According to numerous sources, the Virginia Racing Commission today told Colonial Downs and the state’s horsemen that it would scrap the 2014 racing season altogether — if the two sides could achieve, by July 1, an agreement that would allow the track’s largely shuttered network of off-track wagering facilities to reopen immediately and would set a 2015 racing season.
The Commission had previously ordered that Colonial Downs run a five-week meet with 25 days of live racing this summer — an order that, after a months-long impasse, Colonial was unwilling to follow. That order reportedly remains in effect, if the sides cannot reach an accord.
The order the Commission adopted today reportedly requires that Colonial conduct 24 days of live racing in 2015, running three days per week for eight weeks. It also calls for Colonial to open its stable facilities for horses to live during the meet and to allow training at the track– both in contrast to recent Colonial proposals which have called for the backside largely to be closed, with horses shipping in to run.
The Commission did not indicate what the consequences would be if the sides could not reach agreement.
It is unclear whether either Colonial Downs or the Virginia Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, which represents the state’s horsemen, will support the Commission proposal.
Thank you racing biz for clarifying some issues in this story. The key here being that if the two sides can each an agreement to set a 2015 horse racing season by July 1st, the off-tracks that are currently closed could re-open immediately for business. That has been the most important issue all along in this dispute…re-opening the off-tracks for wagering. That’s where the money is and that is what the horse wagering public is clamoring for over the past six months. Live racing in Virginia this year is all but history anyway, so why not work towards next year.
The Virginia racing commission is a joke. They don’t have the authority to order anyone to do anything as Ian Stewart stated. The owner has a ton of money and can afford to hold out as long as he wants. The horsemen can either run the meet he wants or find someone to build them a new track. The suggestion that the state will take his property using eminent domain is absurd and will never happen. New Kent Co. is rapidly becoming the bedroom community of Richmond. The horseman better hope he doesn’t decide to bulldoze the whole place. Think he wouldn’t? Have you seen Bay Meadows or Hollywood park lately. Don’t hold your breath waiting for your otb to open anytime soon.
My question is What is the point of all of this? At this point, no one knows exactly what Colonial Downs wants. All of the talk about CD wanting a high-end boutique racing meet is just more propaganda and everyone knows it. What is really needed is gaming and slots, but everyone knows that will never happen when you have a state legislature that is living in the 19th century. So, we are at the point where Colonial needs to sell or relinquish their racing license. Horse race enthusiasts are simply tired of hearing CD object to every single proposal, recommendation or ruling that is put on the table. It’s time to race or get out!
Virginia.
On the wrong side of history.
Again.