More Negotiations Underway on Suffolk Downs

Negotiations that could lead to reopening of Suffolk Downs are continuing after track owners proposed the possibility of using money generated from the state's casino industry to help underwrite the cost of running an abbreviated racing season.



In a Jan. 15 letter to the racing division of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, the track owners touched on the Race Horse Development Fund, which was created as part of the 2011 law that allows Las Vegas-style gambling in Massachusetts, according to the Boston Globe.

The law directs a percentage of gaming revenues from the state's casinos and slots parlor to pay for horse racing purses. The Suffolk Downs owners said in their letter that they want to tap into the fund for purses if the track runs a racing season on its own.



Track owners announced in September that they would not apply for a 2015 racing license after their gaming partner, Mohegan Sun, failed to win the competitive bid for the single Boston-area casino license. In the wake of the decision, the horsemen expressed interest in leasing the property.



The Globe reported the state-approved slots parlor at Plainridge Racecourse in Plainville could open as early as this summer, meaning the Race Horse Development Fund could begin receiving millions of dollars.



"We've had good, positive discussions with the horsemen" since sending the letter, said Chip Tuttle, chief operating officer of Sterling Suffolk Racecourse, which owns the historic track in East Boston.



Frank Frisoli Jr., attorney for the horsemen, said his group welcomes the renewed negotiations.



"We're pleased that the owners have come to the table and are talking," he said.