Rosecroft Simulcasting Cut; Costs Cited

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(edited press release)
Rosecroft Raceway will not be permitted to offer simulcast wagering of Thoroughbred races effective April 19, according to a statement released Friday evening jointly by the Maryland Jockey Club, the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Assoc. and the Maryland Horse Breeders' Assoc.

Also on April 19, Pimlico and Laurel Park will no longer be open after 6:15 p.m. for simulcast wagering except for major racing days, the statement said.

"Given the recent failure of the slots legislation, and the severe competitive forces that confront Maryland's Thoroughbred racing and breeding industry, we are no longer financially able to continue to subsidize Rosecroft's operations," the statement read.

It added: "Maryland's Thoroughbred Industry is presently facing many significant challenges that must be addressed in the coming months. Today's action is one of many steps we will have to take in order to try to maintain a quality product for our fans, both in Maryland and nationally, and to protect the thousands of jobs involved with Thoroughbred racing and breeding in Maryland."

The statement was attributed to Richard J. Hoffberger, president, Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association; Dr. Tom Bowman, president, Maryland Horse Breeders' Association; and Joseph A. De Francis, president and CEO, Maryland Jockey Club.

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