For those interested...

R.D. Hubbard has been selected by the New Mexico Racing Commission to build and operate a new horse racetrack and casino in Hobbs, New Mexico.

Hubbard is the majority owner in the Zia Park partnership that also includes Ruidoso Downs president Bruce Rimbo, Ed Allred, the owner of the Los Alamitos racetrack in California horse racing circles and Paul Blanchard, the president of the Downs at Albuquerque.

Zia Park's application calls for 300 machines.

The casino is expected to open November 2004 and racing to begin in 2005.