Report: Sam Houston owners consider building new Texas track
The owner of Sam Houston Race Park is in the early stages of plans to open a new racetrack near Austin, Texas.
Thoroughbred Racing Commentary reported that Penn Entertainment officials are looking for property for a new track, which could be in operation in 2030.
“This depends on a number of factors, including approval from the Texas Racing Committee, but I hope it can all be finalized this year,” Penn Entertainment executive Brian Pettigrew told TRC. “We have been looking at locating the track just outside city limits. It's important to get the right business alignments, as the infrastructure in the area is moving fast.”
Pettigrew is a vice president of the company and general manager of Texas operations.
In addition to Sam Houston, Lone Star Park near Dallas is the only other Thoroughbred track in Texas.
Pettigrew said he hopes the Texas legislature will consider legalizing casino-style gaming to support the state's racing industry, according to the report. Such measures have been before the legislature before but have failed to pass.
"We have 1,051 horses stabled at Sam Houston for the current meet, and I believe we have enough horses in training to run three main tracks in the state,” Pettigrew told TRC. “We would like to offer trainers and owners more options. That we do not have any income from casinos or sports gambling affects our purses. Texans often ship horses out to race in New Mexico, Louisiana, Arkansas and Oklahoma – states where they are able to offer better purses due to revenue from other forms of wagering.”
Penn National owns 43 casinos and racetracks in 20 states.
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