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14
Dec
ANNAPOLIS, MD (DECEMBER 14, 2012) - Governor Martin O’Malley today thanked the Maryland Jockey Club (MJC), the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association (MTHA), the Maryland Horse Breeders Association (MHBA), and the Maryland Racing Commission for their work to reach a 10-year agreement for sustained racing at Pimlico Race Course and Laurel Park.
“Today is a great day for Maryland’s racing industry. When my office helped broker a deal in 2010 that would temporarily sustain the industry, I was confident that all the parties would continue to work hard to reach an agreement that would preserve Maryland’s racing heritage and industry,” said Governor O’Malley. “I applaud the incredible work of all the parties in reaching a deal that retains racing industry jobs and preserves the future of racing in Maryland for years to come.”
The 2013 racing season will feature 146 days of live racing days at the major Maryland tracks, the same number as in 2010, 2011 and 2012. The Maryland Jockey Club will guarantee a minimum of 100 days a year for the balance of the agreement. There are provisions in the contract for the horsemen to race additional days through a revenue-sharing program.
The deal also calls for Pimlico and Laurel Park to remain open for year-round racing, training and stabling for the balance of the contract. Maryland Jockey Club president Tom Chuckas indicated Pimlico and Laurel would maintain a minimum of 1,900 stalls.
“I am very pleased with the agreement,” said Stronach Group chairman Frank Stronach, who owns Pimlico and Laurel. “This shows our commitment to Maryland racing and the long-term future of the industry. It is our vision to encourage people to invest in Maryland racing.”
“We created a plan that benefits everyone and develops a sustainable model for the future,” said Tom Chuckas, president of the Maryland Jockey Club. “I would like to thank Governor Martin O’Malley for his continued support of the industry. We appreciate his involvement two years ago which set-up the framework for this deal. We appreciate Maryland Racing Commissioners John McDaniel and Bruce Quade for their commitment as well as the leadership from the MTHA and MBHA for working with us to make this happen.”
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