According to the Virginia Thoroughbred Association (here), discussions between Colonial Downs and the Virginia Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association (HBPA) have reached an impasse over the issue of racing days.
Colonial, which has run as many as 40 or more days in past years, has proposed to run 12 in 2014 over four weeks. The track ran 25 days in 2013 spread over five weeks, making for a compact meeting.
The HBPA has requested a total of 32 days spread over eight weeks. Under federal law, the HBPA, which represents the state’s horsemen, has the authority to allow, or disallow, simulcast wagering in Virginia; and with its contract with Colonial set to expire on December 31, the HBPA currently maintains that it will shut off the signal on that date. That would prevent Colonial from operating its satellite wagering facilities.
The Virginia Racing Commission is scheduled to meet tomorrow, and the issue of racing days is one of the agenda items.
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