Gov. Ed Rendell plans to merge the agencies that regulate horse racing in Pennsylvania.
The two agencies--the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission and Pennsylvania Harness Racing Commission, which regulate Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing, respectively--would keep the same staff, but report to one board instead of two.
Rendell spokesman Chuck Ardo said the change is being made for the sake of efficiency, not because of problems with the boards.
Pennsylvania has six operating racetracks--three Thoroughbred and three harness--with another harness racing track licensed to be built.
