Track Maintenance Crew Walkout Leads To Race Cancellation At Albuquerque
Downs at Albuquerque photo
Thursday’s first race at The Downs Racetrack & Casino in Albuquerque, N.M., was cancelled after the track maintenance crew walked off the job. Sources in Albuquerque told the Paulick Report track safety has been an ongoing issue and that the maintenance crew, headed by Paul Martinez, has been stymied by management from acquiring needed materials and equipment.
“We got a call that the track crew walked off,” confirmed Vince Mares, the New Mexico Racing Commission’s executive director. “Our understanding is they were not allowed to finish getting the track ready for the races, so the crew said it was unsafe and chose to walk off.”
Mares said the dispute appeared to be more of a “human resources-type issue” and that it was settled, allowing for the balance of the nine-race program of Quarter horse and Thoroughbred events to be completed. A number of jockeys took off mounts, however, necessitating 23 late rider changes.
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“The track maintenance crew is back,” Mares said, just after the Thursday’s second race was run. “They are getting it ready. We are looking into this as a commission, and will talk with the maintenance crew and look into their complaints.”
Mares said the racing commission has had issues with stable area conditions at the Albuquerque track but that “they were resolved to the best of our knowledge.” He said the commission has not found fault with the condition of the racing surface.
A longtime New Mexico horseman who spoke on the condition of anonymity, brought the incident to the attention of the Paulick Report. “In the history of racing I’ve never seen a track crew walk out,” he said. “They have no materials to put in the track to keep it safe. There is no fuel left for the equipment. The casino owners don’t want to put any money into racing. Trainers are moving out to Ruidoso or Farmington."
Don Cook, manager of racing at The Downs, could not be reached for comment and did not respond to messages.
