Foreman confirms 146 days of racing for Maryland...
MRC emergency meeting this afternoon to ratify...
Gov. O'Malley statement forthcoming...
Officials: Maryland Has Deal for 2011 Dates
By Tom LaMarra
Posted: Wednesday, December 22, 2010 11:52 AM
Maryland racing interests and governor’s office will announce later Dec. 22 that a deal has been reached to offer a full 146-day live racing schedule in the state. Officials with Penn National Gaming Inc. and the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association said Dec. 22 there is a deal, and that Gov. Martin O’Malley is involved.
O'Malley convened a meeting the morning of Dec. 22 in the hopes of hammering out a deal, and later issued a statement. “I am pleased to announce that an agreement has been reached, and that industry representatives, track owners, horsemen, and breeders were able to come together to reach a consensus that will allow for a full season of racing in 2011," O'Malley said.
Maryland THA general counsel Alan Foreman, speaking on the “At the Races With Steve Byk” Show the morning of Dec. 22, said agreements were being finalized. “I’m pleased we got this done,” Foreman said. “I think this could be wrapped up by the end of the day.”
The MRC is expected to hold an emergency meeting Dec. 22 to award the dates for 2011. It appears Laurel Park will open as scheduled in early January. A PNGI official also indicated a deal was done, and that details would be forthcoming.