Harrah’s Chester Casino & Racetrack has enacted an across-the-board purse cut of approximately 15%, track officials have announced.
These reductions were determined in cooperation with the track’s horsemen’s group, the Pennsylvania Harness Horsemen’s Association, and will be reflected in the track’s next condition sheet.
“Business volumes, both in the casino and on the racetrack level, have decreased since the end of the summer,” explained Rick Kane, Harrah’s Chester’s racing secretary, “and purses are tied to those numbers. Cutting purses is something that no one ever wants to do, but in this case, it’s a necessary step. Our average daily purses will remain, however, the highest in the United States.”
Harrah’s Chester is nearing the end of an 140-day schedule that will conclude on Wednesday, December 17. The track will install lights in the off season and will kick off its 2009 meet on the evening of Sunday, April 5.
(Harrah’s Chester)