MA Senate Approves Simulcast Deal for Suffolk
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By Lynne Snierson
Suffolk Downs, which did not apply for live racing dates in 2015 and was slated for closure on Dec. 31, will be allowed to remain open for simulcasting only under the terms of a bill that cleared the Massachusetts Senate Dec. 29.
Senate Bill 2421, which was sponsored by state Sen. Anthony Petruccelli (D-East Boston), would let Suffolk continue with simulcasting until July 31, 2016, without hosting live racing. Under existing state law, the track is required to run a minimum 65 days of live racing each year in order have simulcasting.
Track management announced in September that the 2014 meet, which ended on Oct. 4, would be its last after gaming partner Mohegan Sun was bypassed for the lone Boston-area resort casino license. Suffolk's simulcasting rights were due to sunset on Dec. 31.
Chip Tuttle, Suffolk's chief operating officer, said that about 100 jobs would be preserved if the track remains open for simulcasting.
Petruccelli said that the two-year simulcasting extension will give the track's ownership group more time to develop long-term plans for the racetrack grounds.
Meanwhile, the New England Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association is trying to work out an agreement with the owners to lease the property and conduct live racing in 2015 and has filed a "placeholder" dates application with the gaming commission.
SB 2421 now moves on to the House of Representatives for action.