An official with Penn National Gaming, the operator of Plainridge Racecourse, has gone on the record as saying that the company is not interested in bringing Thoroughbred racing to the track.

Plainridge, which offers live Standardbred racing, is in the midst of full-scale renovations for the Plainridge Park Casino, which it landed the slots licence for this past February.

Talk of Plainridge possibly offering live Thoroughbred racing has been raised recently due to the announcement that Suffolk Downs will most likely close up for good after its current meet ends on October 4.

“Our focus is on harness racing, and we are looking forward to a successful season,” Eric Schippers, senior vice president for public affairs at Penn National, has told the State House News Service.

“Thoroughbred racing would require a one-mile track, and, due to site constraints and wetlands issues, we would not be able to construct one at Plainridge. However, we are certainly happy to discuss with the Mass Gaming Commission any and all potential alternatives.”

In a related note, Plainridge is weeks away from an upcoming battle, as in June Massachusetts’ highest court determined that a repeal of the state casino law will be voted on via referendum in November.

(With files from the State House News Service)