By T. D. Thornton
The Ohio State Racing Commission (OSRC) issued a new directive on Friday that extends an existing shutdown mandating that Thoroughbred and Standardbred tracks remain closed for live racing while stipulating that backstretch facilities at venues where meets were already in progress have to stay “open and operational until further notice.”
Right now, Mahoning Valley Race Course is the only Thoroughbred track in the state with an operational backstretch. There are about 800 horses and 95 caretakers living in the stable area. The track was supposed to race through Apr. 18, but has not run a program since Mar. 18.
Belterra Park (Apr. 24) and Thistledown (Apr. 27) had been scheduled to open this month.
“The commission considers themselves a partner with the horsemen and permit holders in reaching a solution to the issues and stand ready to assist the parties in compromise,” the OSRC directive stated.Ohio
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