Racing Application Keeps Suffolk Downs' Hopes Alive
REVERE (CBS) -- There's a chance that horse racing may not be over at Suffolk Downs.
In the wake of a state commission's decision to award a casino license for a proposal in Everett over a competing plan in Revere,track officials have said that Saturday will be the last day of live racing. On Wednesday, however, a group applied for a license to race there next year.
The New England Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association submitted an application, stating their intent to race at Suffolk Downs in 2015, longtime trainer Jay Bernardini said.
Bernardini told WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Carl Stevens that Suffolk Downs management seems open to the possibility of some kind of cooperative agreement, and they don't plan on selling the property immediately.
"There's still some details that have to be worked out between Suffolk Downs management, their shareholders and the horsemen's group itself with the intent that we're going to assume more of the responsibility to run the meet," Bernardini said.
The gaming commission also indicated recently they'd show a lot of flexibility as they look at the possibility of keeping racing alive there.
"I think it's extremely realistic right now," he said. "I think there's a very good chance it could transpire."
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