Racing to continue at Suffolk Downs after deal reached

Officials of Sterling Suffolk Racecourse LLC and the New England affiliate of

the Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (NEHBPA) announced Friday

that they have reached an agreement for the horsemen to lease the racetrack for

live racing in 2015-16.

"We are optimistic that our horsemen will be able to race at Suffolk Downs

and the local breeders may remain in business for the next two years. We are

thankful for the wisdom, cooperation, and hard work of all the parties

involved," said NEHBPA President Anthony Spadea, who represents about 900

Thoroughbred owners and trainers. "We still have several steps to accomplish to

ensure that the Massachusetts Thoroughbred industry, which has an annual

economic impact of $116.5 million, remains viable."

The two-year licensing deal is subject to the passage of enabling legislation

to extend racing and simulcasting in Massachusetts within the next few weeks.

The current law sunsets March 31.

Approval of the agreement by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission is also

required.

"While we focus on the future development of Suffolk Downs, we're gratified

that we have been able to reach an agreement with the New England HBPA on an

interim solution that will keep people working as the horsemen pursue their long

term plans and as we explore development options," said Chip Tuttle, the chief

operating officer of Suffolk Downs.

The commissioners have granted the NEHBPA a one-day placeholder license to

conduct live racing, and the completion of the deal with Suffolk Downs will be a

major step forward in their consideration of the horsemen's subsequent

application to conduct a live race meet this year.

The duration of the 2015 Thoroughbred season has yet to be determined. Based

on the agreement between Suffolk Downs and the NEHBPA, it may be from one live

racing day up to 50 days, depending upon the MGC's final approval as well as the

distribution of funding for purses from the state.

The potential restoration of live racing at the 80-year-old landmark will

protect hundreds of direct and non-direct Thoroughbred industry jobs in the

Commonwealth while preserving the 62 breeding farms and 6,650 acres of open

green space in the state-wide agricultural network.

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