New Mexico horse owners contest changes to purse money, fees

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — An organization that represents race horse owners and trainers is challenging New Mexico regulators over the distribution of some purse money.

Also at issue is the state Racing Commission’s recent decision to halt the collection of fees that fund medical expenses for horsemen and their employees and legislative lobbying efforts.

The New Mexico Horsemen’s Association contends in a recent court filing that commissioners took away a large portion of the group’s funding due to its opposition to using purse money for expenses at the state’s privately owned tracks.

The group also had criticized the commission for canceling some race meets and shortening others.