Thursday, July 14, 2005 | 10 a.m.
SANTA FE -- Pojoaque Pueblo, which settled a casino gambling dispute with the state this week, hopes the settlement will let it reopen The Downs at Santa Fe.
But while Pojoaque Pueblo Gov. George Rivera said reopening the track south of Santa Fe would be an economic boost for the state, a spokesman for Gov. Bill Richardson said Tuesday the governor wants to judge the impact of a horse race track opening in September in Hobbs before considering new tracks.
"The governor is pleased with the Pojoaque settlement," spokesman Billy Sparks said. "But he's asked for a study of the Hobbs racetrack. He's looking for more precise information on the economic impact."
Earlier this year, Rivera estimated the Santa Fe track would bring the tribe $23 million a year in profits, help the economy of the capital city area and create 200 jobs.
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