PROVIDENCE FORGE, Va. (AP) — Virginia’s only pari-mutual wagering horse track says it will close Nov. 1 unless the state racing commission approves a contract with a new horsemen’s group.
The Richmond Times-Dispatch (http://bit.ly/1oI4yVS ) reports that the threat issued Saturday by Colonial Downs comes after an impasse between the New Kent County track and the Virginia Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association.
No racing took place at the track because of the dispute.
Without an agreement, the track and the state’s off-track betting parlors can’t accept any wagers on thoroughbred racing until a deal is reached.
Colonial Downs wants fewer races with higher purses, while the state’s horsemen say they need more races to make owning, training and running horses worth their while.
The Virginia Racing Commission meets Oct. 15 to take up the issue.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
