Family wants to bring racing, casino to small town

Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2003 | 9:31 a.m.

RATON, N.M. -- A Raton family wants to bring horse-racing back to the northern New Mexico community of about 7,200 with a track, a casino and an equestrian training center.

"Everybody wants something positive around here for a change," Stan Lark said. "We don't think it will be the solution to the town's economic situation, but it could be the start."

Coal has been a major employer in Raton, but last year the York Canyon mine closed, costing about 130 jobs.

Lark, who has owned a lube business, said the closure devastated the town's spirit.

"The whole town is searching for something," he said. "It's pretty hard to keep watching businesses close. We thought we would try and do something."

Lark, 62, and his son-in-law Albert Moe propose an $11.5 million development through their newly formed company, Rocky Mountain Racing Corp.

They would need a license from the state Racing Commission to offer racing and slot machines.

If the company gets approval, a 1,200-seat indoor facility would be built for a track that could start with a racing season of 40 to 46 days, Moe said. It would offer simulcast racing year-round, he said.

The proposed casino would have about 400 slot machines, he said.

The development would include two restaurants, up to 24 cabins, a miniature golf course and an arcade east of La Mesa Park across Interstate 25.