Md new simulcasting deal & 2013 dates

one positive step forward....................

Maryland's racing commission approves 2013 dates, new simulcasting deal

After years of haggling, Maryland's racing interests struck two major deals in a matter of a few days

by Chris Korman
3:00 p.m. EST, December 18, 2012

Maryland's racing commission knew it would hear the details of a 10-year deal between the state's thoroughbred track owner and horsemen at today's meeting. They came prepared to offer their thanks and praise, and to approve the 146 racing days requested for next year.


But the state's racing interests sprung another agreement on them, announcing a resolution to the long-festering cross-breed simulcasting dispute. Rosecroft in Prince George's will once again be able to show thoroughbred races happening at Laurel and Pimlico -- and around the country -- after failing to pay for the rights in 2009. Laurel and Pimlico, in turn, will be able to show harness racing from around the country.


The tracks -- casino giant Penn National bought and re-opened Rosecroft -- and horsemen were set to enter state-mandated arbitration last week but avoided it with 10 minutes to spare and hammered out a memorandum of understanding. The final contract was signed at about 12:20 today, or just as most of the commission members were polishing off their pre-meeting sandwiches.
Those involved would not reveal financial details of the arrangement, but said it covered two years starting Jan 1. The commission gave it preliminary approval pending a more in-depth review.
This story will be updated.

www.baltimoresun.com/