont have any with with way the sales consignment fees and preps are going.
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La Mesa park for many years ran Fri-sat-Sunday. the card were i believe 12 races on Friday 14 Saturday and Sunday. this was to accommodate all of the out of town fans.the only problem i saw was a sharp drop off on Sunday afternoon as they had to leave after 6 or 7 races to go home.with the better road toward Clayton i think it may still be viable.
we are killing far less Texans now on the clayton road even with good traffic numbers.
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we are starting to see heavy equipment moving dirt here.cantainment berms are in place as well. i am buying dust masks.hope i need them!
I will try and update as needed
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The decision to have a new track at Raton was decided after the move to Moriarty was approved.It appears this move will not happen. If the management group at Raton is this disorganized at this point in time, how will they run the business if it ever gets done. Maybe it's time to reconsider the license at Raton before it's to late.
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while the local economy is not great and Colorado's is expected to lag for awhile,i too am impatient on La Mesa but as i took the time to research moldenhauer's different projects i feel very strongly that when it is done it will be a showcase. From the facility (casino) the infield,the backdrop and management. only Zia (moriaity?) have had the chance to build out a facility in New Mexico from the ground up.while i cannot speak as to zia after going over these plans i think Raton will be a fantastic facility and with the other attractions in the area become a destination place. Cougar Canyon in Trinidad when finished will be a major golf destination. as a local business owner i can see nothing but good in the areas future . This bodes good for the horses and horsemen as well. i wish that we could have table games as well!
The colors started changing here two weeks ago i wish you all could see the area now!!!!!
kirtland construction is now hiring to work some more on the Clayton road . The old gas station in Des Moines has sold to undergo major renovations to be ready for increased traffic to Raton .
thru the years too many accidents happened on that road. when all of Nafta's provisions kick in the Dept. of Transporttaion expects a higher traffic count on it than there is on I-25 now .Raton has several fairly new motels new ones in Trinidad include a La Quinta as well as a holiday express.
cougar canyon is 1/3 of the way finished on the resort motel as well.
I also expect Moldenhauer to outside the racetrack/casino to build a out an upscale housing development. the only area we may lack in is trained workers and housing for them. i think anyone that knows someone in developing mobile/rv parks could get in at the ground level on that.
The interstate over & through Trinidad is progressing as well looks good so far.
while i consider home prices high in Raton they are probably not high compared to other areas. my brother Jack has been here with us for several years and is doing great he has really helped with our business.he is quite the handy man .
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