A contract has been signed between Ocean Downs and the Cloverleaf Standardbred Owners Association. The contract will see a relationship solidified between the track and the local horsemen at least the next two years.
In an article by delmarvanow.com, William Rickman, the track's owner, states that a new grandstand will be erected. "There is definitely going to be a new building," he was quoted as saying. "And the clubhouse will be renovated to a point where you don't recognize it."
The deal is valid only if Ocean Downs receives approval for a slots license from the state. If everything goes according to plan, Ocean Downs would be able to host 40 days of live racing, provide $900,000 to purses and close the backstretch in December.
Rickman stated that the increased purses via slots revenue will bring a higher calibre of horses to the half-mile track, thus increasing the size of the wagering pools on the on-track product.
In the article, Rickman also commented on the state of Maryland's slot formula, which he says makes it unattractive for facilities to apply for a large number of machines. "The problem with the state's formula is that it put the operator in a position that the only way they could possibly make money is through a small number of machines," he said. "You know there is something wrong when Baltimore only asked for 500 machines in the middle of Baltimore."
To read the article in its entirety, click here.
(With files from delmarvanow.com)