Coronado Partners are looking to build a racetrack and casino in Tucumcari but has yet to receive approval or rejection by the New Mexico Racing Commission. The stalemate entered litigation and now a ruling has been passed down.
District Court Judge Nancy Franchini affirmed Logan attorney and Coronado Partners principal Warren Frost’s request for a writ of mandamus opposing the commission. A writ of mandamus asks a court to compel another entity to perform its official duties.
Arguments from the New Mexico Racing Commission Director, Ismael “Izzy” Trejo, were rejected by Judge Franchini.
In an eight-page ruling, Franchini wrote: "Mr. Trejo’s opinion that "it just isn’t the right time to consider an application for the sixth racetrack license which does not affect the NMHRC’s duty to issue a decision on the petitioner’s application."
Frost noted that he was pleased with the ruling, stating: "The Commission can choose to issue us a license or deny it. Although we are ready for them to issue us a license so that we can build the racetrack, we have been through this too many times. We will hope for a license but should assume they will deny it."
Frost continued: "The important thing at this point is that if they deny the license, we can then appeal that decision to Judge Franchini. If she finds that the Commission’s reasons for denying the license are invalid, she can order them to issue us a license."
The "racino" Coronado Partners is looking to build would be constructed on Tucumcari’s east side. The location would look to employ 500 people and is projected to generate up to $55m in revenue by 2025.
Trejo has noted that a sixth license would have "negative ramifications" for the New Mexico horse racing industry. He also stated that he has not discussed a sixth license with the commission at this point.
During his testimony, Trejo stated the following: "To issue a license like that is negligent to the industry."
The commission will have to either approve or reject Coronado Partners' request within 90 days.
