Racino racing license intact for now

RATON, N.M. (KRQE) - Raton's troubled racino will hold onto its racing license for now.

The New Mexico Racing Commission decided Wednesday to appoint a third party to hear both sides before making a recommendation to the commission about what to do next. The decision keeps the $50 million dollar La Mesa Racetrack and Casino in the same place for the time being.

Michael Moldenhauer, the Canadian developer behind the project, decided not to comment but let his attorney talk to the media after the meeting.

"This is fantastic, the last thing we want is the commission to make some rash decision," attorney Sam Bregman said. "We're going to show that this means jobs, economic development, we're going to show that Mr. Moldenhauer has been moving in the right direction all along."

La Mesa could lose its racing license because it is nearly impossible to support a racetrack without the money a casino brings in. In May, the state Gaming Control Board yanked La Mesa's gaming license because developers missed repeated deadlines to open up the casino.

A crowd of about 30 Raton racetrack and casino supporters attended the racing commission meeting Wednesday morning. Many said they are still holding out hope.

"I think it's fine," Raton resident Chuck Hill said. "I think we'll end up getting racing in Raton. I'm not giving up, I'll never give up."

Others believe time is running out.

"It's a step forward but someone has to step up to the plate," resident Ervin Ulibarri said.

There is no date set yet on when the commission will hear from that third-party officer.

Developers of the racino have also appealed the gaming commission decision. A hearing is set for late August on that matter.

A busload of more than 50 Raton residents attended the Gaming Control Board meeting Tuesday in Albuquerque to voice their support for the racino. Many residents said the economy there needs it and that there has been a lot of interest from people in northern New Mexico and surrounding states. Many of those people stayed overnight and attended Wednesday's meeting.

"This is something that will help us start getting our pride [back] and maybe getting other industries moving in with us," Hill said.