Zia Park Off and Running; Miss Set N Bull Wins First Race at Track

Zia Park is officially off and running after Miss Set N Bull recorded a gate-to-wire win in the first-ever race at the track located near Hobbs, N.M.

Miss Set N Bull covered the 5 1/2-furlong distance in 1:04.40, in a race restricted to New Mexico-breds. Hit On Ice was one length back in second, with Afforce of Course a half-length back for third.

Todd Fincher conditions the winner for Bobby J. McQueen, Davis Moore, and Bobby Yates. Fincher also conditions Affocrce of Course for R.A. Canning.

The winner returned $5, $3, and $3.80. Hit on Ice paid $3.20 and $4.40, and Afforce of Course returned $4.60.

The mixed Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse meet continues through Dec. 4, with racing four days per week. Daily purses are expected to average $230,000.

Zia, constructed at a cost of around $50 million, is the fifth racetrack and casino to open in New Mexico - joining, Ruidoso Downs, Sunland Park, Sun Ray Park, and The Downs at Albuquerque.

Ruidoso Downs owner R.D. 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, and Paul Blanchard, the president of the Downs at Albuquerque.