Penn National Gaming has applied to bring live racing back to Maryland's Rosecroft Raceway. A hearing in regard to the matter is reportedly scheduled to take place this week, but the contentious simulcasting issue in the state has to be dealt with before any live action at the track goes forward

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A pair of articles by The Baltimore Sun shed light on the situation.

The first report states that Penn National --- which recently purchased the track after a somewhat controversial bidding process --- applied to the Maryland Racing Commission in May to play host to 20 live race-dates this year and 54 in 2012. Penn National had been looking to start hosting the live programs on July 1, which has passed. The article has cited Penn National Spokesman Eric Schippers as saying that his company is hoping to receive the appropriate approval to hold the programs during a July 6 MJC meeting, and, if approved, Penn National will adjust Rosecroft's live schedule, accordingly.

The second article explains that mediation will be occurring this week between Rosecroft and the Maryland thoroughbred industry in regard to a simulcasting agreement. In a battle which goes back a few years, a revenue split must be determined in order for Rosecroft to be able to play host to programs of live racing. Penn National and the state's thoroughbred industry were to have an agreement in place by this past Friday (July 1), but the date passed with no agreement between the two sides.

(With files from The Baltimore Sun)