Ruidoso Downs race track and casino threatens to go to Las Cruces (again)

[rabs]

And the communities of Ruidoso and Ruidoso Downs freak out :scared: and :cry:

Well, not yet. Hubbard has made this threat before.

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Hubbard ups the ante: Ruidoso Downs Race Track applies to move operations to Las Cruces -
Posted: 11/17/2009 09:35:59 PM MST


Ruidoso Downs Race Track is seeking permission from the New Mexico Racing Com-mission to move the track to Las Cruces for the 2011 racing season.

Racing Commission Director Julian Luna officially received the letter of request Monday morning from Ruidoso Attorney Billy Blackburn, who represents track interests.

Ruidoso Downs track and casino officials have inquired about suitable property in the Las Cruces area for a new operation.

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It is estimated that 40 percent of the Ruidoso-area jobs are directly or indirectly connected to Ruidoso Downs and the Billy the Kid Casino. The estimated negative economic impact on the Ruidoso area could be $45 million per year if the track and casino move.

"If the track were to leave, it would be devastating to the Ruidoso Downs area," Ruidoso Downs Mayor Tom Armstrong said on July 2, 2008.

"The racetrack is a major part of our economy," Ruidoso Mayor L. Ray Nunley said at the same time.

In 2007, the latest year for which figures are available, 242,000 visitors passed through the casino and track. More than 80 percent of those visitors were from out of state.

During racing season, the casino and track employ 450 workers, most of whom live, rent or maintain real estate in the track area and surrounding communities.

More

http://www.ruidosonews.com/ruidoso-breaking_news/ci_13811678

[comanchero]

1. When Pigs Fly

The Racetrack/Casino at Anthony would be too close. The Gaming Commission not the Racing Commission would approve that. And Mr. Hubbard knows that. He is after some type of a handout.

Maybe he could take it to Raton, the one just approved there seems to be going nowhere fast.