Reports indicate that a deal has been struck for live racing to continue at Sudbury Downs in 2013 after OMAFRA transition panelists Elmer Buchanan and John Snobelen met with track management on Tuesday.
According to a Sudbury Star article, a potential agreement for transitional funding was discussed with track management and is pending approval from the Ontario Racing Commission. Buchanan told the Star that the deal could be approved by the ORC by Friday afternoon.
“I will be very pleased once we get a resolution one way or the other,” said Sudbury Downs President Patrick MacIsaac.
Sudbury Downs' 2013 racing season has already seen three race dates cut this month and local horsemen are expecting the season to be cut in half while Buchanan expressed concerns for the long-term viability of racing at the Chelmsford, Ont. half-mile oval.
The article also states that the amount of transitional funds made available for racetracks could finally be revealed next week.