New Mexico Racing Commission to Visit Clovis

Written by: Jaymi Firestone

Horse Racing has been a sport since shortly after the Civil War in 1868. British settlers brought horses and horse racing to America. It has since become an American pastime and revenue for states around the country. In the state of New Mexico, there are 6 Horse Racing Licenses available, and in May, Governor Martinez announced that the NM Racing Commission will be awarding the 6th and final license to a deserving applicant. The 5 other racing facilities in the state are located in Farmington, Albuquerque, Ruidoso Downs, Hobbs, and Sunland Park.

Many news sources in the state and surrounding areas have followed the story about the final racing license. This has provided citizens plenty of information about the pros and cons of a racetrack and casino in their area. It has been reported that two of the 3 applications the Racing Commission received for Clovis are from out of city or state, and have big plans for the area. These include one luxury resort that would include a horse racetrack with a moving grand stand, a casino, a luxury hotel, 18-hole golf course, water park, and more. Another entity, is proposing Curry Downs Racetrack and Casino, complete with at least 600 slot machines, several restaurants, etc.

Full House Resorts’ proposed Racino and Hotel

L&M Entertainment’s proposed Racino.

Clovis is the last on the list of public meetings the Racing Commission will attend. Lordsburg hosted them on September 28, Tucumcari is scheduled for Thursday, October 4, and finally Clovis is scheduled tomorrow, October 5, beginning at 10 a.m. Each entity has/will be given the opportunity to present to the commission and citizens what their proposition will include. The state Racing Commission will hear the presentations and will also take public comments about what citizens feel about the potential of the license being awarded to their community.

All members of the community are invited to attend the public presentations beginning at 10 a.m. There will be a time for public comment from those for and against the Racino. It is the opportunity for the NM Racing Commission to hear from Clovis and area residents about their feelings on having a Racetrack and Casino built here.

There are many in opposition of the Racino coming to Clovis, but many are also in favor of the potential, including a group (called Vision 2020) of concerned citizens, who have come together to create an organization in support of the growth they feel a Racino would bring. The group includes Taco Box’s owner, Tom Martin, former mayor, Gayla Brumfield, and owner of Elliott Marketing, Kathy Elliott, among others.

Vision 2020 has organized a Celebration Rally for community members to attend while the state Racing Commission is in town. The rally will feature free hamburgers, BBQ, and tacos for attendees to enjoy. The members of Vision 2020 have asked that all citizens (from Clovis, Portales, and other surrounding towns) in favor of the Racino come to the Clovis Civic Center (801 Schepps Blvd.) at 4 p.m. on Friday, October 5, to celebrate Clovis and welcome the Racing Commission to the area.

It is an opportunity provided for citizens in both Curry and Roosevelt Counties to have their voices heard, and to enjoy free food, courtesy of Vision 2020.