Horse Racing Ceases Statewide; Lonestar Park Releases Statement
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GRAND PRAIRIE (CBSDFW.COM/AP) - Texas Senate leaders announced a deal to keep the Texas Racing Commission open for at least three months despite its authorization of a new form of betting. But the future of the commission remained cloudy Monday evening, as House leaders insisted there was no deal.
Last week, commissioners voted to let Texas horse and dog tracks install ''historical racing'' terminals. That allows people to bet on already-run races stripped of identifying information.
That move cast doubt on whether the Legislative Budget Board, consisting of Senate and House members, would authorize funding for the racing commission this week.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced Monday that the board's Senate members agreed to fund the commission temporarily.
But its House members balked, saying they'd like to see the commission fully funded.
Lone Star Park President and General Manager Scott Wells released the following statement on Tuesday:
"As a result of the Texas Racing Commission not receiving the required authorization from the Legislative Budget Board to expend administrative funds past August 31, 2015, the Commission must cease all operations, including the oversight of both live racing and simulcast wagering. Lone Star Park's racing and simulcast operations will be closed until further notice. All previously scheduled banquet events will continue as planned. In addition, the Bar & Book and the Lone Star Park training facility will remain open. We hope this matter will be resolved quickly so we can resume hiring the 600-plus additional personnel needed for our fall season which is scheduled to begin on September 18."
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