Ocean Downs Racetrack announced today that it will be forced to suspend simulcast wagering at the racetrack and its off-track betting location, The Cambridge Turf Club, in Cambridge, Maryland, as of January 1, 2009, pending resolution of a contract issue with the Ocean Downs horsemen.
The horsemen, represented by Cloverleaf Standardbred Owners Association, refused to continue contract negotiations with Ocean Downs and then withdrew their consent for simulcasting at Ocean Downs and The Cambridge Turf Club. The horsemen’s consent is required by the Interstate Horseracing Act.
“We asked Cloverleaf to agree to a brief extension of our existing contract in order to allow us to resolve the remaining issues between us,” said William Fasy, Chief Operating Officer of Ocean Downs. “Cloverleaf refused to agree to the extension, so we have no option but to suspend simulcasting.”
Ocean Downs and Cambridge Turf Club employees will continue to be paid while the parties attempt to reach an agreement.
(Ocean Downs)