A large swath of land, some 12 miles to the southwest of downtown Santa Fe, may soon be redeveloped for possible housing and retail space.
The Santa Fe Downs race track was opened at a cost of $5.5 million in the early summer of 1971 and operated with varying degrees of success under two different owners before being sold to the Pueblo of Pojoaque.
The site since then, with its 1-mile oval track now sprouting weeds, has been largely underused, occasionally hosting car shows, concerts, sporting events, and even a flea market.
Pueblo of Pojoaque officials say they would like to redevelop the property at 27475 W. Frontage Road, although specific plans for the 320-acre site have not been announced.
On the day of its opening, more than 11,700 people attended the track, which was hailed for its 10,000-seat grandstand, large number of betting windows, and sunken paddock where quarter horses and thoroughbreds were regularly paraded.
Current structures at the site, including the horse barns and grandstand, will be demolished as part of the redevelopment plan.
When that plan will be announced is not yet known.
