Options Dwindle for Massachusetts Racing
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By Lynne Snierson
As live racing at Suffolk Downs winds down for the season, and likely forever, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission is seeking options for the continuation of Thoroughbred racing in the state. But the commissioners are up against deadline since applications for 2015 dates are due Oct. 1.
The commissioners, who called keeping live racing alive "one of their highest priorities" during an open public hearing Sept. 25, decided to allow applications which they termed as "placeholders" as long as they paperwork indicates the intent to hold a race meet. They then directed MGC's legal team to review current legislation governing racing to determine where the commission may have administrative flexibility on the matter of completed applications to be submitted at a later date.
The MGC decided Sept 16 to favor Wynn Resorts over Mohegan Sun and its partner Suffolk Downs when granting the sole destination resort casino license designated for the Boston area. The owners of the 79-year-old racetrack then declared live racing would no longer be economically feasible and the track would shutter its doors.
Suffolk's chief operating officer, Chip Tuttle, said the owners will not apply for 2015 dates. The last day of racing is Oct. 4 and the building will remain open for simulcasting until sometime in December.
George Carney and his son, Chris, the owners of the idle Brockton Fairgrounds, have extended the welcome mat to the Thoroughbred horsemen and said they will apply for a 60-day meet in 2015. The track, which last held a fair meet in 2001, has a five-furlong main track, no turf course, and stalls for about 200 horses.
Meanwhile, the New England chapter of the Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association is exploring possible avenues for leasing Suffolk Downs.
At the hearing, the commissioners also discussed ways in which the Thoroughbred industry's 75% share of future monies in the state's Race Horse Development fund might be distributed to help horsemen and breeders.
They also received an update on efforts by the Massachusetts Division of Labor and Workforce's Rapid Response Team and Suffolk Downs to assist track employees facing layoffs and to help other industry stakeholders affected by the track's closure.