Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Pueblo seeks to reopen Santa Fe horse racetrack

ALBUQUERQUE -- Pojoaque Pueblo has applied to the state Racing Commission to reopen The Downs at Santa Fe, which the tribe bought in 1996 and closed the following year.

The pueblo, which submitted the application Tuesday, wants to open the horse racetrack in 2007, said commission deputy director Julian Luna.

The pueblo wants to install hundreds of slot machines at the track, Pojoaque Pueblo Gov. George Rivera said Monday.

"The reopening of the Santa Fe (track) is good, sound economic development for the state and Santa Fe County," he said.

Before opening the track, the tribe needs approval from the commission and the state Gaming Control Board, which oversees slot gambling for the state.

The commission must hold hearings before deciding whether to grant the tribe's request, Luna said.

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