Suffolk Downs, NEHBPA Reach Agreement
Officials of Sterling Suffolk Racecourse LLC and the New England affiliate of the Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association announced today that they have reached an agreement for the horsemen to lease the racetrack for live racing in 2015-2016.
“We are optimistic that our horsemen will be able to race at Suffolk Downs and the local breeders may remain in business for the next two years. We are thankful for the wisdom, cooperation, and hard work of all the parties involved,” said NEHBPA President Anthony Spadea, who represents about 900 Thoroughbred owners and trainers. “We still have several steps to accomplish to ensure that the Massachusetts Thoroughbred industry, which has an annual economic impact of $116.5 million, remains viable.”
The two-year licensing deal is subject to the passage of enabling legislation to extend racing and simulcasting in Massachusetts within the next few weeks. The current law sunsets March 31.
Approval of the agreement by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission is also required.
“While we focus on the future development of Suffolk Downs, we're gratified that we have been able to reach an agreement with the New England HBPA on an interim solution that will keep people working as the horsemen pursue their long term plans and as we explore development options” said Chip Tuttle, the chief operating officer of Suffolk Downs.
The commissioners have granted the NEHBPA a one-day placeholder license to conduct live racing, and the completion of the deal with Suffolk Downs will be a major step forward in their consideration of the horsemen’s subsequent application to conduct a live race meet this year.
The duration of the 2015 Thoroughbred season has yet to be determined. Based on the agreement between Suffolk Downs and the NEHBPA, it may be from one live racing day up to 50 days, depending upon the MGC’s final approval as well as the distribution of funding for purses from the state.
The potential restoration of live racing at the 80-year-old landmark will protect hundreds of direct and non-direct Thoroughbred industry jobs in the Commonwealth while preserving the 62 breeding farms and 6,650 acres of open green space in the state-wide agricultural network.
Source: Suffolk Downs Press Release