Negotiations Between Mountaineer, Horsemen Continue

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Horsemen and management at Mountaineer Race Track & Gaming Resort continued contract negotiations Jan. 9 in the wake of a dispute that has halted simulcasting at the West Virginia track.

The programs of Jan. 3-6 were canceled, but live racing isn't scheduled to resume until Jan. 19. The track's one-year contract with the Mountaineer Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association expired Dec. 31.

The Mountaineer HBPA has said it would like a contract that calls for 232 live racing programs. The track indicated it would request 210 days from the West Virginia Racing Commission, but it must race 220 days to meet the provisions of the law that governs operation of video lottery terminals.

It wasn't known how far along the talks were, but both sides are said to be negotiating in good faith. The discussions began in earnest Jan. 6 when lawyers for both sides met.

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