MEC, Oregon Horsemen Agree to 60-Day Meet

Magna Entertainment Corp. and two Oregon horsemen groups have agreed to an abbreviated 60-day meet to begin this fall at Portland Meadows, according to an Aug. 16 release.

MEC, the Oregon Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, and the Oregon Quarter Horse Racing Association reached a consensus this week, according to a statement from Portland Meadows. The arrangement, which will also permit MEC to continue simulcasting through Sept. 30, 2008, is conditional upon the approval of the Oregon Racing Commission.

The agreement terms provide for the running of 540 races over the course of the meet, which is to begin on Oct. 7 and conclude March 11, 2008. The terms will provide time for MEC to resolve its dispute with the ORC and the Oregon Attorney General’s office regarding the legality of Instant Racing in the state.

Instant Racing machines closely resemble video lottery terminals but are pari-mutuel in nature because they are based on the results of previously-run horse races.