Zia Park Racetrack will open its 2020 Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse race meet on Monday, October 5.

Located in Hobbs, New Mexico, Zia Park was originally scheduled to start a 54-day season on September 21. However, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the track to alter its 2020 dates.

”Unfortunately, our gaming and hotel operations remain closed, and guests will not be able to attend the races at this time due to the state’s COVID-19 restrictions,” Zia Park management said in a Facebook post.

According to a memo sent on September 1 by New Mexico Horsemen’s Association executive director Richard Erhard, Zia Park will conduct live racing three days a week for a total of 36 race dates through December 23. The track’s stable area will open for stall and barn setup on September 10. Horses will be permitted on the grounds starting September 13.

If racetrack casinos are permitted to open by November 1, Zia Park will race four days per week from that point through the remainder of the meet. The NMHA memo also states that the track will run nine races per day, or 10 races per day “if it is in the best interest of Zia Park and the New Mexico Horsemen’s Association.”