After Kentucky racetracks requested almost 25 per cent less live race dates for 2010 in comparison to this year's numbers, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission has approved a 24.5 per cent live date reduction for the coming year
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A story by The Thoroughbred Times states that prior to voting, thoroughbred horsemen in the state, via the Kentucky Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, reached an agreement on the 2010 dates with the tracks. Kentucky HBPA president Rick Hiles was cited in the article as saying that the horsemen have an understanding with the tracks that race dates would increase if expanded gaming gets the go-ahead for Kentucky racetracks (although the extra dates might only come in the following year -- in 2011 if expanding gambling is announced in 2010, for example).
In an article by The Thoroughbred Times earlier this week, members of the commission's Racing Dates Committee stated that they felt they had to give the date reductions the green light, although it is not what something they essentially wanted to do.
“I think we have to approve this,” committee member Betsy Lavin was quoted as saying. “What else are we going to do?”
“I feel like I’m presiding over the beginning of the end of racing in Kentucky,” committee member Foster Northrop said.
In terms of 2010 standardbred race date reductions, the United States Trotting Association has reported that the Red Mile was awarded 71 dates, "down slightly from 2009," and that the meet will start later than usual due to a request in light of the World Equestrian Games which are to be held in Lexington.
(With files from The Thoroughbred Times and United States Trotting Association)