Sam Houston to Run Shorter Thoroughbred Meet in 2023

Sam Houston Race Park intends to run a shorter 43-day Thoroughbred meet when its season begins in January, Dwight Berube, the track's general manager and vice president of operations, told the Texas Racing Commission during its monthly meeting Aug. 24. 

The track handled more than $103 million during what was a scheduled 50-day meet early this year, but betting is expected to drop sharply in 2023 if an impasse continues between the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority and the TRC. The TRC claims only it can regulate pari-mutuel wagering in the state under the Texas Racing Act.

When HISA oversight began over most racing states in early July, a general order by the TRC ceasing Thoroughbred simulcast export was issued, denying HISA's jurisdiction in Texas. "This will likely remain in place for the foreseeable future," TRC chairman Robert Pate said.

Last month betting plummeted during Lone Star Park's Thoroughbred race meet after the track's export of its signal to simulcast centers and advance wagering deposit platforms ceased. Texas tracks have continued to import signals.

"We have not yet designed the stakes program or figured out all the details surrounding the meet. But within a week, I would say you will probably receive our application," Berube said before requesting flexibility for Sam Houston if plans regarding simulcast export change.

Berube told BloodHorse after the TRC meeting the track's stakes schedule could be finalized within a couple of weeks, with approximately $10 million slotted for overall meet purses without simulcast export, down from $12 million in 2022.