In a surprise announcement June 10, Portland Meadows said it will have live racing from July 21 through Jan. 26, 2014.
The Oregon track recently won legislative approval to install historical racing machines, which resemble video lottery terminals but are considered pari-mutuel because they rely on previously run races and pool all bets. A release gave no indication of when the machines will be operational.
In May, the track said it had not decided on future racing dates.
Pending approval from the Oregon Racing Commission, the 2013-14 meet will cover 49 days with racing Wednesdays and Sundays. Officials said there will be one day of racing before the second day is added in mid-August.
The Portland Mile program is planned for Labor Day, Sept. 3, and Oregon Championship day for Nov. 17. First post time through September will be 1:45 p.m. PDT, and from October through January, first post will be noon.
Officials said a reduction in live racing days will increase purses. The minimum purse has been raised to $5,000 from $3,000.
Portland Meadows, which is run by The Stronach Group, last year tried summer and fall racing rather than winter racing. Though attendance increased, export pari-mutuel handle fell dramatically.
"Summer racing saw tens of thousands of new people be introduced to live racing at Portland Meadows and the horse racing industry in Oregon," Portland Meadows general manager Will Alempijevic said in a release. "By working with our partners in racing, and learning from last year and making a few adjustments, we have built what we believe will be the groundwork for a strong and stable industry going forward."
