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River-at-Beulah Meet Finally Approved

After months of negotiations that held up regulatory approval, the Ohio State Racing Commission May 1 signed off on plans for River Downs to move its 2013 live racing dates to Beulah Park.

Penn National Balks at Adding Seats in Ohio

Executives at racetrack owner Penn National Gaming said the Ohio State Racing Commission is out of touch for requesting added seating for planned relocated racetracks in the Buckeye State.

Lack of Deal Stalls River-at-Beulah Meet

The Ohio State Racing Commission April 16 once again deferred action on a proposal to transfer the River Downs meet to Beulah Park because horsemen and Penn National Gaming Inc. have no contract for the meet.

In Ohio, Transition Brings Complications

As the first Thoroughbred track in Ohio prepares to open its video lottery terminal facility, purses are up. But some longtime horsemen in the state are on a waiting list for stalls.

Bill Allowing Transfer of Ohio Dates Signed

Republican Gov. John Kasich April 1 signed into law a transportation bill that includes an amendment that would facilitate transfer of the 2013 River Downs race meet to Beulah Park.

Ohio Racing Plans Remain in Stall Mode

A plan to shift the 2013 River Downs meet to Beulah Park remains on hold, and developers of new racetrack gaming facilities in Ohio were told to go back to the drawing board in terms of indoor seating for racing patrons.

OH Racetrack Developers Put Through Ringer

Companies that plan to construct new racetrack gaming facilities in Ohio have been summoned to appear before the Ohio State Racing Commission for a third time March 27.

Decision on River Downs Meet Shift Postponed

The Ohio State Racing Commission March 20 postponed a decision on a plan to transfer summer racing dates at River Downs near Cincinnati to Beulah Park near Columbus.

River-at-Beulah Meet Close to Being Finalized

The transfer of the 2013 River Downs meet to Beulah Park could get Ohio State Racing Commission approval March 20.

OH Panel Peppers PNGI on Racetrack Plans

The Ohio State Racing Commission March 12 continued its examination of plans for proposed racetrack casinos, peppering Penn National Gaming Inc. officials with questions about facilities planned for Dayton and Austintown.

DQ Soaks Beulah Park 'Bridge Jumpers'

So called bridge-jumper bettors appeared home free when 2-5 favorite Paige's Prize rolled to a 12 1/2-length victory Feb. 25 in the first race at Beulah Park, but moments later their anticipated small profits would vanish.

OSRC to Address River Downs Meet Transfer

The fate of a plan to transfer the 2013 River Downs meet to Beulah Park could be decided March 12.

Paucar Notches Career Win 2,000 at Beulah

Ohio-based jockey Edgar Paucar secured the 2,000th win of his career Feb. 25 when he guided Two Cat Wendy to victory in the second race at Beulah Park.

New River Downs Hopes to Open in Spring 2014

Pinnacle Entertainment plans to begin construction on a new River Downs by the end of March, but the company remains mum on details about the planned Ohio racetrack casino.

OSRC to Consider River Downs Meet Transfer

The Ohio State Racing Commission will consider a request from River Downs to move its 2013 meet to Beulah Park, agency chairman Robert Schmitz said Feb. 6.

Ohio Reports Jump in Registered Broodmares

The number of Thoroughbred broodmares registered in Ohio in 2012 jumped 53.9% from 2011 to 2012, according to Ohio State Racing Commission statistics.

Pinnacle Begins Demolition of River Downs

Pinnacle Entertainment, which owns River Downs, has begun demolishing racing structures and digging up the one-mile dirt track.

Non-Track Casino Funds Approved for OH Racing

The Ohio State Racing Commission Dec. 13 approved the distribution of more than $1.77 million in revenue racing has received from non-track casinos in the state.

Loose Ends Slow Transfer of Ohio Race Dates

Beulah Park and the Ohio Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association have agreed on 2013 live racing days, but approval of a shift of the River Downs meet to Beulah Park remains on hold.

Talks Continue on Possible Ohio Dates Swap

Negotiations continued Dec. 12 among the Ohio parties involved in a possible shift of the River Downs meet to Beulah Park in 2013.

River Downs Meet Could Move to Beulah in 2013

The awarding of 2013 Thoroughbred racing dates in Ohio has stalled given the fact the meet at River Downs may have to move to Beulah Park because of construction of a new racetrack gaming facility.

Loewe to Head Ohio Operations for PNGI

Mark Loewe has been named vice president of Ohio racing operations for Penn National Gaming Inc., subject to regulatory approvals.

For Ohio Tracks, 2013 a Transitional Year

With one exception, there could be little change in live racing dates at Ohio tracks in 2013, but significant alterations are possible for 2014 should more facilities begin operating video lottery terminals.

Track Relocation Rules Approved in Ohio

The Ohio State Racing Commission July 10 began the process of transferring racing licenses from existing racetracks to new locations.

PNGI Applies for VLTs, OH Track Relocations

Penn National Gaming Inc. on June 30 filed requests for video lottery terminals and to relocate its two Ohio racetracks.

PNGI Preparing to Act on Beulah Relocation

Penn National Gaming Inc. is preparing applications in Ohio for video lottery terminals and relocation in connection with its plan to move Beulah Park to the Youngstown area.

Ouzts Passes Bailey for 17th on Win List

Jockey Perry Ouzts passed Jerry Bailey for 17th on the all-time win list with a win at River Downs June 17 and couldn't resist tweaking the Hall of Fame rider a little bit.

Decisions on OH Racetrack Relocations Near

The Ohio State Racing Commission probably will rule on racetrack license transfers during the third quarter of this year, OSRC chairman Robert Schmitz said June 11.

PNGI: Status Quo on Ohio Tracks for Now

Penn National Gaming Inc., which owns two racetracks in Ohio, said it will run full live racing schedules at both tracks for the rest of this year and possibly next year depending on resolution of a legal challenge.

PNGI Has Deal to Relocate Two Ohio Racetracks

Penn National Gaming Inc. said March 16 it has reached an agreement with Republican Ohio Gov. John Kasich to relocate two racetracks in the state to capitalize on video lottery terminals in new markets.

Winner's Circle: Beulah-tiful

Tucked inside Barn 7 on the chilly backstretch of Beulah Park is a miracle and perhaps Thoroughbred racing's best kept secret.

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Beulah Park Will Likely Move to Youngstown

Penn National Gaming Inc. now plans to request to move Beulah Park near Columbus, Ohio, to a site near Youngstown rather than Dayton, according to its latest financial report.

Horsemen's Simulcast Rights Upheld in OH Case

The United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit issued an opinion Jan. 24 that states the federal Interstate Horseracing Act trumps Ohio statute in regard to horsemen having a say in where races are transmitted.

Beulah Alters Surface, Lowers 'Pick' Takeout

Beulah Park will begin its 2011-12 racing season Oct. 10 with a renovated racing surface and "pick" wagers with a reduced pari-mutuel takeout of 15%.

OH Lottery Preparing for Racetrack VLTs

The Ohio Lottery Commission said Sept. 26 it plans to have video lottery terminals installed at some of the state's racetracks perhaps by January 2012.

Ohio 2012 Dates Reflect Some Stability

After years of steady reductions, Ohio's seven racetracks have applied for 694 dates in 2012, only seven fewer than were applied for this year.

OH Track Relocations Must Wait Until October

A racing regulator in Ohio said Aug. 21 it will be the middle of October for a decision is made on allowing Penn National Gaming Inc. to transfer the racing licenses of its two tracks to other locations.

Ohio Racing Needs 'Drastic Changes'

Two consultants will soon issue a report recommending ways for Ohio to improve live racing apart from the anticipated revenue from video lottery terminals.

Ohio House Passes Racetrack Relocation Bill

The Ohio House of Representatives June 23 passed legislation authorizing the relocation of racetracks that are eligible for video lottery terminal licenses.

Gaming Deal Offers VLTs to Ohio Racetracks

Ohio Gov. John Kasich's "comprehensive gaming review agreement" includes provisions for the Ohio Lottery Commission to award racetracks licenses to operate video lottery terminals.

OH Casinos Move Forward; Racetrack VLTs Next?

Ohio Gov. John Kasich has reached an agreement that will resume construction on casinos in Cincinnati and Cleveland -- and according to published reports permit video lottery terminals at the state's seven racetracks.

Plan to Move OH Tracks Not Without Opposition

Two of Ohio's oldest racetracks could be relocating to other Buckeye State cities if owner Penn National Gaming Inc. has its way, but the moves won't come without opposition.

PNGI to Outline Rationale for OH Track Moves

Penn National Gaming Inc. will publicly inform the Ohio State Racing Commission Feb. 10 of its plans to relocate two Ohio racetracks should the state's tracks get video lottery terminals.

Quarantine Lifted at Beulah Park

Ohio Department of Agriculture officials Feb. 8 lifted a quarantine at Beulah Park, declaring it safe for horses to move in and out of the facility, following an equine herpesvirus outbreak.

Oregon Horsemen Supporting NEHBPA

The horsemen in Oregon have joined the list of groups supporting the New England chapter of the Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association as dispute over a 2011 live racing contract at Suffolk Downs continues.

PNGI Explores Option to Move Ohio Tracks

Penn National Gaming Inc. confirmed Jan. 21 there is a possibility it may attempt to relocate one or both of its Ohio racetracks to avoid competition with full-scale casinos the company is building nearby.

Virus Precautions Stepped Up at Beulah Park

With two barns at Beulah Park quarantined because of equine herpesvirus, the Ohio Department of Agriculture is ordering that all horses on the grounds at the track have their temperatures taken and recorded each day.

Beulah Barn Cleared; Another Horse Tested

A barn at Beulah Park in Ohio has been released from quarantine, but a possible case of equine herpesvirus is being investigated in another barn, officials said Jan. 8.

Two Beulah Park Barns Under Quarantine

Two barns remained under quarantine Jan. 4 at Beulah Park in Ohio as state veterinary officials continue to investigate possible equine herpesvirus.

Quarantine at Beulah Park as Tests Continue

Quarantine measures have been implemented at Beulah Park in Ohio with horses being tested for possible equine herpesvirus.