NEHBPA Files Application to Operate Suffolk
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By Lynne Snierson
Although the road remains long and winding, the New England affiliate of the Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association took one more important step toward the restoration of live racing at Suffolk Downs in 2015 by filing a supplemental application for a 65-day meet on Nov. 24.
NEHBPA officials delivered the amended application, which now supersedes the "placeholder" application for one day of live racing that was filed on Oct. 1, to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.
But since the horsemen have yet to reach agreement on a deal that would allow them to lease Suffolk from track ownership to run the meet, the granting of the 65-day license by the MGC remains contingent upon the outcome of ongoing negotiations.
If the horsemen are able to lease the track and host a meet, they would qualify for simulcasting rights under terms of current state statute, which requires a minimum of 65 days of live racing at a one-mile Thoroughbred track.
Suffolk Downs chief operating officer Chip Tuttle told The Blood-Horse last week that the track is attempting to find a way to stay open for simulcasting in 2015 to preserve about 100 jobs while owners prepare to have the property developed.