Deal Lets Horse Racing Resume Across Texas

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AUSTIN (AP) - A legislative deal has been reached to continue funding for the Texas Racing Commission that would allow horse and dog tracks to reopen.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced the agreement Tuesday night, pending final action by Gov. Greg Abbott. Aides say the governor supports the measure.

The Legislative Budget Board has agreed to finance the Texas Racing Commission for three months.

Commissioners last week voted to let Texas tracks use "historical racing" terminals, allowing people to bet on already-run races that were stripped of identifying information.

Some lawmakers oppose such betting and threatened to withhold funding for the commission.

Texas Senate leaders on Monday announced a funding agreement, but House officials disagreed.

The regulatory dispute barred tracks from racing Tuesday.

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