PURSE BOOST AT ZIA PARK FOR 2008 FALL SEASON
HOBBS, New Mexico (May 12, 2008)
– An impressive purse increase that is
expected to raise the average daily purse distribution to more than $300,000
guarantees that the premier racehorses from throughout the Midwest and western
United States will be racing at Zia Park this fall.
The fourth season at the Hobbs, New Mexico track starts a 53-date season on
September 13 and continues through December 9. Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse
racing runs on a Saturday through Tuesday weekly schedule. There will also be a
special program on Friday, November 28, the day after Thanksgiving. The popular
12:15 p.m. daily post time will run for the entire season.
Last year, overall the average daily purse distribution was $240,000 and the
projected boost to $300,000 represents a 17.9-percent increase. Overnight purses
averaged $170,000 each racing day last year and are expected to reach $200,000
per day this year for an increase of 14 percent. “This shows our exceptional
growth and how the horsemen and the local community benefits from racing at Zia
Park,” said assistant general manger Rick Baugh. Older New Mexico-bred allowance
horses will be competing for $39,700 purses and state-bred $5,000 claiming
horses will be running for $15,400 purses.